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SchoolTime

Cincinnati Arts Association is proud to present SchoolTime performances throughout the year! Bring your students to the Aronoff Center to discover the magic of live, professional theatre.  Since 1996, the SchoolTime series has welcomed over 500,000 youth, teachers, and chaperones. 

Ticket and transportation subsidies are available! Requests can be made on your order form.

Questions? Email education@cincinnatiarts.org

The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen

Lightwire Theater’s The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen continues Aesop’s classic story with the characters ten years down the road with children of their own in a new landscape of smart phones and video games. Tortoise Junior and Lil’ Hare begin a whole new kind of race where their adventures lead them into unexpected territory, and Old Man Tortoise and Big Daddy Hare must come together despite their differences to find and save their children. What hurdles will they have to overcome to make it to the finish line?

  • Wednesday, October 14, 2026

  • 11:00 AM

  • Recommended Grades: K-5

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Mister C Live - Vol. 3 When Science Goes Viral!

After four years of sold-out performances, Mister C is back for TWO days! Join Mister C in the lab for another amazing day of learning as he attempts the world’s coolest and most popular experiments with YOU, his science crew!! Jumbo centripetal force boards, on-stage mentos geysers, GIANT elephant toothpaste and so many more experiments will transform how students, parents and teachers feel about learning science! Warning: Attendees may experience laughter, learning and a love for science! 

 

  • Monday, October 26 & Tuesday, October 27 

  • 10:00 AM & NOON

  • Recommended Grades: 3-8

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Gravity & Other Myths: Ten Thousand Hours

Blink, step, jump, balance, flip, fly. Eight acrobats and one musician investigate physical skill; how we obtain it, how we perfect it, and how it can transform our lives. Through highlighting the nuance of high level acrobatics, audiences experience a heightened appreciation of the countless hours required to master the skills they are witnessing. Set to a driving, dynamic and intricate musical score using percussion/drums live on-stage, Ten Thousand Hours is a revelry of the distinct physical language that defines GOM and a celebration of the pursuit of mastery.

  • Thursday, November 5, 2026

  • 11:00 AM

  • Recommended Grades: 4-12

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I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

It’s Christmas time at the Ypsilanti Zoo, and everyone there eagerly anticipates the birth of Bella, the zoo’s first baby hippo. Seven-year old Lois Jean, the zookeeper’s daughter, is especially excited—she’s counting on Bella to reunite her family in time for the holidays. Then the unexpected happens, and only one person can prevent tragedy. Will Santa arrive in time to save Bella—and Christmas? A heartwarming musical adventure for all ages, inspired by Cincinnati’s favorite hippo, Fiona!

  • Tuesday, December 15, 2026

  • 11:00 AM

  • Recommended Grades: 1-5

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MAROONED! A Space Comedy

An astronaut crashes on an uncharted planet. Will she survive strange creatures, an abnormal atmosphere, and isolation in order to find her way home? See for yourself… in MAROONED! Featuring music from the Voyager Golden Record, this innovative new puppet show takes place at the outer reaches of space. Internationally acclaimed puppet theater and filmmaking company Alex and Olmsted presents this Jim Henson Foundation grant–awarded production.

  • Friday, January 22, 2027

  • 10:00 AM & 12:30 PM

  • Recommended Grades: 4-12

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Clifford The Big Red Dog: The Musical

Everyone’s favorite Big Red Dog, CLIFFORD– bounds onto the stage in a brand-new musical comedy adventure that celebrates friendship, imagination and the magic of unconditional love! Emily Elizabeth absolutely adores her new puppy - the tiny red runt of the litter. But when her GIANT love makes Clifford grow into a GIANT, the family must trade their cramped city apartment for a home on Birdwell Island – where folks aren’t so sure about a house sized, playful pup. Clifford The Big Red Dog: The Musical is full of extra-large laughs, joy and love - the paw-fect show for Clifford's growing young fans – and nostalgic parents who remember him too!

  • Wednesday, February 10, 2027
  • 11:00 AM
  • Recommended Grades: PreK-2
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Shaun Boothe & The Unauthorized Biography Series

Shaun Boothe and the Unauthorized Biography Series is a critically acclaimed musical project that celebrates the world’s greatest cultural icons through biographical rap songs–Repackaging History through Hip-Hop. Half TED Talk, half live concert, Shaun uses music, multimedia, and motivation to deliver powerful and transformative messaging in a way that will truly resonate with your audience and leave them incredibly inspired.

  • Thursday, February 18, 2027

  • 10:00 AM & NOON

  • Recommended Grades: 5-9

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Ada Twist, Scientist & Friends

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. A fun musical based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty, which spotlights the STEM curriculum.

  • Thursday, March 11, 2027
  • 11:00 AM

  • Recommended Grades: K-4

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(Sensory-Friendly Performance) 123 Andrés: Jamming on the Job

123 Andrés is back by popular demand! Jamming on the Job, the hit podcast from PBS Kids, turns into an interactive live show! Christina, Andrés and Pierce Freelon (BoomBox) love traveling but – yikes! They hit a few roadblocks along the way. Young audiences get to learn about all sorts of helpers with cool careers, armed with the skills to solve problems and save the day. With fun visuals and catchy songs, this performance explores the world of work, with original songs for young audiences and families to jam to while they picture themselves in the future and learn about mindsets that can help us be successful, no matter what we do.

  • Thursday, April 15, 2027

  • 10:00 AM & NOON

  • Recommended Grades: All Ages Welcome

More Info

123 Andrés: Jamming on the Job

123 Andrés is back by popular demand! Jamming on the Job, the hit podcast from PBS Kids, turns into an interactive live show! Christina, Andrés and Pierce Freelon (BoomBox) love traveling but – yikes! They hit a few roadblocks along the way. Young audiences get to learn about all sorts of helpers with cool careers, armed with the skills to solve problems and save the day. With fun visuals and catchy songs, this performance explores the world of work, with original songs for young audiences and families to jam to while they picture themselves in the future and learn about mindsets that can help us be successful, no matter what we do.

  • Friday, April 16, 2027

  • 10:00 AM & NOON

  • Recommended Grades: PreK-2

More Info

Cultural Centre of India: Indian Culture Comes to You

During Indian Culture Comes to You, students won’t just watch the performance, they’ll be part of it! The Cultural Centre of India’s mission is to spark a love for learning and present an experience that is educational and unforgettable. Using dance, hand-language, and a wealth of visual aids, they’ll expand on lessons in multiculturalism, history, religion, language arts, geography, and more. Students will step into the performance, explore new cultures, and experience the joy of hands-on learning through music, dance, and storytelling.

  • Thursday, April 22, 2027

  • 10:00 AM & NOON

  • Recommended Grades: 2-6

More Info

SchoolTime FAQ

What do SchoolTime tickets cost?

  • School groups of 10 or more: $8 per ticket, with one complimentary for every 15 purchased.
  • Small groups 9 or less, $10 per ticket.

Do you offer any subsidies for low-income schools?

Ticket Subsidy: Thanks to our generous sponsors, ticket subsidies are available to low-income schools. Schools confirmed to have 80% or more students on Free and Reduced Lunch qualify for $4 tickets. A limited number of reduced tickets are available to schools with less than 80%. Seat costs vary based on the performance and needs of the school. Please indicate your interest in receiving a ticket subsidy on your order form.

Transportation Subsidy: We are pleased to offer a Transportation Subsidy Program, which helps offset transportation costs to and from SchoolTime performances. Funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Schools are responsible for scheduling and paying for their transportation, and subsidy funds are provided on a reimbursement basis. Please indicate your interest in receiving a transportation subsidy on your order form.

I’m filling out my order form. What if I'm unsure how many students will participate?

  • Register for your best estimation of tickets needed.
  • You may adjust your ticket numbers as necessary up to three weeks before the performance date, subject to availability.
  • No reservation decreases or cancellations will be accepted after this time. No refunds will be issued for schools that choose to pay in full prior to this deadline or for students who are absent on the day of the performance. Schools are expected to pay for the seats they reserve.

I submitted my SchoolTime order form! Now what?

  • Please note that a submitted order form is not a guarantee of field trip reservation or seat availability.
  • If you submit your order form in May or over the summer, we will respond within 5 business days to confirm submission. In mid-August, you will be notified regarding the status of your order.
  • If you submit your order form during the school year, you will be notified within 5 business days regarding the status of your order.

(Important!) How do I finalize my SchoolTime reservation?

After you receive an email confirming your reservation and seat availability, your seats will be on a temporary hold. Schools must do one of the following no less than six weeks* before a performance to finalize their reservation and guarantee their seats:

  1. Submit a copy of a school purchase order (PO) for the full amount due OR
  2. Submit payment for the full amount due
  • Reservations with seats on a temporary hold will be released if a PO or payment has not been received by six weeks before the performance.
  • *For performances that take place in October, POs or payment must be submitted by September 25.
  • If you finalize your reservation using a PO, full payment is due two weeks before the performance.
  • We understand each school operates differently. If the timeline laid out above is difficult for you, please let us know.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

  • Schools can cancel their reservation at any time up to three weeks before the performance. After this time, schools are expected to pay for the seats they have reserved.
  • We highly suggest confirming transportation reservations with your bus company at least three weeks before the performance. Schools are still expected to pay for their reserved seats even if their transportation falls through.

Is American Sign Language offered at SchoolTime performances?

  • Yes! For performances that are offered at 10AM & NOON (or 12:30), ASL will be available at the afternoon performance.
  • For performances that are offered at 11:00 AM, ASL will be available at the 11:00 AM performance.

Are homeschools eligible to attend SchoolTime performances?

Yes! Homeschools are welcome to attend all SchoolTime performances and should fill out a SchoolTime Order Form with their reservation information.

I am on a waitlist, when will I know whether my field trip will be approved?

Any orders placed on a waiting list will be approved on a rolling basis from the time of order submission. Educators will be notified if space becomes available.

How long are SchoolTime performances?

  • All performances are 45-60 minutes unless otherwise stated.
  • We make every effort to get you and your students back to school on time. On average, dismissal from a SchoolTime performance in the Jarson-Kaplan Theater takes about 15 minutes, and about 40 minutes when in Procter & Gamble Hall. Still, depending on the number of schools in attendance, it may take longer. Please plan accordingly.

Is there a place to eat lunch?

Unfortunately, Cincinnati Arts Association is not able to provide space for class lunches.

Additional SchoolTime Information Below

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS EDUCATION SPONSORS
 

The Cincinnati Arts Association and its Education and Community Programs

are made possible in part by an investment of public funds from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

 

ArtsWave; Bahl & Gaynor Investment Counsel; The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation; Charles H. Dater Foundation Inc.; Eleanora C U Alms Trust; Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.; Greater Cincinnati Foundation; Harlan Graphics;  The Louise Taft Semple Foundation; The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Charitable Trust - Narley L. Haley & Fifth Third Bank, Co-Trustees; Millstone Fund; National Endowment for the Arts; Ohio Arts Council; P&G Fund; Pepsi; Punky’s Pixels; Josephine S. Russell Charitable Trust; Studio 900; Summerfair Cincinnati; TriHealth; WOW Windowboxes