Schooltime Performances

The bedrock of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall's education and outreach programs, these theatrical adventures bring curriculum to life. Programs are carefully selected to correspond with the Sunshine State Standards and National Standards for Education.

The presentations by nationally and internationally recognized touring companies provide our schools' students with education and enriching programming that enhances curriculum, informs about the arts and entertains.

Since 2007 the Van Wezel Foundation has annually provided full funding ($250,000) to support the cost of the Schooltime Programs.  Due to field trip budget cuts in the school system, the Van Wezel Foundation also provides busing reimbursement for all public schools at an annual cost of up to $50,000.

Nine productions were selected during the 2010-2011 season with 18 total performances. Approximately 22,000 students attend performances this year from Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.  Of these, about 14,000 were from low-income households - as calculated from all four school districts' demographic statistics.

Each child pays $7 for a ticket.  For every ten tickets purchased, one free ticket is provided.  But many more than one child per class often cannot afford the cost.  No child is turned away, regardless of whether or not their parent(s) can afford the cost of a ticket.  In addition to giving $300,000 annually to the Van Wezel's education programs, the Van Wezel Foundation also pays the Hall for tickets for those children who cannot afford the price of a $7 ticket. 

The 2011/2012 season will feature the following programs:

  • Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical - October 13, 2011 (Grades PreK & up)
  • Seussical - October 27 (Grades PreK-4)
  • John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean - November 8 (Grades PreK-2)
  • Let's Go Science Show - November 15 (Grades 4-8)
  • The Magic School Bus - Live! - December 1 (Grades K-3)
  • Step Afrika - January 12 - (Grades 4-12)
  • Locomotion - January 20 - (Grades 4-12)
  • Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater - February 22 (Grades 4-12)
  • Clifford the Bid Red Dog - April 30 @ North Port HS CPA, May 1 @ VWPAH (Grades K-2)

Please consider making a gift to support the Van Wezel's education programs.