2024-25 School Shows

Field Trips to Children’s Theatre of Charlotte offer professional theatre productions for school audiences. Our home at ImaginOn features two state-of-the-art theatres, and all Children’s Theatre productions align with curriculum set forth in the Common Core State Standards and the North Carolina Essential Standards. Our free Teacher Resource Guides provide detailed information and activities to complement each production. Our dedicated and experienced school show team help ensure a safe and smooth field trip experience for every school.
If you are a Homeschool family  ►click here for booking information. Shows below are listed in chronological order. You can also view shows by suggested grade ranges (right/bottom depending on your screen size). Larger groups (20+) can view specific dates/times for school shows from the Booking Request links below (choose the show/s you're interested in from the checkbox list). Click a show image to view/hide details.
If you have students with special needs please ►click here for more information.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical

Dec 4-19, 2024
For 1st grade and up

By Jahnna Beecham & Malcolm Hillgartner | Adapted from the book by Barbara Robinson | Orchestrations and vocal arrangements by Deborah Wicks La Puma | Produced by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing

McColl Family Theatre | 70 minutes
The Herdmans are back and ready to wreak havoc! What happens when the “worst kids in the history of the world” find out about free food at Sunday school? And what happens when they decide to audition for the annual Christmas pageant? Will the show go on? This hilarious and heartfelt musical comedy, adapted from Barbara Robinson’s classic story, will have your family laughing and crying as we celebrate the holidays.
Themes: Community, traditions, belonging, empathy

Booking Request (20 or more) Homeschool (less than 20) Resource Guide

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!

Jan 7-23, 2025
For PreK - 4th grade

Book and Lyrics by Robert Kauzlaric | Music by Paul Gilvary and William Rush | Based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith

Wells Fargo Playhouse | One Act, approx 60 min
You know the story. Three pigs build houses, the one who builds with bricks avoids the Big Bad Wolf and lives to tell the tale. But is that what really happened, or just porcine propaganda? In this brilliant parody of the famous fairy tale, we follow the Big Bad Wolf as he stands trial for his purported deeds. He has his own version of the story – and the audience becomes the jury, helping decide his fate: guilty or not guilty! Based on John Scieszka’s wildly popular book, this courtroom-farce-meets-musical is sure to please…it would be a crime to miss it!
Themes: Differing viewpoints, Jumping to conclusions

Booking Request (20 or more) Homeschool (less than 20)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical

Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical

Jan 30 - Feb 28, 2025
For 3rd grade and up

Book by Kevin del Aguila | Music and Lyrics by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler | Based on the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” Book Series by Jeff Kinney and the 20th Century Studios

McColl Family Theatre | One Act, approx 60 min
The bell rings, lockers slam, and the hallways empty as Greg Heffley prepares for survival ... er ... middle school. But, this “wimpy” kid is determined not to be at the bottom of the food chain. He formulates a plan to gain popularity. But, at what cost? And what about the dreaded Cheese Touch?! Told through Greg’s hilarious and heartfelt cartoon diary, the wildly-popular, best-selling book, comes to life as a musical on stage.
Themes: Loyalty, bullying, friendship, self-esteem

Booking Request (20 or more) Homeschool (less than 20)

Tiara's Hat Parade

Tiara's Hat Parade

Feb 19 - Mar 7, 2025
For 2nd grade and up

Adapted for the stage by Paige Hernandez | Based on the book written by Kelly Starling Lyons

Wells Fargo Playhouse | One Act, approx 70 min
“Spirited Tiara never misses a moment to be her Momma’s go-to hat model. She twirls around the shop, telling stories and bringing joy to all of their customers. But when a new store opens in town, the family business is threatened. Momma feels pressed to set her dreams aside and find another job. Tiara has an idea though to turn things around. This touching story shows how one small gesture can impact an entire community and that kindness is always in fashion.
Themes: Kindness, community, culture, courage

Booking Request (20 or more) Homeschool (less than 20)

Caleb Sigmon's Theatre of Illusion

Caleb Sigmon's Theatre of Illusion

Mar 11-14, 2025
For 1st grade and up
McColl Family Theatre | One Act, approx 60 min
You’ve never seen a magic show like this! Shadows come to life, fireflies dance around the theatre, and a play-pretend dragon’s roar will rumble your seats. Step into Caleb Sigmon’s enchanting world of wonder as the McColl Family Theatre transforms into a playground of impossible wonders in this fully immersive and all-new illusion show premiering in Charlotte! Don’t miss this jam-packed evening of back-to-back miracles, with miracles that take place 360° around the theatre, and even over your heads! It’s the don’t-miss magic show that the entire family will love! Get ready to suspend your disbelief, hold your breath, and dive into a world where anything can (and will) happen! Your family will be left spellbound and in awe of what is possible when we use our imaginations.
Themes: Magic

Booking Request (20 or more) Homeschool (less than 20)

Breach of Peace: The Freedom Riders of 1961

Breach of Peace: The Freedom Riders of 1961

Mar 18-28, 2025
For 3rd grade and up

Written and performed by Mike Wiley

Wells Fargo Playhouse | One Act, approx 60 min
On May 24,1961, 12 brave souls boarded a Trailways bus in Montgomery, Alabama bound for New Orleans - and history. The Freedom Riders, as they would be called, fueled the desegregation of buses by shining a light on the segregated South. 300 others would follow in their footsteps facing hardships and even arrests along the way. Mike Wiley’s powerful one-man show is based on the true accounts of surviving participants and many other individuals involved in the early struggle for African-American equality.
Themes: Equality, justice, civil rights, bravery

Booking Request (20 or more) Homeschool (less than 20)

Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat

Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat

Apr 2 - May 1, 2025
For PreK - 3rd grade

Based on the book by Dr. Seuss | Play originally produced by the National Theatre of Great Britain | Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

McColl Family Theatre | One Act, approx 60 min
From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat that they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and the craziest of ideas, he is certainly loads of fun. He turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure... but what will mum find when she gets home...?
Themes: Trust and honesty, living life to the fullest

Booking Request (20 or more) Homeschool (less than 20)

The Odyssey Experience

The Odyssey Experience

Apr 22-30, 2025
For grades 3rd and up

By Christopher Parks

Wells Fargo Playhouse | One Act, approx 60 min
Come on a wild adventure with the famed warrior Odysseus, king of Ithaca, in this completely interactive production! Adapted from the Greek poet Homer’s The Odyssey, this innovative experience welcomes you to be a part of the play as you are transported back to the time of the Trojan War. This participatory style of theatrical storytelling, experiential theater, will take you on a journey unlike any you’ve ever traveled before.
Themes: Courage, loyalty, adventure, Western culture

Booking Request (20 or more) Homeschool (less than 20)

Homeschool Bookings

If you are a part of a larger Homeschool group or association and are booking for a group of 20+ people, please use the Booking Request (20 or more) link below each show. If you are Homeschool group or family booking for less than 20 people, please use the Homeschool (less than 20) link below each show (an online account and a VISA or Mastercard will be needed to complete your booking). If you have any questions please contact Chris Stonnell, School Group Sales & Performance Coordinator (704-973-2829).

Students with Special Needs

We are able to provide accommodations during our school shows for students with special needs. This includes students who use wheelchairs, walkers, have hearing or visual impairments, or those on the autism spectrum who require access to quiet spaces, headphones, fidgets, or other sensory objects. If you know of any special seating needs for your school group, please list them on your booking request form in the box marked “Special Needs” so that our team will be prepared to provide the appropriate accommodations.
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For booking questions or more information please contact:
Chris Stonnell, School Group Sales & Performance Coordinator (704-973-2829)

SHOWS BY GRADE

  • + PreK
    The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!
    Caleb Sigmon LIVE! Theatre of Illusion
    Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat
  • + Younger Elementary (K-2nd)
    Grace for President
    The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
    The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!
    Tiara's Hat Parade
    Caleb Sigmon LIVE! Theatre of Illusion
    Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat
  • + Older Elementary (3rd-5th)
    School of Rock The Musical
    Grace for President
    The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
    The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!
    Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical
    Tiara's Hat Parade
    Caleb Sigmon LIVE! Theatre of Illusion
    Breach of Peace: The Freedom Riders of 1961
    Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat
    The Odyssey Experience
  • + Middle School
    School of Rock The Musical
    Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical
    Caleb Sigmon LIVE! Theatre of Illusion
    Breach of Peace: The Freedom Riders of 1961
    The Odyssey Experience

BENEFITS TO YOU

  • High-quality productions of classics, musicals, and new works performed by professional actors.
  • All shows meet specific NC Language and Theatre Arts Curriculum Standards.
  • Resource Guides provided for each show, featuring creative activities that support lesson plans and reinforce curricular connections before and after your field trip.
  • Helpful, friendly staff - plus simple, safe, and organized drop-off and pick-up for buses.
  • Flexible show times with bell schedules in mind.
  • Spaces available at ImaginOn for lunch before or after the show.

Group Visits to ImaginOn

  • Round out your field trip with a scheduled visit to the Spangler Library or the Teen Loft (group visits must be scheduled in advance).
  • The Spangler Library is open to ages 11 and under. To schedule a group visit, call 704-416-4630.
  • The Teen Loft is open to ages 12-18. To schedule a group visit, call 704-416-4660.
  • Get details here.

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