ABOUT THE SCHOOLTIME PERFORMANCE SERIES
Promoting education is one of the core values of the Zeiterion. At the heart of our commitment lies the knowledge that learning through the arts can serve as a powerful tool for student achievement not only in the classroom but in life. This season offers a wide range of opportunities for both students and teachers to explore the arts.
Education in the arts plays an integral role in the development of the whole child, connecting them more deeply to the world and opening them to new perspectives!
Not only do Schooltime performances enable students to explore concepts they’re studying in the classroom, but they also provide an additional pathway to learning, foster empathy and understanding, boost critical thinking skills and spark meaningful discourse. Further, access to our performances can improve vocabulary and reading comprehension, nurture cultural awareness, and develop appreciation for the power of the imagination.
The Z’s Schooltime Performance Series features some of the world’s most respected and famed theatrical, dance and musical companies. These engaging CURRICULUM-BASED PERFORMANCES are designed for students in grades K-12 and incorporate an array of subjects, themes, topics and issues of relevance, reaching nearly 20,000 students and teachers each year!
Performances occur at 10am and 12:30pm and typically last 60 minutes. Many performances includes a CURRICULUM GUIDE which is helpful in preparing students for an enjoyable and educational theatre experience. Included you’ll find discussion topics, resource materials, and classroom activities that extend the impact of the performance and promote learning across the curriculum. These guides can be downloaded from our website.
Scan here to access curriculum guides
In conjunction with these performances, The Z often offers WORKSHOPS and IN-SCHOOL RESIDENCIES as well as post-show discussions with the artists. Designed to enrich and deepen your students’ experience with the arts, these opportunities also excite and engage participants in the subject matter, provide greater insight, understanding, and interpretation of the content, and enhance their overall theatre experience.
EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY STAFF
BLAIR TAYLOR (SHE/HER) DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY
BTAYLOR@ZEITERION.ORG
508-997-5664 X129
EMMA YORK (SHE/HER)
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY
EYORK@ZEITERION.ORG
508-997-5664 X154
TEEN AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Suggest our Teen Ambassador Program to your students! This free program is open to young people ages 13-19.
Teen Ambassadors get…
Free tickets to 6-to-8 live performances
Free master classes and workshops with world renowned performing artists
A behind-the-scenes look at selection process, marketing and execution of a show at The Z
The opportunity to connect with other young people interested in the performing arts
• Skills that can be added to their resume and used to pursue a career in the performing arts and beyond
• 15+ volunteer hours that can be applied towards their graduation requirements
Teen Ambassadors commit to…
Meeting for 1 hour once a month from January-June 2026
Attending at least 1 live performance, class/workshop, or community event each month
Sharing their experience at those events with the broader community through videos, voiceovers, and social media posts
Scan here to register
SuperART: ACTIVATING REAL TRANSFORMATION
Encourage your students to sign up for SuperART! This free program is open to young people ages 11-14 through a partnership with North Star Learning Centers.
SuperART participants get to…
Work with a digital illustrator and playback theatre teacher
Identify their superpowers and how they can use them to actualize real transformation in their life and community
• Play games
• Grow their social, emotional, and artistic skillset
Learn how to use Procreate on the iPad to create digital art
Create a mural
• Leave with a Creativity Kit of art supplies they can use on future creative projects
SuperART participants commit to…
Meeting for 2 hours once a week for 11 weeks from September to December
Sharing their experience at a mural party
For more information and to determine eligibility, please contact Jennifer Torres, Director of Youth Services at North Star Learning Centers at (774) 992-0130 or jtorres@northstarlc.org.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
The Z recognizes that school budgets are under great strain. Below are resources that may be useful when looking for assistance in funding the cost of tickets and transportation.
YOUR LOCAL CULTURAL COUNCIL
The application for Local Cultural Council (LLC) grants opens in September and closes in October. The Z highly encourages teachers to take advantage of this opportunity!
LCC grants fund field trips to attend a performance at The Z for children, grades Pre-K-12, by subsidizing the cost of admission. Public, private, and parochial schools are all eligible for LCC grants.
Scan here for more information
Please note: grants from LCCs are reimbursement-based. The applicant must purchase tickets in advance. Then, if approved for a grant, submit the proper paperwork to the LCC for reimbursement.
CREATIVE EXPERIENCES GRANTS
The application for Creative Experiences grants opens in March and closes in April. The Z highly encourages schools to take advantage of this opportunity!
CE grants fund festivals, projects, activities, and experiences incorporating the arts, sciences, and humanities in the amount of $2,500 or $5,000. Examples may include but are not limited to teaching residencies, concert series, workshops, festivals, fairs, performances, art walks, open studios, poetry readings, mural projects, oral history projects, fashion shows, gallery exhibits and openings, public installations, and productions of cultural works.
Scan here for more information
ZEITERION GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
The Zeiterion distributes scholarships to offset the cost of attending SchoolTime performances for schools serving highneeds students where cost would be a barrier to attendance. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, so we recommend applying early.
Scan here to apply
“My students loved the show and are already talking about college interests and groups.” — Southern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC) Teacher
“Accommodation for visually impaired students was easy and appreciated.” — Anonymous
“The show was interactive, engaging and just the right length.” – Anonymous
THE ZEITERION REOPENS!
After 18 months of construction, we’re back with a newly restored and renovated building! You can expect expanded accessibility, more restrooms, new seats, a state-of-the art orchestra pit, and lots of new, smaller spaces, like our classroom, movement studio, and an area suitable for students who need a break during the performance.
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Show Title Dates & Times Grades Curriculum Connections
Momix: Alice
123 Andres
Ada Twist Scientist & Friends
Bill Blagg’s Magic in Motion
Thursday, 2/5, 10AM Thursday, 2/5, 7:30 PM (Public Performace)
Sunday, 2/1, 3PM (Public Performance) Monday, 2/2, 10AM
6th-12th Dance, ELA
Pre-K-6th
Wednesday, 5/20, 10AM & 12:30PM K-4th
ELA, History, Dance, Music, Bilingual
ELA, Science, History, Music, Theatre, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Monday, 5/18, 10AM & 12:30PM 3rd-6th Science, Theatre
Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales Wednesday, 3/18, 10AM & 12:30PM
Cat Kid
Hare and Tortoise
Pre-K-2nd
ELA, Puppetry, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Sensory Friendly
Tuesday, 4/7, 10AM and 12:30PM 1st-5th ELA, Art, Music, Theatre
Thursday, May 7, 10AM & 12:30PM
Pre-K-3rd
ELA, Art, Science, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Theatre, Music
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter Thursday, 4/30, 7PM (Public Performance) Friday, 5/1, 10AM & 12:30PM 9th-Adult ELA, Theatre, Bilingual, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
This Can Be You: Wind Edition Monday, 2/9, 10AM 6th-12th Science, Math, Art, Music
Step Afrika! Friday, 4/10, 10AM K-12th History, Dance, Music
Stuntboy, In the Meantime Wednesday, 3/4, 10AM & 12:30PM 2nd-5th
The Remember Balloons
Sunday, 5/31, 3PM (Public Performance) Monday 6/1, 10AM 2nd-6th
ELA, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Theatre, Music
ELA, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Dance, Music
Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers Monday, 3/23, 10AM K-12th History, Dance, Music, Bilingual
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AT A GLANCE
• Reservations must be made at least 60 days prior to the performance and paid in full at least 30 days prior to the performance. Reservations are made on a first come, first serve basis.
• To purchase tickets with a credit card, visit our website. To request an invoice to pay for tickets via check or purchase order, please use the invoice request form on our website. Payment is due 30 days before the performance.
• All cancellations must be submitted in writing at least 60 days prior to the performance and any changes to the number or type of tickets you purchased must be made in writing at least 30 days prior to the performance.
• Receive one free ticket for every ten tickets purchased
• Performance length is approximately 60 minutes
• Ticket prices range from $10 to $13 per person.
• Curriculum Guides and Know Before You Go information are available on our website.
Scan for the invoice request form
Scan to view the complete FAQ section.
123 Andrés
Andrés and Christina are the GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY-winning duo 123 Andrés! Their high-energy shows get audiences dancing, singing, and learning while celebrating the Latine experience. Through music, they introduce students to instruments and styles from Central and South America, geography, social studies, and Spanish—incorporating English, Spanish, and ASL. They’ve released ten albums and authored bilingual books with Scholastic, including Hello, Friend and Ten Little Birds. Their songs and videos, used in classrooms across the U.S. and Latin America, have earned 50M+ YouTube views. Featured by NPR and The New York Times, they won the 2024 GRAMMY for We Grow Together Preschool Songs and host the PBS KIDS podcast Jamming on the Job (now in season 2!).
Monday, February 2
10AM
$13
Recommended grade levels: Pre-K–6
Runtime: 60 minutes
Curricular Connections: ELA, History, Dance, Music, Bilingual
Public Performance for General Audiences: Sunday, February 1, 3PM
This Can Be You: Wind Edition
This dynamic performance introduces young audiences to the fast-growing world of offshore wind energy—highlighting a wide range of career paths and showing how S.T.E.A.M. concepts connect to their everyday lives. Designed to engage and inspire, the high-energy experience blends multiple formats, including interactive Q&A, motivational speaking, captivating visuals, breakdancing, and powerful video storytelling—featuring the real-life journey of a wind project engineer.
“This had a profound impact on our students. They were able to share their career interests and receive positive feedback from their peers, explore new and exciting career options in STEAM, and have fun while learning. Most importantly, it provided representation for Black and Brown youth, showcasing the contributions of people who look like them and inspiring ALL students to see themselves in these fields.” India Gerald, Director of Youth Services, Mass Hire South Shore.
STEAM the Street is a non-profit founded by New Bedford edutainers Ben Gilbarg and Angel Diaz (aka DJ Anghelli) to educate, activate, and inspire underserved youth to pursue career paths in STEAM.
Monday, February 9
10AM
$11
Recommended grade levels: 6–12
Runtime: 60 minutes
Curricular Connections: Science, Math, Art, Music
Momix: Alice
Enter a world of wonder with MOMIX’s ALICE—the latest creation from visionary choreographer Moses Pendleton, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. As Alice grows, shrinks, and grows again, MOMIX dancers bring her journey to life through a dazzling interplay of illusion, athleticism, and stagecraft, using props, ropes, and one another to stretch the limits of physical storytelling.
Filled with vivid imagery and dreamlike logic, Alice invites audiences to rediscover a classic tale through MOMIX’s signature blend of movement, light, music, and projection. This production blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, guiding audiences through a magical, mysterious, and delightfully unexpected theatrical experience. As Alice tumbles down the rabbit hole, so too will audiences find themselves transformed.
Thursday, February 5
10AM
$12
Recommended grade levels: 6-12
Runtime: 90 minutes with intermission
Curricular Connections: Dance, ELA
Public Performance for General Audiences: Thursday, February 5, 7:30PM
Stuntboy, In the Meantime
A musical based on Jason Reynolds and Raúl the Third’s award-winning graphic novel of the same name. The show follows middle-schooler Portico Reeves whose superpower is making sure his parents and best friend, Zola, stay safe. He lives in the biggest apartment building on the block, a building with fifty doors, all of which would be swell except for the secret that Portico’s parents are about to divorce. All this stress gives Portico “the frets”, which his mom calls anxiety. Plus, like all superheroes, Portico has an arch-nemesis, Herbert, determined to prove that there is nothing super about Portico at all. Students will leave excited to read all of Jason Reynold’s award-winning Young Adult novels and equipped with a few more social and emotional skills to navigate the many challenges young people face today.
Wednesday, March 4
10AM and 12:30PM
$10
Recommended grade levels: 2–5
Runtime: 60 minutes
Curricular Connections: ELA, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Theatre, Music
Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s newest production, Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales, presents a fresh and engaging reimagining of three cherished children’s stories— Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, and The Three Billy Goats Gruff using puppets. Filled with adventure, humor, and heroism, the story follows a brave raccoon and clever mouse who are on a journey to collect treasure. Along the way, they unknowingly help the goats, bears, and pigs, preventing disaster—without any of the animals ever encountering a true villain. This imaginative retelling seamlessly interweaves three classic tales in a heartwarming adventure that celebrates friendship and courage.
Wednesday, March 18
10AM and 12:30PM
$11
Recommended grade levels: Pre-K–2
Runtime: 60 minutes
Curricular Connections: ELA, Puppetry, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Sensory Friendly
Cat Kid
Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog have started an epic club to teach 21 rambunctious baby frogs how to make their own comics! Their fishy father Flippy is overjoyed that his kids will learn to unleash their creativity, but when the frogs’ constant bickering and outrageous imaginations send their comics comically off the rails, Flippy flips out! Will the club survive? Will the frogs ever get along? And will creativity finally save the day? All will be answered in this madcap musical based on Dav Pilkey’s irreverently hilarious book series. This musical adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man spin-off series, Cat Kid Comic Club, is written by Kevin Del Aguila and Brad Alexander - the team that brought you DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL!
Tuesday, April 7
10AM and 12:30PM
$10
Recommended grade levels: 1–5
Runtime: 60 minutes
Curricular Connections: ELA, Art, Music, Theatre
Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers
The Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers are musicians, educators, and artisans from the Mashpee, Aquinnah, and Herring Pond communities. They perform eastern social songs and dances in traditional clothing, using water drum and handcrafted rattles. Audiences of all ages are invited to join in—dancing with the people, not just watching. Their songs express a deep relationship with the natural world: earth, sky, water, plants, animals, and insects. This family-friendly experience blends movement, music, and storytelling to share Wampanoag culture and connection to the land. Audiences will leave with a better understanding of how to honor these elements—and a powerful reminder that after 12,000 years, the Wampanoag people are still here.
Monday, March 23
10AM
$11
Recommended grade levels: All
Runtime: 60 minutes
Curricular Connections: History, Dance, Music, Bilingual
Step Afrika!
Step Afrika! is the world’s premier dance company dedicated to the art of stepping—an energetic, percussive style created by African American fraternities and sororities. Blending traditional African dance, contemporary movement, and vibrant rhythms made with the body, Step Afrika! delivers a powerful, interactive experience. Performances fuse dance, storytelling, humor, and audience participation into a heart-pounding celebration of culture and connection. Step Afrika! promotes stepping as an educational tool for young people, focusing on teamwork, academic achievement, and cross-cultural understanding.
Friday, April 10
10AM
$12
Recommended grade levels: K–12
Runtime: 45 minutes
Curricular Connections: History, Dance, Music
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
Literature to Life adapts Erika L. Sánchez’s Young Adult novel as the newest title in their Signature Performance series. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter takes place in modern day Chicago. The novel focuses on the idea of finding one’s own identity, and breaking free from societal, cultural, and familial expectations. The story follows Julia Reyes, a Chicago high school student, as she navigates trials and tribulations of following her dreams of becoming a writer, alongside the death of her sister, Olga—who might not have been quite as perfect as she seemed.
Literature to Life (LTL) is a performance-based literacy organization that presents professionally staged verbatim adaptations of American literary classics. Each performance features one actor portraying all of the characters in the novel.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter was co-produced in partnership with Freedom Reads, the only organization in the nation transforming the experience of incarceration by opening libraries in prison housing facilities.
Friday, May 1
10AM and 12:30PM
$13
Recommended grade levels: 9–Adult
Trigger Warning: This production addresses mature themes including suicide and sexual assault. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for young people ages 10–14 and the 3rd leading cause for ages 15–18, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. One in 9 girls and 1 in 20 boys under 18 experience sexual abuse or assault. Females ages 16–19 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).
We believe the performing arts offer a vital platform for opening conversations about difficult but important topics.
Runtime: 90 min with talk back
Curricular Connections: ELA, Theatre, Bilingual, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Public Performance for General Audiences: Thursday, April 30, 7PM
Hare and Tortoise
A timeless tale with a fresh twist! Two unlikely friends — the speedy, confident Hare and the calm, steady Tortoise — meet for the greatest race on Earth. A race filled with suspense, surprises, and a nail-biting, medal-winning finish. Ready... Steady... Is it time to GO? This playful and imaginative adaptation of Aesop’s classic fable is brought to life on stage in a vibrant performance. With three talented actor-musicians and a whole lot of energy, the story unfolds across the seasons — from the blossoming days of sunny spring through to the icy sparkle of winter. This heartwarming tale explores patience, friendship, and what it means to grow up. Tutti Frutti Productions brings you this much-loved story brimming with fun, live music, unforgettable songs, and delightful characters.
Thursday, May 7
10AM and 12:30PM
$10
Recommended grade levels: Pre-K–3
Runtime: 60 minutes
Curricular Connections: ELA, Art, Science, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Theatre, Music
Bill Blagg’s Magic in Motion
Magic in Motion combines the wonder of magic with the principles of physical science for an unforgettable educational experience! In this interactive, high-energy show, students explore how science creates “magic” through hands-on experiments and jaw-dropping demonstrations. Ordinary objects come to life, gravity is defied, and illusions are revealed using core scientific concepts like force, energy, friction, gravity, and motion. With magician Bill, students apply these principles to perform seemingly impossible feats—stopping objects with their minds, gaining super strength, and making a teacher’s cell phone travel through time! This magical, mind-bending show inspires curiosity and helps students understand how physical science shapes the world around them in surprising and exciting ways.
Monday, May 18
10AM and 12:30PM
$11
Recommended grade levels: 3–6
Runtime: 55 minutes
Curricular Connections: Science, Theatre
Ada Twist Scientist & Friends
A STEM-based musical! Andrea Beaty's books (Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist Scientist), come alive on stage. Ms. Greer's classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers. Rosie Revere has big dreams. Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture. And Ada Twist's curiosity can lead her to solve any problem. Together they practice creative problem solving.
The Remember Balloons
James’s Grandpa has the best balloons because he has the best memories. He has balloons showing Dad when he was young and Grandma when they were married. Grandpa has balloons about camping and Aunt Nelle’s poor cow. Grandpa also has a silver balloon filled with the memory of a fishing trip he and James took together. But when Grandpa’s balloons begin to float away, James is heartbroken. No matter how hard he runs, James can’t catch them. One day, Grandpa lets go of the silver balloon— and he doesn’t even notice! Grandpa no longer has balloons of his own. But James has many more than before. It’s up to him to share those balloons, one by one. This dance performance breathes life into Jessie Oliveros’s children’s book to tell the story of one boy’s experience supporting his grandfather as he battles Alzheimer’s.
Monday, June 1
Wednesday, May 20
10AM and 12:30PM
$10
Recommended grade levels: K-4
Runtime: 60 minutes
10AM
$13
Recommended grade levels: 2–6
Runtime: 60 minutes
Curricular Connections: ELA, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Dance, Music
Curricular Connections: ELA, Science, History, Music, Theatre, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Travel
Public Performance for General Audiences: Sunday, May 31, 3PM
The Zeiterion's educational programs are supported in part by grants from the
ACUSHNET CULTURAL COUNCIL ASSOCIATION FOR THE RELIEF OF AGED WOMEN THE CARNEY FOUNDATION
DARTMOUTH LOCAL CULTURAL COUNCIL
GREATER NEW BEDFORD YOUTH ALLIANCE KEY PROGRAM, INC.
NEW BEDFORD CREATIVE
NEW BEDFORD LOCAL CULTURAL COUNCIL
THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
MASSACHUSETTS CULTURAL COUNCIL