2024 - 25 Student Matinees

All tickets to Student Matinees are $7 each.

We offer special morning student matinee performances held at The Public Theatre featuring post-show talkbacks with the actors and director. Student rates are also available for our public performances. To help you make the most of your experience, free study guides are available prior to attending and pre or post-show workshops about the production are available upon request. Teach your students the habit of participating in the cultural life of their community and give them an experience that will expand their world in new and exciting ways.

Call 782-2211 to reserve space for your class.

Read more about how to reserve, payment policy and more >>

A Christmas Carol

adapted by Christopher Schario

December 10-13, 2024

We can only schedule FIVE performances of this classic!  Don’t wait, reserve tickets for your class today. 

Tues, December 10 @ 9:30 am
Tues, December 10 @ 11:30 am
Wed, December 11 @ 10:00 am – 60 seats left
Thur, December 12 @ 9:30 am
Fri, December 13 @ 9:30 am – 55 seats left

Six actors and a fiddler perform the Dickens out of this beloved holiday story told in a way you’ve never imagined and will never forget! Don’t miss this unique and acclaimed adaptation originally created at The Public Theatre, now published and performed all over the world!

Recommended for students in Grades 3 and up.
Every Brilliant Thing | Jan 28 & 29

Every Brilliant Thing

by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe

Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025 at 9:30 AM

When a woman goes into the hospital because she finds it “hard to be happy”, her 6-year-old daughter starts writing her a list of all the brilliant things in life worth living for. No. 1: “Ice cream”, No. 94: “Friendly cats”, No. 317: “The even numbered Star Trek films”. As the girl grows older, her list grows longer, reminding her of the large and small miracles in life. Told with the help of the audience, this hilarious, heartbreaking and critically acclaimed Off-Broadway hit, is an immersive theatrical experience that reminds us of all the wonderful things that make life worth living. If you have ever written a “gratitude list”, list play is for you.

Recommended Age: Grade 8 and Up
Rating: PG-13

Content Advisory:

On average, one in five adults experience mental illness nationwide. This uplifting solo show that speaks openly about mental illness, depression, and suicide is a surprising, uplifting and immersive theatrical experience that reminds us of all the wonderful things that make life worth living.

Recommended for ages 13+

Now and Then | May 6 & 7

Now and Then

by Sean Grennan

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 9:30 AM

They say there are no “do-overs” in life, but if you could get one, would you take it? A young bartender and his girlfriend receive an intriguing proposition from a mysterious last-minute customer who offers them $2,000 to sit and talk with him for an hour. What follows is an emotional time-warp full of laughter, romance, and unexpected life lessons. Don’t miss this magical and wise romantic comedy that explores the consequences of following your heart.

Recommended Age: Grades 8 and Up

Rating PG-13

The Dragon King

by Tanglewood Marionettes

Call 782-2211 to reserve your class trip!

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Friday, May 23, 2025 at 9:30 AM

An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, The Dragon King tells the tale of a courageous Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea in search of the elusive Dragon King, and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above. 

Running time: 50 minutes

Recommended age:  Pre-K – 6th Grade

Rating: G

The Dragon King by Tanglewood Marionettes

Get a sneak peek at the show:

Earlier this season . . .

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors | Student Matinees Oct 15, 16, 22, 23

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors

by Gordon Greenberg & Steve Rosen

Tuesday, Oct 15, 2024 at 9:30 AM
Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 9:30 AM

Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024 at 9:30 AM
Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024 at 9:30 AM

You’ll scream with laughter at this hilarious Off-Broadway hit! Packed with witty wordplay, pop culture references, and a nod to Mel Brooks, Monty Python and The Carol Burnett Show, five actors sink their teeth into dozens of characters in this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud version of Dracula perfect for audiences of all blood types. Get ready for FANGtastic fun!

Recommended Age: Grade 8 and Up
Rating: PG-13

Content Advisory:

There have been questions about the appropriateness of the play for a younger audience.  We wanted to address this so that you will feel that you’ve made the most informed decision about attending the show.

The show would have a PG-13 rating (using a motion picture equivalent).  The play is a comic take on the classic hunt for the elusive and seductive Count Dracula, employing clever wordplay and quick-change antics.  This production includes cartoon violence and sexual innuendo.  And neck biting.

Nationally, the show has been recommended for audiences even younger than our current recommendation of Grades 8 and up.  However, you know your students better than we do, and we respect whatever choice you make for them regarding the show.

If you would like to review the script, please contact us and we will send you a link and password to access it.  It may not be printed but may be downloaded onto a device.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions.

Recommended for ages 13+ (Grades 7 and up)

Educational Sponsors

The Public Theatre takes pride in recognizing our educational sponsors. We seek to develop a partnership with local businesses working together for the enrichment of the Lewiston-Auburn area. The following businesses have joined us in this partnership. If you would like to see your company listed here, please contact us regarding sponsorship opportunities.

Educational Underwriters

Austin Associates, CPA

Helen and George Ladd
Charitable Corporation

 

Cross Insurance
Onion Foundation
Shubert Foundation
O'Reilly Auto Parts
Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust

Educational Partners