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 live performances featuring national and internationally touring artists. These performances ignite imaginations, foster greater knowledge, and introduce audiences to new artists, art forms, and the diverse cultures of our global community.

All performances are free and open to the public; however, reservations are required. All matinees begin at 11:00 am and last approximately an hour. Dates, times, and artists are subject to change.

Mighty Times: The Children’s March (a film)

Friday, October 18, 2024

This Academy-Award winning documentary film tells the story how the young people of Birmingham, Alabama braved arrest, fire hoses and police dogs to bring segregation to its knees. In the spring of 1963, Birmingham, Alabama, was the “do-or-die” battleground for the Civil Rights Movement. After heavy intimidation from authorities left the movement struggling, over 4,000 African American students, using word-of-mouth organized a mass protest that turned the tides. Their heroism complements discussions about the ability of today’s youth to be catalysts for positive social change. Moderated by cultural historian and educator, Dr. Charles Gentry.

Recommended for middle and high school students.

San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum presents Afro Algorithms – a film screening

Friday, November 8, 2024

The award-winning short animation film Afro Algorithms, by Anatola Araba, explores the intersection of technology and identity, advocates for the importance of diverse perspectives and celebrates creativity as our greatest superpower. Set in the distant future, the film follows Aero, an artificial intelligence inaugurated as the world’s first AI leader. Aero soon finds that important worldviews are missing from her databank, including those of historically marginalized people. This interactive presentation will include a moderated Q&A delving deeper into the film’s themes and igniting thoughtful conversation.

Recommended for middle and high school students.

Shaun Boothe: The Unauthorized Biography Series

Friday, January 24, 2025

The Unauthorized Biography Series is a celebration of greatness! The creative genius of recording artist and youth speaker Shaun Boothe, this critically acclaimed musical project uses music, multimedia, and motivation to share the stories of the world’s greatest cultural icons – repackaging history through Hip-Hop. Half TED Talk, half live concerts, Shaun performs a selection of his musical biographies and then explores the life lessons we can all learn from these icons. This empowering and transformative experience will leave the audience motivated and inspired!

Recommended for older elementary through high school students.

Capoeira with Ile Bahia de San Antonio

Friday, January 31, 2025

Ile Bahia returns for this annual celebration of capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian cultural practice that incorporates martial arts, dance, music, and extreme athleticisms. Known for its acrobatic and complex maneuvers, capoeira was brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans who combined customs, dances, rituals and fighting techniques from their various cultures as means to preserve and share culture, as well as a form of resistance and self-defense. The audience will be thrilled by the agility and power of the dancers while learning about the history and significance of this centuries-old art form.

Recommended for all ages.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre

Friday, February 28, 2025

Experience the magic of dance with internationally acclaimed Dallas Black Dance Theatre! This interactive performance offers a unique opportunity to experience the artistry and cultural richness of contemporary dance. Through excerpts of the company’s repertoire and narrative by professional dancers, the audience will be introduced to various techniques, terms, and traditions of the art form, as well as an opportunity to learn more about the life of a dancer. This interactive performance will lead audience members in learning a simple combination of movements and gestures, as well as an opportunity to ask questions of company members.

Recommended for all ages.

Honolulu Theatre for Youth presents The Pa’akai We Bring

Friday, March 28, 2025

This original production introduces audiences to the Native Hawaiian ideas of balance and healing by exploring their relationship to Pa‘akai (salt). Traditionally, pa‘akai is food, medicine, a sacrament and a treasured gift essential to individual, communal and environmental well-being. Through stories, songs, laughter and audience participation, the play follows a multi-generational family of salt farmers on Kauai. This tasty potluck of performance is intended for audiences of all ages to celebrate ancient and modern ways of restoration and balance, joyously served up with aloha.

Recommended for all ages.

Opera San Antonio

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Join us for a special matinee performance designed to introduce students to the enchanting world of opera! This educational and engaging experience will feature a selection of famous arias and scenes, showcasing the power and beauty of operatic music. Students will have the opportunity to explore different vocal styles and experience the magic of live theater, where music, drama, and storytelling converge. Perfect for young audiences, this program will inspire a love for the arts and provide a memorable cultural experience.

Recommended for all ages

ENSEMBLE THEATRE PRESENTS: ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY

Friday, February 21, 2020

This stage adaptation of the Newbery award- winning classic is set in Mississippi at the height of the Depression. It is the story of one family’s struggle to maintain their integrity, pride and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. Recommended ages: 2nd – 8th grades