Pepperdine ARTSReach Brochure 2025

ARTSReach

Your class attends these shows for free.

Reserve your tickets today!

CIRQUE MECHANICS: TILT!

Cirque Mechanics, renowned for its inventive fusion of acrobatics and mechanical marvels, invites audiences to experience its latest spectacle, Tilt! A Circus Thrill Ride. Set to premiere in fall 2025, this show transports spectators to the backstage of an imaginative theme park, unveiling the lives of the carnies and operators who keep the thrills alive. cirquemechanics.com

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

10 am and 11:45 am

Grades 4–7

NOCHE FLAMENCA

Founded in 1993 by Martín Santangelo and Bessie Award–winning dancer Soledad Barrio, Noche Flamenca is celebrated worldwide for its deeply emotional, authentic flamenco performances. This performance features Searching for Goya, a bold and theatrical tribute to the Spanish painter, blending dance, music, and storytelling in a series of powerful vignettes that reflect flamenco’s raw intensity and cultural roots. nocheflamenca.com

Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 11:45 am

Grades 6–12

ALL THE GREAT BOOKS (ABRIDGED)

The Reduced Shakespeare Company presents its signature wit and whirlwind energy to All the Great Books (Abridged)—a 98-minute romp through the literary canon like you've never seen before. From Confucius to Thoreau, Swift to Tennyson, no classic is safe from this fast-paced, irreverent joyride. Whether you're a literature buff or just vaguely remember your summer reading list, this hilarious performance tackles everything you didn’t quite get around to reading in school, delivered with the RSC’s trademark comic chaos. Buckle up—this is one wild ride through the world’s greatest (and shortest) stories.

Friday, October 24, 2025 | 11 am

Grades 6–12

A LECTURE/DEMONSTRATION BY AILEY II

Ailey II blends the spirited energy of the country’s most promising young dancers with the bold vision of today’s emerging choreographers. Now under the artistic direction of Francesca Harper, Ailey II continues to celebrate Ailey’s legacy while forging exciting new paths in contemporary dance. ailey.org/ailey-ii

Monday, February 2, 2026 | 11 am Grades 6–12

AROUND THE AMERICAS WITH 123 ANDRÉS

Latin Grammy–winning duo 123 Andrés— composed of Andrés and Christina—bring their infectious energy and vibrant sound to the stage with a show that gets everyone clapping, singing, and moving. Around the Americas with 123 Andrés blends Spanish, English, and American Sign Language; the duo’s performances celebrate Latinx culture while creating a joyful, inclusive experience for audiences of all ages.

Monday, October 27, 2025

10 and 11:45 am

Grades K–3

LES BALLETS AFRICAINS

Founded in Paris in 1952, Les Ballets Africains is the acclaimed national dance company of the Republic of Guinea. Celebrated for its breathtaking fusion of traditional dance, music, and storytelling, the 35-member troupe has performed in more than 165 capital cities across the globe. With powerful percussion, dazzling costumes, and electrifying energy, Les Ballets Africains brings the vibrant spirit of West African culture to life—celebrating unity, tradition, and the power of artistic expression. lesballetsafricains.org

Monday, February 9, 2026 | 11 am Grades 3–8

A LECTURE/DEMONSTRATION BY KINGS RETURN

Kings Return is a Dallas-based a cappella quartet renowned for pushing vocal boundaries—its genreblending style weaves together gospel, jazz, R&B, and classical influences. Originally discovered through viral stairwell performances, the group has since earned a Grammy nomination and a devoted following. With every note, Kings Return brings warmth, precision, and a powerful sense of soul to the stage. kingsreturnmusic.com

Monday, March 9, 2026 | 10 am

Grades 3–8

HARE AND TORTOISE

Produced by Tutti Frutti Productions

Join two unlikely friends in this delightful retelling of Aesop’s classic fable. As Hare impatiently urges the race forward, Tortoise takes their time—moving through the seasons with care and curiosity. With whimsical characters, live music, and playful physicality, Hare and Tortoise is a heartwarming tale of opposites, patience, and the power of friendship.

Friday, February 27, 2026

10 and 11:45 am

Grades K–3

DANCE IN FLIGHT

Dance in Flight embodies the diversity and essence of Seaver College and the liberal arts tradition. For more than 30 years, Dance in Flight has provided a safe environment for emerging student dancers and choreographers to cultivate creativity, physical expression, and teamwork in a professional performing atmosphere. The company members come from a variety of dance backgrounds, interests, and fields of study. United by their passion for the art of movement, they are dedicated to presenting an impressive showcase of student artistry.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 10 am

Grades 3–8

TOUR THE WEISMAN MUSEUM OF ART WITH YOUR CLASS!

UPCOMING EXHIBITION: HOLD MY HAND IN YOURS

September 6, 2025–March 29, 2026

What can a hand communicate? Hold My Hand in Yours invites students to explore how contemporary artists use the image of the hand to express emotion, tell stories, and make connections. Through painting, sculpture, drawing, video, and photography, the exhibition explores how hands can symbolize labor, care, creativity, and human connection across cultures and generations.

Artists in the show—such as Yvonne Rainer, Elana Mann, and Christine Sun Kim—use hands to represent movement, protest, communication, and touch. From large-scale portraits to intimate gestures, students will encounter a range of works that inspire discussion, interpretation, and reflection.

CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS

This exhibition supports a wide range of learning goals across grade levels, including:

` Visual arts: Exploring symbolism, gesture, and mixed media techniques; connecting personal expression to contemporary practices

` English language arts: Practicing visual literacy, interpreting visual narratives, and making text-image connections through journaling or descriptive writing

` Social studies: Considering how artists represent labor, community, and cultural identity

` Social-emotional learning: Reflecting on empathy, caregiving, communication, and self-expression through art

` Disability and communication studies: Engaging with nonverbal and alternative forms of communication, as seen in works by Christine Sun Kim and others

ABOUT WEISMAN MUSEUM TOURS FOR STUDENTS

Students are typically divided into smaller groups for guided tours. Our tours use a pedagogical approach called Visual Thinking Strategies to put students—regardless of age, grade level, or ability—at the center of the conversation, prioritizing close looking and critical thinking. Teachers are invited to be active participants in the discussion to help students make connections with what they are learning back at school.

HOW TO SCHEDULE A TOUR

Please contact the ARTSReach Coordinator at 310.506.4766 to discuss a museum tour for your students. Classes can visit the museum before or after a performance, or as an independent activity, pending museum availability. With advance notice, the museum can be toured on Monday and at other times outside of regular museum hours.

Image: Elana Mann, Histophone, 2016, bronze, 5 ¼ x 13 ¼ x 5 ½ inches. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Nash Baker.

APPLY FOR TICKETS TO AN ARTSREACH PERFORMANCE!

1. Complete the application by scanning the QR code to fill out the online submission form or going online to arts.pepperdine.edu/events/artsreach/ artsreach-submission.htm

2. If we are able to accommodate your request, you will be notified by email.

3. If we are able to accommodate your request, you will be asked to send a $1-per-seat deposit.

Seating is limited. Applications are filled on an as-is-available basis and allocated to maintain a balance of local and out-of-area schools, as well as those new to the program. Prior attendance records are also considered. A limited number of bus grants are available to schools showing financial need.

Questions? Call our ARTSReach coordinator at 310.506.4766.

Each year Pepperdine’s ARTSReach program, supported by the Center for the Arts Guild, inspires thousands of schoolchildren from Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. These free arts experiences enrich the lives of children with world-class performances and art museum tours.

The guild supports many programs, but its primary focus is to support ARTSReach. If you would like to become involved in this important program or sponsor a bus, please contact the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at 310.506.4594.