SAFETY COMMITMENT: Your safety is our top priority. The Carolina Theatre of Durham has upgraded our HVAC systems and filtration to provide the safest air possible and increased our cleaning to GBAC Star-certified COVID standards. Masks are recommended to be worn while inside the theater but are no longer required. Please note, entry requirements are subject to change. Learn more.
2021-2022 ARTS DISCOVERY EDUCATIONAL SERIES
We are thrilled to welcome you back to our 25th year of presenting the Arts Discovery Educational Series, both in our theater and virtually for young audiences!
Our series kicks off with the illuminating Lightwire Theatre’s interpretation of The Ugly Duckling, to Exigence, A Sphinx Vocal Ensemble highlighting the choral artistry within Black and Latinx communities, Storyteller Donna Washington with her elastic face and voice characterizations that bring folklore to life, renowned Paperhand Puppet Intervention with their whimsical creations, The Movement: An Acapella Musical about the children in Alabama who stood against racial injustice in 1963, the annual screening of the film FEBRUARY ONE, ending with the magical Sonia De Los Santos sharing her story through song of migrating from Mexico to NYC.
It’s our hope the Arts Discovery Educational Series sparks joy, a sense of wonder and curiosity that only live performances can bring.
Our high-quality programming continues to meet Department of Public Instruction classroom curriculum arts education goals, “Arts Exposure” and to explore “Arts Integration” with our partnership with Durham Arts Council’s, CAPPS ArtsConnect program. This program complements Arts Discovery Educational Series by offering a school residency for a deeper dive into the artform and curricular connections.
All performances will be in-person. Please note only select performances offer a Virtual Field Trip option. This virtual option is to ensure the safety and well-being of our audiences. A link to the performance will be emailed to you at 10:00 a.m. the day after the performance date and will expire within 48 hours. Reservations for Virtual Field Trips and additional information can be found on the individual show pages.
Reservations will begin on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
Our Goal
Engage our young audiences through captivating on-stage performances and film screenings to foster learning.
Our Vision
Establish the Carolina Theatre as a leading field trip destination for performing arts experiences for young audiences and families.
Education Goals
- Present high-quality performing arts, theater, dance, music and film for young audiences.
- Enhance teacher awareness of the arts as an effective medium for cultivating student appreciation of creative expression, academic learning and artistic discipline.
- Provide an affordable field trip destination for performing arts experiences to complement curriculum goals for both schools and community organizations that serve children and their families.
- Promote the arts as a vehicle for greater understanding and respect for all.
All school groups, including homeschools, will reserve tickets to Arts Discovery performances through Eventbrite.
CHAPERONES
Schools receive one free seat for every 30 seats purchased. Additional chaperones, (teachers and parents) can pay at the door on the day of the show. Infants under the age of one year that will be sitting on a parent’s lap will receive complimentary entry.
SEATS
Theatre staff will seat students based on group size and grade level. Locations cannot be held for late arrivals. We request that all teachers and chaperones sit at the ends of the rows so they do not obstruct the view for the smaller children seated behind them.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Please include any accessibility needs, such as wheelchair access or hearing devices on your reservation. We do encourage you to contact Box Office Manager if you need further seating requirements at bradley@carolinatheatre.org
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
If your school is delayed or canceled due to inclement weather on the day of the performance, please notify noel@carolinatheatre.org as soon as possible. The Carolina Theatre is responsible for paying performing artists regardless of attendance, weather or school cancellations. If inclement weather prevents your group from attending, or the show is canceled or postponed by the performer, you may receive an account credit good for any remaining show for this season, based on availability.
ALL PERFORMANCES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY CONCERNS.
DAY OF PERFORMANCE
- All Arts Discovery Educational Series performances are an hour long, unless otherwise noted.
- Please arrive 30 minutes before show time. This helps with parking buses and seating students.
- Police officers will direct buses for parking.
- Please get your bus driver’s name and phone number in case you need to locate your bus.
- Your students should remain on the bus while the group leader checks in with the Carolina Theatre staff at the CHECK IN table in front of the theater.
- Please present your invoice at the CHECK IN table for entrance.
- Volunteer ushers will direct everyone to their seats once doors are open.
- Study guides are available when they are provided by the performing artist. They can be found on their individual show page.
- If you choose the Virtual Field Trip option, a link will be emailed to you the day after the performance date.
- Eating inside the theater or outside on the plaza is prohibited.
All Durham Public Schools (DPS) reservations will be made by the school-designated Arts Liaison. The Arts Liaison was appointed by each school principal to coordinate this effort. Please contact your principal for further action.
Thank you to the many sponsors and individual donors who have supported the Arts Discovery Educational Series for the last 25 years. With your support, we look forward to continuing to offer this dynamic arts education program for years to come!
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the following sponsors for their support of Arts Discovery Educational Series this year:


Rob GoFourth
Collaboration
Through combined resources with our partner organizations, we are able to offer richer arts experiences for our students. We are proud to partner with the following organizations:
Durham Arts Council, ArtsConnect program
Durham Public Schools
University of North Carolina, Carolina Public Humanities, Carolina K-12
This project was supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.