WELCOME TO THE 25/26 SEASON ARTS EDUCATION STUDENT MATINEE SERIES!
Dear Educator,
I’m thrilled to share with you our 25/26 Student Matinee Series at the Gallo Center! As you flip through the pages of our digital brochure you’ll see an array of diverse programming for all grade levels. The inspiration motivating this season is for these performances to be a reflection of our student audiences; that our students see and hear themselves in the stories, music, struggles and celebrations shared. As always, the Gallo Center is proud to present high-quality, accessible and relevant productions for our audiences hoping each student, teacher and chaperone leaves the Gallo Center feeling illuminated, educated and entertained
GCA on Tour, the Gallo Center’s annual touring production returns for a spring season in 2026 with Miss Electricty. A short comedy for young audiences written by Kathryn Walat and originally commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse, Miss Electricity helps us answer the questions“Don’t we all want to be special? Don’t we all want to be SUPER?”
Turn to page 19 to learn more about the production and how its main character, Violet, answers these questions for herself.
Lastly, thank you to our longtime partner, supporter and friend of the Gallo Center, Alfred Matthews, for their ongoing support of the Gallo Center and our arts education programs. Thank you!
I look forward to welcoming you and your students to Gallo Center!
Cortney Hurst
Director of Arts Education
Cortney Hurst Director of Arts Education
HOW TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS!
Reserving your tickets for all student matinee performances, as well as student matinee performances for our Resident Companies, is simple and easy with our online Student Matinee Reservation Form.
Simply complete and submit one form for each performance you wish to attend. You’ll receive confirmation of your order, pending seat availability, and an invoice within three days of submitting your form. All forms are date and time stamped and are processed in the order they are received. Please note that simply submitting a reservation form does not guarantee your order. Due to the unique nature of seating a student matinee performance, all requests are processed and confirmed manually by our Arts Education Department staff.
Click here to select and submit a reservation form for a GCA Student Matinee Performance.
Click here for Central West Ballet. Click here for the Modesto Symphony Orchestra.
LET’S BE SOCIAL!
SEASON AT A GLANCE
LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025, 11:00 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 7+
PRESENTED BY CENTRAL WEST BALLET, A RESIDENT COMPANY OF THE GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS
ETERNAMENTE: A DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS SPECTACULAR
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 3+
THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS LOST IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 1-3
THE NUTCRACKER
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025, 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM
(LOW SENSORY/SPECIAL NEEDS PERFORMANCE)
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 1+
PRESENTED BY CENTRAL WEST BALLET, A RESIDENT COMPANY OF THE GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS
HERO THE BOY FROM TROY: A NEW MUSICAL ABOUT YOUNG JOHN LEWIS
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 3-6
123 ANDRÉS AROUND THE AMERICAS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES PRESCHOOLGRADE 3
DRUMLINE LIVE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 7+
LINK UP: THE ORCHESTRA SINGS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026, 11:00 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 3-5
PRESENTED BY MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, A RESIDENT COMPANY OF THE GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS
THE POUT POUT FISH
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2026, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 1-3
DOODLE POP
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES PRESCHOOL-GRADE 2
WIND IN THE WILLOWS
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2026, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 3-6
LAS CAFETERAS
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 7+
JANET’S PLANET: A TOUR OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 2-5
DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE!
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026, 9:30 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 2-5
CINDERELLA
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026, 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM (LOW SENSORY/ SPECIAL NEEDS PERFORMANCE)
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 1+
PRESENTED BY CENTRAL WEST BALLET, A RESIDENT COMPANY OF THE GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS
¡FESTEJOS!
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES K+
STUNT DOG EXPERIENCE
MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026, 9:30 AM
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES K+
L E GEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025, 11:00 AM
FOSTER FAMILY THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 7+
TICKETS FROM $7.50
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
PLEASE NOTE THIS PERFORMANCE FEATURES ACT ONE OF THE BALLET.
The quintessential American ghost comes back as Central West Ballet presents Washington Irving's classic story! A feast for the eyes with a mischievous classroom scene, exciting barn dances and a journey through haunted woods as Ichabod Crane tries to escape the Headless Horseman! Scarecrows and shadows abound in the secluded Dutch community where tales of Hallow's Eve meander through the air!
This performance is presented by Central West Ballet, a Resident Company of the Gallo Center for the Arts, learn more at https://www.centralwestballet.org/.
ETERN AMENTE: A DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS SPECTACULAR
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025, 9:30 AM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025, 11:30 AM
MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 3+
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
Curriculum Connections
Relationships and family, Mexican culture and history, language, music and dance.
California State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.2 Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.
California State Arts Standards
3.DA:Cn11 Find a relationship between movement in a dance from a culture, society, or community and the culture from which the dance is derived. Explain what the movements communicate about key aspects of the culture, society, or community.
8.DA:Cn11 Analyze and discuss how dances from a variety of cultures, societies, historical periods, or communities reveal the ideas and perspectives of the people.
Mariachi Garibaldi by Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande bring you the blockbuster show Eternamente: A Día de los Muertos Spectacular. This show, an homage to Mexico's rich cultural heritage, blends graceful traditional dance with vibrant storytelling that also tips a hat to the great Mexican singers of yesterday such as Vicente Fernandez, Pedro Infante, Lucha Villa, and more.
Eternamente transcends mere spectacle. It's a portal into the heart of us all, where every twirl and note will become a tribute to the beauty of remembrance. Join this unforgettable fiesta, where tradition and spectacle converge, and the spirit of Día de los Muertos is celebrated Eternamente. Who knows: La Muerte herself may make an appearance!
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025, 9:30 AM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025, 11:30 AM MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 1-3
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
Curriculum Connections
ELA, Music, Science, Space, School, Teamwork
California State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key detail.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3 Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.
When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! But when rivalries both old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system.
Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in this musical adaptation based on the beloved original book series by Joanna Cole and published by Scholastic.
Original Credits
Music and Lyrics by Matthew Lee Robinson Book by Marshall Pailet
Original Direction and Choreography by Connor Gallagher
Original book series written by Joanna Cole with illustrations by Bruce Degen
THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered marks of Scholastic Inc.
THE NUTCRACKER
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025, 10:00 AM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025, 12:00 PM LOW SENSORY/SPECIAL NEEDS PERFORMANCE MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER TICKETS FROM $7.50 RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 1+
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
PLEASE NOTE THIS PERFORMANCE FEATURES ACT ONE WITH TWO ADDITIONAL SCENES FROM ACT TWO.
Holidays aren't complete without Central West Ballet's Nutcracker! Featuring the magical party scene, the beautiful snow scene, gorgeous sets and costumes plus Tchaikovsky’s score, this tradition is a perfect holiday card for all students to cherish! Always new, always magical — follow Clara's adventure to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy!
The Low Sensory/Special Needs Nutcracker is uniquely different from a traditional Nutcracker production: house lights are up 25%, volume is down 25% with no special effects used (no fog, snow or cannon shot sounds). An ASL Interpreter signs the welcome, a brief reading of The Nutcracker story and, time allowing, the Q&A afterwards. CWB's Board of Directors serve as wheelchair attendants. The performance is 60 minutes and patrons are free to emote, fidget, walk around, leave and re-enter the theater as needed all in a non-judgmental environment.
This performance is presented by Central West Ballet, a Resident Company of the Gallo Center for the Arts, learn more at https://www.centralwestballet.org/.
HERO THE BOY FROM TROY A NEW MUSICAL ABOUT YOUNG JOHN LEWIS
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026, 9:30 AM
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026, 11:30 AM MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 3-6
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
Curriculum Connections
American History, Civil Rights, Personal Politics, Music: Traditional Negro Spiritual Songs and Freedom Songs
California State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3 Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.3 Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.
Jayden is stuck in detention with a book about Congressman John Lewis, but he thinks that history has nothing to teach him. Together we go on a musical journey through the decades that shows how the heroes in the Civil Rights movement inspired young John Lewis.
As a boy, John dreams of being a preacher who can help others. While he doesn’t have a congregation yet, he does have a loyal group of singing chickens that listen to him as he finds his voice. On a harrowing road trip through the South, John’s eyes and mind are opened to the injustices of segregation and racism, inspiring him to take action. As John meets Rosa Parks and Dr. King and ultimately becomes a leader and American hero himself, Jayden learns how he too can take a stand.
The United States of America observes its 250th anniversary in 2026. As part of a nationwide programming initiative, this performance is part of the Gallo Center’s celebration.
Original Credits
Book by Nambi E. Kelley
Music and Lyrics by Joe Plummer
Direction by Daniel Carlton
Produced by First Woman
123 ANDRÉS AROUND THE AMERICAS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026, 9:30 AM
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026, 11:30 AM
MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES PRESCHOOLGRADE 3
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
Curriculum Connections
Latin Music, Musical Instruments, Spanish language & culture, American Sign Language (ASL), Geography of the Americas
California State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.2 Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.2.A Recognize and produce rhyming words.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.2 Recount stories, including fables and folktales from diverse cultures, and determine their central message, lesson, or moral.
Christina and Andrés can’t find their friend Juana, and their only clue is that she’s somewhere in the Americas. Join GRAMMY and Latin Grammy Award-winning 123 Andrés in this lively, interactive concert to search the continents and learn about geography and music along the way. The audience will be a key part in this rich journey brought to the stage with colorful, exciting visuals. Andrés and Christina, both native Spanish speakers, incorporate language seamlessly, inviting students (and grown-ups!) to sing, move and learn.
One of the Gallo Center’s most popular student matinee performances in the 23/24 season, we’re excited to welcome Christina and Andrés back – this time with an all new show!
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026, 9:30 AM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY, 27, 2026, 11:30 AM
MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 7+
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
Curriculum Connections
Music, rhythm and percussions, storytelling, movement, cultural significance, historically black colleges and universities.
California State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1 Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
California State Arts Standards
8.MU:Cr1 Generate rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic phrases and harmonic accompaniments within expanded forms (including introductions, transitions, and codas) that convey expressive intent.
8.MU:Pr4.2 c. Identity how personal, social, cultural, and historical context inform performances and result in different music interpretations.
It’s a Black History Month celebration! Complete with dazzling choreography and explosive percussion, DRUMLine is a thrilling spectacle that pays homage to the style marching popularized by historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). HBCU bands have had a major effect on entertainment and culture. With riveting rhythms, bold beats and ear-grabbing energy, DRUMLine Live is a synchronized musical showcase. This experience comes with a 35-member, world-class cast of percussionists, musicians and dancers. Read more about historically black colleges and universities here.
Original Credits
Playwright, Director and Musical Director: Don P. Roberts
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026, 11:00 AM
MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 3-5
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 50 MINUTES
Common Core State Standards Initiative
Through hands-on activities and a culminating interactive performance with a professional orchestra, Link Up helps to address the Common Core State Standards, empowering students through learning activities that emphasize college and career readiness.
Welcome to The Orchestra Sings! Melody is one of the universal elements of music and defines the music we know and love. A great melody can express ideas and emotions, help tell a story, and bring people together through song. Composers create melodies through a combination of rhythmic patterns, sweeping contours, and expressive qualities. Through the Link Up repertoire, hands-on activities, and a culminating interactive performance with a professional orchestra, we will explore what makes a melody great.
Link Up, a program of Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute, guides students and teachers in grades 3–5 through an exploration of orchestral repertoire through a hands-on music curriculum. Students will sing and play soprano recorder while learning basic musical concepts and play along with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in a culminating concert. With the MSO, over 14,000 third through fifth grade students have participated in Link Up since 2015. Since 2017, all third-grade classes of Modesto City Schools have participated in the program. Over forty other local schools have participated in Link Up, from three counties (Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced). MSYO students are also selected to perform side-by-side with the MSO for the performance adding an extra tier to the educational benefits of Link Up.
This performance is presented by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, a Resident Company of the Gallo Center for the Arts, learn more at https://www.modestosymphony.org/.
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2026, 9:30 AM
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2026, 11:30 AM MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 1-3
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
Curriculum Connections
ELA, Music, Puppetry, Confidence, Adventure, Friendship, Teamwork
California State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.1 Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.5 Describe the overall structure of a story, including describing how the beginning introduces the story and the ending concludes the action.
Turn the poutiest of frowns upside down in this musical featuring whimsical puppets and live performers in a sweeping oceanic adventure. When Mr. Fish sets out on a quest to find Miss Clam’s missing pearl, he discovers there is more to him than his permanently plastered pout. Now a beloved series with over 30 books, see the original story that made students all over fall in love with Mr. Fish come to life on stage with music and song and beautiful puppetry.
Original Credits
Book by Christopher Anselmo, Jared Corak, Matt Acheson, and Fergus J Walsh Music & Lyrics by Christopher Anselmo, Jared Corak
Based on the series of books written by Deborah Diesen and illustrated by Dan Hanna
DOODLE POP
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026, 9:30 AM
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026, 11:30 AM
MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES PRESCHOOL-GRADE 2
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
Curriculum Connections
Role Playing, Imagination & Creativity, Perspective, Light, Physical Theatre, Music & Composition
California State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7 With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2 Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
A mischievous duo starts to doodle… and ends up creating a whole imaginative world! They invite us along on their sea adventure with a tiny little turtle. What will happen as we follow their vivid drawings into this beautiful watery world, and will they return the turtle to the sea safely?
This touching and playful non-verbal show uses live musicians on stage who perform the accompanying score and sound effects, stunning interactive animation projections and live whiteboard drawings, and an abundance of theatrical imagination.
Original Credits
Artistic Director Kiljun Lee
Direction by Yongkyun Yeom
Compositions by Jinsuk Hahm
Produced by BRUSH Theatre Seoul, South Korea
WIND IN THE WILLOWS
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2026, 9:30 AM
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2026, 11:30 AM
MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 3-6
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
Curriculum Connections
ELA, Reading, Writing, Comprehension, Page to Stage, Resilience, Survival
California State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.7 Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, identifying where each version reflects specific descriptions and directions in the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3 Describe how a particular story's or drama's plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.
Journey into the Wild Wood on this multi-media adventure based on Kenneth Grahame's beloved children's novel. Wind in the Willows mixes classic storytelling with projected illustrations to tell the trials of Mole and Rat on an all-night race against time as they venture through the hidden wonders of the forest to find the young Otter before it's too late. The telling of this story primarily focuses on Chapter 7 The Pier at the Gates of Dawn, allowing teachers to use the performance to teach alongside the book.
From the team who brought us Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition, this production uses 180-degree projection that surrounds the performer and provides scenic elements throughout the show, while underscoring music and soundscapes set the mood. Experience the magic and mystery as award winning actor Noel Gaulin plays all the fabled characters in this new adaptation of this classic story.
Original Credits
Based on the book by Kenneth Grahame
Adapted by Greg Romero
Illustrations by Annie Bradley McCall
Produced by Theatre Heroes
Performed by Noel Gaulin
LAS CAFETERAS
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026, 9:30 AM
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026, 11:30 AM
MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 7+
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
Curriculum Connections
Latin Music, Mexican-American Culture, Spanish Language, Storytelling
California State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.2 Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.
California State Arts Standards
8.MU:Pr6.b. Demonstrate performance decorum and audience etiquette appropriate for venue, purpose, context, and style.
8.MU:Cn10 Examine and demonstrate how personal interests, knowledge, and ideas relate to choices and intent when creating, performing, and responding to music.
In 2005, rooted in community & tradition, a group of students learning Son Jarocho music became known as ‘Los Cafeteros,’ named after the Eastside Cafe community center they helped found. They soon changed their name to Las Cafeteras to honor the feminine spirit of the group.
Over the years, Las Cafeteras would develop a genrebending sound and electric live performance infusing lyrically rich storytelling with the purpose of sharing the hidden stories of migrant life in Los Angeles. For Las Cafeteras, it was essential to use music as a way to build bridges among the different cultures and communities that historically have had tension. Through music, Las Cafeteras were trying to help build ‘a world where many worlds fit.’ The Las Cafeteras sound is brought to life by 4 distinct vocalist and their eclectic instrumentation, including jaranas, a donkey jawbone, a West African bass instrument, cajón, and a wooden platform used to dance Zapateado.
Las Cafeteras first performed for student audiences in 2023, we look forward to welcoming them back this season!
a tour through the solar system
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026, 9:30 AM
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026, 11:30 AM
MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 2-5
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
Curriculum Connections
Science, Space, Solar System, Multi-media, Presentation
California State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.2 Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
Next Generation Science Standards
NGSS.5. Space Systems: Stars and the Solar System
• 5-PS2-1. Support an argument that the gravitation force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.
• 5-ESS1-1. Support an argument that differences in the apparent brightness of the sun compared to other stars is due to their relative distances from Earth.
• 5-ESS1-2. Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky.
Janet’s Planet: A Tour Through the Solar System travels at the “speed of thought,” introducing the wonders of the galaxy to young audiences throughout the country. This interactive performance engages and challenges students from Janet’s futuristic Mission Control and is designed to inspire STEM potential in all its student audiences. Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Janet’s Planet seeks to bring to light the wonderful creativity that is an integral part of science and discovery.
Janet Ivey-Duensing is committed to enriching the lives of young audiences through education, live performances, television and online programming. With more than 30 years in the media and performance space, she has received 12 Regional Emmy Awards and 5 Gracie Allen Awards.
Timing for this performance couldn’t be more perfect, NASA’s Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch in April 2026 carrying four astronauts on a 10-day lunar flyby!
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026, 9:30 AM
MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 2-5
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
Curriculum Connections
Science and Social Studies, Puppetry
California State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3 Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.6 Describe how a narrator's or speaker's point of view influences how events are described.
Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this Olivier award-winning interactive show. Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor, Segnosaurus and every child's favorite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex!
A crowd favorite that’s appeared on our student matinee series three times now, don’t wait to reserve tickets for this show!
Original Credits
Writing and Direction by Derek Bond
Puppetry by Max Humphries
Produced by Nicoll Entertainment
CINDERELLA
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026, 10:00 AM
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026, 12:00 PM LOW SENSORY/SPECIAL NEEDS PERFORMANCE MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER TICKETS FROM $7.50
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 1+
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES.
PLEASE NOTE THIS PERFORMANCE FEATURES ACT ONE OF THE BALLET.
The Prince is having a ball! Cinderella returns to the stage in this classic fairytale. With her broom and kitchen companions of mice, birds and cats, the girl full of cinders meets her Fairy Godmother and transforms into the ball’s most beautiful and mysterious guest. Wearing her crystal slippers, she enters the magical palace and meets her Prince Charming.
The Low Sensory/Special Needs Cinderella is uniquely different from a traditional Cinderella production: house lights are up 25%, volume is down 25% with no special effects used (no fog, snow or cannon shot sounds).
An ASL Interpreter signs the welcome, a brief reading of the story of Cinderella and, time allowing, the Q&A afterwards. CWB's Board of Directors serve as wheelchair attendants. The performance is 60 minutes and patrons are free to emote, fidget, walk around, leave and re-enter the theater as needed all in a non-judgmental environment.
This performance is presented by Central West Ballet, a Resident Company of the Gallo Center for the Arts, learn more at https://www.centralwestballet.org/.
CALIDANZA DANCE COMPANY
¡FESTEJOS!
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026, 9:30 AM
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026, 11:30 AM MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES K+ PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
Curriculum Connections
Oral history and storytelling, Mexican culture and history, traditional dance and music
California State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.4 Describe people, places, things, and events with relevant details, expressing ideas and feelings clearly.
California State Arts Standards
4.TH:Cn10 Imagine and identify the ways drama/ theatre work reflects the perspectives of a community or culture.
¡Festejos! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and the holidays of Mexico with Calidanza!
Calidanza Dance Company invites you to experience Festejos – the Celebrations of Mexican heritage, across the country and around the calendar. From regional festivals like the colorful Carnaval in Sinaloa and La Guelaguetza, the summertime Festival of Sharing, in Oaxaca, to a family wedding in Veracruz, Calidanza fills the stage with the vibrant costumes, rhythmic footwork, and beloved music of Mexico’s community festivities, large and small.
For this Cinco de Mayo performance, Calidanza will be joined by the superb musicians of Vinic-Kay, under the direction of José Roberto Hernandez.
Calidanza brings a fresh approach to Mexican dance. Its visual storytelling mixes tradition and the present, in costuming, movement, and music, all enhanced by the company’s connective spirit. An ensemble of highly skilled and dedicated dancers working with creative musicians and costume designers, Calidanza bring the vibrant joy of Mexican dance, music, and culture to audiences of all generations. The company excels in stage performance as well as educational programs for students of all ages.
Original Credits
Artistic Director/Choreographer - Steven Valencia PRODUCED BY CALIDANZA DANCE COMPANY
MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026, 9:30 AM
MARY STUART ROGERS THEATER RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES K+
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES
A Gallo Center favorite returns! Chris & Suhey Perondi (from nearby French Camp) made the first of many appearances here ten years ago. During Stunt Dog Experience you witness some of the most incredible stunts and behaviors ever performed by dogs—amazing tricks, big air stunts, comedy antics, dancing dogs, athletic feats! All while learning about proper training techniques and care of pets. A bonus, all the stars of Stunt Dog are from shelters and rescues from across the country!
GCA on Tour brings the wonder of live theatre directly to the students, featuring locally produced and nationally touring productions, residencies and workshops created specifically for school sites.
TOUR DATES: FEBRUARY-APRIL 2026
RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 1-6 AND A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE!
PERFORMANCE RUN TIME: APPROXIMATELY 50 MINUTES, NOT INCLUDING AN OPTIONAL MODERATED TALK-BACK WITH THE CAST
Booking Fee (per day, per school site)
One Performance: $1500
Two Performances: $2000
Please note our recommended audience size is 100-300 students. Accommodations can be made for larger audiences, please contact us to discuss prior to submitting a booking request form.
A Short Comedy for Young Audiences by Kathryn Walat
Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)
Miss Electricity was originally commissioned and produced by La Jolla Playhouse, California
Directed by Maggie Sniffen
“Don't we all want to be special? Don't we all want to be SUPER? Violet sure does, but maybe being struck by lightning isn’t all it’s cracked up to be”
Ten-year-old Violet is determined to show the world, not to mention the cool kids at school, just how special she is. With the help of her assistant Freddy, she sets out to break a world record, but becomes accidentally extraordinary when she's struck by lightning -- twice -- and gains control over all things electric. Under the name Miss Electricity, Violet zaps her way through circuits, bullies, and tests, but could lose everything when the power goes to her head.
Curriculum Connections
Friendship, empathy, Greek gods and mythology, science
GENEROUS FUNDING PROVIDED BY THIS PROGRAM IS SUPPORTED IN PART BY
