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Bring Your Students to a FREE Youth Matinee
Inspire your students with world-class performing arts at Meany Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Washington campus. Meany Center’s youth matinee program offers engaging daytime performances by renowned artists from around the globe. Give your students a memorable arts experience that sparks curiosity, builds connection and supports their well-being.
Registration for the 2026–27 Season is open.
Reserve your seats early — space is limited.
Contact us at mcengage@uw.edu with questions or to sign up for the mailing list.
2026–27 Student Matinees
Hung Dance
BIRDY
Friday, November 20, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
BIRDY is a powerful and poetic work by Taiwan’s Hung Dance. This piece blends contemporary dance with elements of Chinese opera, Tai Chi and myth. BIRDY invites audiences to reflect on the desire to break free, and the quiet strength it takes to keep moving within the world around us.
Compagnie Hervé KOUBI
Sol Invictus
Friday, February 12, 2027 at 11:30 a.m.
Sol Invictus by Compagnie Hervé KOUBI is a celebration of light, love and connection. Blending contemporary and urban dance with capoeira and martial arts, the dancers perform with breathtaking physicality and poetic force.
Conrad Tao & Caleb Teicher
Counterpoint II
Wednesday, March 17, 2027 at 11:00 a.m.
Pianist Conrad Tao and tap dancer Caleb Teicher deepen their collaborative partnership with Counterpoint II. The harmonic, rhythmic and theatrical counterpoint between the artists expands their individual expressions into a collective experience that drives the imagination and opens the heart.
Step Afrika
The Fruits of Our Labor
Friday, April 16, 2027 at 11:30 a.m.
Blending stepping, body percussion and contemporary dance with the vibrant energy of South African street and gumboot dance, Step Afrika! unites virtuosic performers in a dynamic fusion of rhythm, ritual and storytelling. Together, Mdoyi and Sherman lead an ensemble whose bodies become instruments, clapping, striking and stepping in mesmerizing unison.
Teacher FAQs
When will I receive a placement confirmation?
Placement confirmations will be emailed the week of August 19, and on a rolling basis thereafter. Priority is given to schools with 50% or more students receiving free or reduced lunch.
What time do matinees begin?
All matinees begin at 11:30 a.m. and last approximately 55 minutes.
Check-in begins at 10:50 a.m. and groups must be fully present to be seated.
What is the age range for student matinees?
Our matinees are recommended for grades 3 and above. Contact us for any exceptions.
Where are student matinees located?
All student matinees take place at Meany Hall, in the Katharyn Alvord Gerlich Theater, on the University of Washington campus.
Should I bring chaperones?
Teachers are responsible for bringing an appropriate number of chaperones for the size of their group.
Is the venue accessible?
The University of Washington is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities.
Where can I request accessibility accommodations?
Please inform us of any accessibility needs for your group in advance of your visit so we are prepared to make every student and guest feel welcome in our hall.
To request accommodation for your youth matinee, please email us at mcengage@uw.edu.
What if I have financial barriers to bringing my students?
Our matinee program is free and prioritizes schools with 50% or more students receiving free or reduced lunch.
If funding for transportation is a barrier to your group attending, please reach out and we will do our best to connect you with resources to support your travel.
How can I prepare my students for the performance?
Meany Center engagement staff will provide supplementary curricular materials for each matinee, to help prepare students for the work they will experience on the stage and extend the learning into the classroom with pre and post visit activities.
What if I need to make a change to my registration?
If you have a change to your numbers, date preferences, accessibility requests, or anything else, please send us an email at mcengage@uw.edu.
Have more questions? Contact Meany Center’s Engagement Team by email at mcengage@uw.edu.
Thank You to these Community Supporters
Free and reduced price ticket access supported by 4Culture and ArtsFund.
Know Before You Go
Directions & Parking
Explore how to get to Meany Hall, where to park and other ways to plan your visit.
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Accessibility
Meany Center and the University of Washington is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
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