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.
Viva La Causa Film Screening
Friday, October 14, 2022
A focus on the 1960’s grape strike and boycott led by César Chávez and Delores Huerta, which joined thousands in a struggle for justice for some of the most exploited people – the workers who put food on our table. Dr. Marco Cervantes, better known by his stage name, Mexstep, will moderate a conversation about this pivotal time in the fight for human rights.
Recommended for 6-12th grades
Capoeira with Ile Bahia de San Antonio Capoeira
Friday, November 18, 2022
Capoeira, brought to Brazil by African slaves, is a unique art form that combines elements of martial arts, dance, and acrobatics performed to the background of Brazilian instruments and music. Students will not only be thrilled by the agility, precision, and power of the dancers and movements, but will also explore the rich historical significance of the 500-year-old art form.
Recommended for all ages
Lady CT presents The People Could Fly: An African American Folktale
Friday, January 13, 2023
Along time ago in Africa, the people could fly…so begins the title story in Virginia’s Hamilton’s prize-winning American Black folktale anthology. This is the tale of enslaved people who possessed the ancient magic words that enabled them to fly away to freedom. The legend celebrates the imagination and resiliency of enslaved peoples and honors the significance of spirituality and mysticism to Black communities in times of great injustice and uncertainty.
Recommended for 3rd grade and up
The Children’s March – A One Act Play
Friday, February 3, 2023
In May 1963, thousands of African American youths marched through the streets of Birmingham, Alabama in a peaceful demonstration against segregation. Facing fire hoses, police dogs and arrests, the treatment of the youth sparked national outrage and was a galvanizing moment in the Civil Rights Movement. This original play, by local playwright Antoinette Winstead, tells the story of eight brave students as they prepare to march, each grappling with their decision to participate or not, each acutely aware of the consequences for themselves, their families, and community, all having to weigh fear against hope.
Recommended for grades 6th-12th
Origami Tales with Kuniko Yamamoto
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Using the ancient art of origami, music and audience participation, Master Storyteller Kuniko Yamamoto provides a magical entry into Japanese culture. Mythological character masks and puppets, beautiful flowers and a dragon – all made from origami – set the stage as Kuniko weaves mystical tales from ancient Japan.
Recommended for all ages.
Cenicienta – A Bilingual Fairy Tale
Friday, April 21, 2023
Presented by Glass Half Full Theatre, this bilingual Cinderella story explores culture, familia and the power of language. When Belinda is locked in the family basement with instructions to prepare for the party upstairs, she uses her imagination and considerable sense of self to re-enact the Cinderella story through Object Theatre (puppetry with everyday objects).
Recommended for all ages
San Antonio Blues Festival
Thursday, April 27, 2023
The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) hosts a special Youth Matinee as part of their annual Blues Festival celebration. Nationally touring musicians, who will be visiting San Antonio to participate in the Blues Festival, will take audiences on a musical journey to learn about and enjoy the legacy of the blues.
Recommended for all ages
San Antonio Dance Festival
Friday, May 5, 2023
The San Antonio Dance Festival seeks to enrich lives and the community through high-quality dance. As part of the annual festival, students will be lead on a cultural journey expressed through the joy of movement. Professional dancers and companies, from local to international, will share their artistry, culture, and passion through the truly universal language of dance.
Recommended for all ages
