Student Matinees

Student Matinees

Student Performance Series

Bring your students to see a play at Hartford Stage! Each Student Performance Series ticket includes access to our online study guides and the opportunity to stay for a talkback hosted by an Education Staff member.

Student Matinee Policies and Pricing Information

Request Student Matinee Tickets

Henry V

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Elizabeth Williamson

Recommended for 9th grade and up

In Shakespeare’s Henry V, shortly after gaining the throne, Henry must decide whether or not to embark on a war that could solidify his reign—or bring his country to its knees. In France, he grows up fast under the pressure to use all means necessary to win a war against tremendous odds. But even if he finds victory, how easy will it be to settle the peace?

Themes & Topics for discussion: Shakespeare, war, class, leadership, diplomacy, national identity | Please note: Contains some violence.

Performance Dates (all performances are at 10:30 am)

  • Tue. 10/30/18
  • Wed. 11/7/18
  • Thu. 11/8/18
  • Fri. 11/9/18

A Christmas Carol:
A Ghost Story of Christmas

By Charles Dickens

Adapted and originally directed by Michael Wilson

Directed by Rachel Alderman

Recommended for 4th grade and up

Hartford Stage brings the magic of Dickens’ heart-warming classic to life in this Connecticut holiday tradition! Recently redesigned costume and set elements bring a fresh look to this well-loved tale of transformation. Ebenezer Scrooge, the heartless miser discovers the true meaning of the holiday season after a Christmas Eve haunting. Visit or revisit Charles Dickens’ beloved characters: Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.  Ghosts take flight and soar across the stage, carols are sung and snow falls capturing the spirit of a Victorian Christmas forever warming the hearts of adults and children alike.

Themes & Topics for discussion: Dickens, adaptation of literature, Industrial Revolution, greed and generosity, responsibility to others

Performance Dates (all performances are at 10:30 am)

  • Tue. 11/27/18
  • Wed. 11/28/18
  • Thu. 11/29/18
  • Tue. 12/4/18
  • Wed. 12/5/18
  • Thu. 12/6/18
  • Fri. 12/7/18
  • Tue. 12/11/18
  • Wed. 12/12/18
  • Tue. 12/18/18
  • Wed. 12/19/18

Detroit ’67

In association with McCarter Theatre Center

By Dominique Morisseau

Directed by Jade King Carroll

Recommended for 11th grade and up

Dominique Morisseau’s powerful Detroit ’67 unfolds during an explosive moment in U.S. history—the race riots that tore the city of Detroit apart. The story centers on Chelle and her brother Lank, who make ends meet by turning their basement into an after-hours party. When a mysterious woman makes her way into their lives, the siblings clash over much more than family business.

Themes & Topics for discussion: trust, family, resilience, privilege, police brutality, survival, alternative economies, 1967 Detroit race riots | Please note: Contains strong language, violence, and some sexuality.

Performance Dates (all performances are at 10:30 am)

  • Thu. 3/7/19

In-school Workshops

Already bringing your class to Hartford Stage? Now bring Hartford Stage to your class! A Hartford Stage Teaching Artist will visit your school to lead your class in an interactive workshop connected to the play. Pre-show workshops focus on offering students entry points to the play by introducing major characters, thematic elements, and/or historical context. Each workshop runs one 45-60 minute class period for a fee of $100.

InterACT

DEADLINE EXTENDED to June 25!

InterACT exposes hundreds of underserved students in grades 9-12 to professional theatre by inviting them to participate in the Student Performance Series, Hartford Stage’s student matinee program, free of charge.  Teachers may apply for participation of one or two classes.  InterACT classes receive in-school, pre-show workshops that explore themes related to the productions.  InterACT is subsidized through Hartford Stage corporate and foundation funding.

Download the Application

Goals

Through InterACT, Hartford Stage aims to

  • Expose students to a range of genres of dramatic literature and performance styles.
  • Deepen students’ engagement with plays through in-school workshops.
  • Develop critical thinking skills that allow students to reflect on Hartford Stage shows through conversation, analysis, and dramatic engagement.
  • Strengthen the relationship between students and Hartford Stage while building an appreciation for live performance.

For more information about InterACT or pre- and post-show workshops, contact  Grace Clark, 860-520-7244, or gclark@hartfordstage.org