Student Matinees

For Grades 6 to 12

The Portland Stage Student Matinee Program annually provides more than 7,000 students with discounted tickets for student matinees. The goal of our student matinee program is to help students gain understanding of their own lives by connecting on a deeper level to productions that explore and mirror the world in which they live. Following the performance, students participate in a talk-back discussion with the cast and crew, which helps them gain awareness of the creative process and encourages them to think critically about the themes and messages of the play.

Upcoming 2022-2023 Student Matinees

All in-person Student Matinees start at 10:00 AM. Many productions this season also have a digital viewing option. Call or email us for age recommendations or to reserve tickets at 207-774-1043 ext. 104 or [email protected].

The Great Leap by Lauren Yee

Grades 8-12

Thu September 22, 2022

Wed September 28, 2022

Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure adapted by adapted by Steven Dietz

Grades 6-12

Thu November 3, 2022

Wed November 9, 2022

Wed November 16, 2022

Thurs November 17, 2022

A Tuna Christmas by Ed Howard, Joe Sears, Jaston Williams

Grades 9-12

Wed December 7, 2022

Thu December 8, 2022

Wed December 14, 2022

Wed December 21, 2022

How I Learned What I Learned by August Wilson

Thu March 9, 2023

Wed March 15, 2023

The Cake by Bekah Brunstetter

Wed April 12, 2023

Thur April 13, 2023

2022- 2023 Matinee Prices

Virtual Cost: A $75 per classroom fee for a virtual viewing of a Mainstage performance. Virtual productions are available for Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure & Sweet Goats and Blueberry Señoritas.

In-Person Cost: In-person tickets are typically $12 per person, with One comp offered for every twenty tickets sold.

Student Matinee Reservations are handled by the Education Department, not the Portland Stage Box Office. To make a reservation, contact the Education Department at 207.774.1043 x101 or via e-mail.

Matinee Workshops

We also offer optional classroom workshops with professional theater artists before and/or after the show. These can be offered in person or virtually and are an additional fee.

These workshops enhance student ownership and understanding of the language, story, and characters by using theater techniques to activate their voices, bodies, and imaginations in relationship to the material. The students are able to bring the story to life in their classroom using their own ideas and impressions as the framework for creation and exploration.

Matinee Resources

Teachers can access our resource guide PlayNotes in advance for background articles, information on the playwright and production, and ideas for the classroom by emailing our education department.

Interested in Ticket to Ride discounted transportation through The Maine Arts Commission? Click here.