Society for the Performing Arts’ student matinee program provides schools and community groups opportunities to see world class performances in Houston’s Theater District venues at a huge discount. The SPA 2008-2009 Student Matinee “Contemporary Rhythms” Program offers students and youths unique theatrical experiences, only available during the upcoming school year. Teacher Packets for each performance include pre/post performance lesson, which are correlated to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) objectives.

All of us share one rhythm in common: the heartbeat. From prehistoric times, the heartbeat was translated into intricate drumming rhythms and continues to be the basis of all percussion around the globe. The heartbeat also influences the world’s greatest literary form: the poem. Don’t miss the Houston debut of DrumLine Live in January and the power of spoken word performances with Mayhem Poets in February. Read on for details…

 

DrumLine Live
10 am, Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Jones Hall

DrumLine Live brings show-style marching band performers from America’s top historically Black Colleges and Universities to the theatrical stage for the first time! Created by the music team behind the hit movie DRUMLine, this showdown of rhythm and speed between the “lines” will feature the music of the great brass past—like Earth, Wind and Fire and Tower of Power—alongside the hottest contemporary hip hop and R&B music. The stirring sound of trumpets, incredible feats of athleticism from the “steppers” and dancers, and the talented percussionists who form the “drumline” will bring the audience to its feet!






 

Mayhem Poets
10 am & 12 pm, Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Cullen Theater, Wortham Center

Performance poetry is an accessible, appealing art form that can motivate students to foster an appreciation for both classic and contemporary poetic/theatrical expression. Utilizing hip-hop rhythms and dynamic theatrical techniques, the Mayhem Poets have developed powerful performances to inspire students to craft and perform original poetry.




     
 
   
Through the generosity of ConocoPhillips, the Transportation Funding Assistance Program makes it possible for SPA to reimburse schools a percentage of the cost of transporting students to the theater for a student matinee performances. All schools are eligible. All that is needed is a copy of the invoice for transportation rental for the field trip.
 
Please note:
Reservations and payment are required two weeks prior to the scheduled performance. If a minimum number of reservations are not met two weeks prior, the performance is subject to cancellation. All seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis as orders are received. A 10% nonrefundable deposit must be paid within 30 days of the reservation. The remainder of the balance is due two weeks prior to the performance. If seats are reserved less than 30 days before a performance, payment in full is due at the time of the order. There are no refunds, exchanges or additions once reservations have been made.

There is a minimum of one chaperone per ten students and a maximum of one chaperone per five students allowed. Both students and chaperones must purchase tickets.