Youth Matinee Series
Igniting the kaleidoscope of our imagination.
For over fifty years, the Youth Matinee Series has engaged the hearts and minds of students, teachers, and families through free access to performances featuring local, national and internationally touring artists.
Dates and times are subject to change.
This series of free, multicultural and multidisciplinary performances have ignited imaginations, broadened minds and expanded knowledge by introducing generations of audiences to the diverse cultures and art forms of our global community.
All performances are free and open to the public. However, reservations are required. All matinees begin at 11am and last approximately an hour. Artists and schedule are subject to change.
Capoeira with Ile Bahia for San Antonio
Friday, October 6, 2023
Ile Bahia de San Antonio returns in this celebration of capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art form that incorporates acrobatics, dance, percussion, and songs in a rhythmic dialogue of body, mind, and spirit. Brought to Brazil by African slaves, capoeira is performed against a background of traditional instruments and music. Audiences will be thrilled by the agility, precisions and power of the dancers and movements while learning about the rich historical significance of the over 500-year-old-art form.
Step Afrika!
Friday, October 20, 2023
Stepping blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities. Step Afrika! promotes stepping as an educational tool for young people focusing on teamwork, academic excellence, and cross-cultural understanding. This performance integrates songs, storytelling and humor while blending technique, audience participation and pure energy for a polyrhythmic percussive symphony that brings audiences to their feet.
Day of the Dead Book Celebration
Friday, November 1, 2023
Día de Muertos traditionally begins on this day, with a recognition of the innocent spirits who have passed away – including our beloved pets. The unconditional love we share with our furry friends is beautifully illustrated in Remembering, the newest picture book by award-winning duo Adriana M. Garcia and Xelena González. Join these local creators as they present an interactive reading, a behind-the-scenes look at the original art, plus other holiday traditions.
Recommended for 3rd grade and up
Mad River Theatre Works presents Keep Marching: The Road to the March on Washington
Friday, January 26, 2024
Bringing collected oral history to life, this original one-act play with music explores the historic 1963 march on Washington. Revered as the day that Martin Luther King Jr. made his famous ‘I Have A Dream’ speech in August of 1963, the event drew over a quarter of a million people together in a peaceful gathering, and was a shining moment in the progression of equality in America, as well as a pivotal action in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s.
the smallest thing
Friday, February 23, 2024
How does one small idea grow into a story? How does that story sprout pictures? If you’d like to learn how a picture book is made, join celebrated author Xelena González as she invites young readers to be part of the process by sharing their feedback on new stories in-progress and to be the first to view “art reveals” by four fabulous local artists, including Kim Garza, Kat Cadena, Audyra Flores, and Katie Dolan. Enjoy live drawings and storytelling and share your ideas with this creative team to help their new picture books soar!
Recommended for 3rd grade & up.
Houston Contemporary Dance presents Moving Myths
Friday, March 8, 2024
Focusing on themes of courage, Moving Myths exposes the audience to strong heroic ideas such as standing up to bullies, taking care of one’s family and facing great danger. Written by playwright/novelist Elizabeth A. M. Keel, this one-hour fantastical journey follows four travellers as they share stories based on traditional myths from Chinese, Native American, Norwegian, and Ethiopian cultures. Using expressive movement, beautiful imagery, costuming and storytelling, this captivating performance will transport the audience across time and cultures.
San Antonio Blues Festival
Thursday, April 25, 2024
As part of their annual Blues Festival, the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) presents a nationally touring artist that will lead students on a cultural journey exploring musical traditions rooted in and inspired by blues music. While the artist selection is named in the fall, this concert is always lively, interactive and leaves audiences on their feet!
