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Classroom Series

Walton Arts Center believes that access to the arts is essential for all children and works to provide every child in Northwest Arkansas with exceptional and ongoing arts experiences.

At Walton Arts Center, we recognize that various barriers may limit or prevent educators from using field trips to enhance in-class learning. As an organization, we work towards overcoming those barriers, which is why tickets for the Classroom Series will be FREE to student groups this year, and a 100% subsidy will be available to offset bus costs.

Registration Information – Schools
Schools may register for shows by filling out the School Request Form. Registration for the 2024-25 series will open on Monday, August 5. This form must be filled out and submitted by a teacher, co-op leader, or principal/head of school. We have a growing number of schools participating in our educational programs and Classroom Series performances frequently reach maximum seating capacity. Please help us accommodate as many students as possible for each performance by following these guidelines:

Registrations are processed in the order in which they are received. Registrations are not complete until a confirmation email is received. Due to high volume early in our season, confirmations may take up to 2 weeks. Incomplete registration forms will not be processed.
Please adhere to our grade level recommendations for each performance.
We do not issue tickets. Seating is general admission and will be determined by order of arrival, ADA required accommodations and at the discretion of the House Manager.
School groups receive one adult ticket per every 10 students to accommodate teachers, parents, and other adult chaperones. We regret that additional parent tickets are unavailable. 
Chaperones must arrive and enter with their school group.
Lunch space in the building or garden will be available only AFTER 10am and 11:30am performances. Lunch requests must be made and confirmed by emailing schools@waltonartscenter.org

If you need to make a change to your reservation, please fill out the Change Request Form

You will receive an email with a performance reminder and performance curriculum guidebook approximately two weeks before your performance.

SCHOOL REQUEST FORM

Registration Information – Homeschools
Registration for homeschools will open on Monday, August 19 at 8am. Individual homeschool families can order up to 10 tickets for up to 4 Classroom Series shows through our box office ticket system.

HOMESCHOOL RESERVATIONS

Day of Performance Information
Performances last for approximately one hour, unless otherwise noted. Please make every effort to arrive at Walton Arts Center 30 minutes prior to the performance start time. All performances will begin at the scheduled time to ensure students return to school as planned. Performance reminders are emailed approximately two weeks before your performance. Reminder includes the number of seats reserved, the date and time of the performance. If any information does not match your records, please notify schools@waltonartscenter.org as soon as possible.

Groups will be seated in order of arrival. WAC staff will greet your bus and guide you through the check-in process. All seating is general admission, and at the discretion of the House Management. If your school group is travelingindividually and meeting at Walton Arts Center, please ensure all of them have arrived before entering the building to check in.

"Families Visiting Walton Arts Center" Social Story

"Schools Visiting Walton Arts Center" Social Story

Request Forms
To make changes to existing registrations, please fill out the Change Request Form.

J.B. Hunt Bus Subsidy
In partnership with J.B. Hunt Transportation Inc., Walton Arts Center is pleased to cover 100% of bus costs for the 2024-25 school year. Subsidy payments will be issued by summer of 2025.

Questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions. You can also email schools@waltonartscenter.org.

A Bucket of Blessings

Starr Theater
Sept. 16-20, 2024
9:30 & 11:30am
Best For: Lower Elementary

Near a majestic mountain in a vast jungle with many mango trees, it has not rained for weeks and weeks. The village well and pond are dry. Monkey and his friends look everywhere for water, but they have no luck. And then Monkey remembers a story his mama used to tell him, a story about how peacocks can make it rain by dancing. So, he sets out to see if the story is true. This little-known legend-turned-New York Times bestselling children’s book is presented as an original collaborative production between Northwest Arkansas’ professional children’s Trike Theatre and the Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation.

Video credit The Rose Theatre Omaha

Arkansas Learning Standards: Language Arts: K.RC.1-3.RF, K.RC.8- 12. RL; K.CC.3.P; 1.RC.1-3.RF, 1.RC.7-12.RL, 1.CC.1-3.P; 2.RC.1-3. RF, 2.RC.7-12.RL, 2.CC.1-2.OL; 3.RC.1-2.RF, 3.RC.7-8.RL, 3.CC.1-2. OL; Fine Arts Standards Theatre: RE.7.1 and 2, RE.8.1 and 2, RE.9.1, RE.9.2, CN.10.1, CN.11.1 and 2. Theatre Appreciation: PR.4, RE.7-9, CN.10, CN11. Music: RE.7-9, CN.10, CN.11

Circa: Duck Pond

Baum Walker Hall
Oct. 3, 2024
10am
Best For: Upper Elementary and up

Imagine the elegant ballet, Swan Lake. Now imagine ducks instead of swans and circus instead of ballet. In Circa: Duck Pond, the world’s most romantic ballet is transformed into a circus spectacular. Australian cirque company Circa brings acrobatic physicality, cheeky humor and contemporary energy to the classic dance. Be swept away by this tale of swans and unlucky, love-lorn princes, sparkling with quirky touches – like a sequined, flipperwearing duck army. Touching, funny and thoroughly entertaining, audiences will be carried away by this story of swans, ducks and princes. Duck Pond is a tale of identity and the search for one’s true self. Breathtaking acrobatics, mischievous humor and feathers await!

Arkansas Learning Standards: Fine Arts Theatre: CR.3.1, PR.4.1, RE.7.1 and 2, RE.8.1 and 2, RE.9.1, CN.10.1, CN.11.1 and 2. Theatre Appreciation: PR.4, RE.7-9, CN.10, CN11. Music: RE.7-9, CN.10, CN.11. Dance: RE.7-9, CN10 – 11. Performance Dance: PR.4, RE.7, RE.8, RE.9, CN.10, CN.11. Dance Appreciation: RE.7-9, CN.10 – 11. English Language Arts: RL.6.7, RL.6.9, SL.6.1, SL.6.2, SL.6.5.

Peter Rabbit & Friends

Starr Theater
Oct. 7-10, 2024
9:30 & 11:30am
Best For: Lower Elementary

Four favorite Beatrix Potter stories, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tailor of Gloucestor, The Tale of Jeremy Fisher and The Tale of Tom Kitten come to life in this mesmerizing puppet show, complete with Potter’s original text and live, original music. Various instruments, such as mandolin, violin, toy piano and banjo, create the score and melodies behind each story. The set is filled with dynamic suitcases and trunks where levers are pulled and cranks are turned to reveal images that surprise and delight audiences. Three charming performers interweave classic narration and puppetry with gentle interactive moments, recruiting the audience to join the adventure and encouraging young watchers to think about the small animal characters’ big emotions.

Arkansas Learning Standards: English Language Arts: K.RC.3.RF, , K.RC.8-11.RL, K.RC.13.RI, K.CC.1-2.OL, K.CC.3.P; K.CC.5.P, 1.RC.1- 3.RF, 1.RC.7-12.RL, 1.CC.1-3.P; 2.RC.1-3.RF, 2.RC.7-12.RL, 2.CC.1- 2.OL,2.CC.3.P, 2.CC.5.P; 3.RC.1-2. RF, 3.RC.7-8.RL, 3.CC.1-2.OL, 3.CC.3.P; 3.CC.5.P. Fine Arts Standards Theatre: RE.7.1 and 2, RE.8.1 and 2, RE.9.1, RE.9.2, CN.10.1, CN.11.1 and 2. Musical Theatre: RE.7.1, RE.7.3, RE.7.4, RE.8. Theatre Appreciation: PR.4, RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and11. Music: RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10, CN.11.

Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch

Starr Theater
Nov. 4-6, 2024
9:30 & 11:30am
Best For: Lower Elementary

Mr. Hatch leads a predictable and dreary life … he mostly keeps to himself. One Valentine’s Day, he unexpectedly receives a heart-shaped package with an anonymous note that whispers, “somebody loves you,” and everything changes. This heartwarming puppet show examines the effect that kindness can have on a lonely existence. Join the washerwomen Betsy, Edna and Molly as they bring Mr. Hatch’s story to life and help him search for his secret admirer!
“... small things happen in daily life that fill us with warmhearted love, which inspires the audience to love and care for the people around us.”
– Artspace for Kids A.S.K., Beijing, China

Arkansas Learning Standards: Language Arts: K.RC.8-12. RL, K.RC.1-3.RF; 1.RC.1-3.RF, 1.RC.7-12.RL, 1.CC.1-3.P; 2.RC.1-3.RF, 2.RC.7-12.RL, 2.CC.1-2.OL; 3.RC.1-2.RF, 3.RC.7- 8.RL, 3.CC.1-2.OL; 4.RC.1-2.RF, 4.RC.7-11.RL, 4.CC.1-2.OL. Science: LS3.A-B, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-3. Fine Arts Theatre: RE.7.1 and 2, RE.8.1 RE.8.2, RE.9.1, CN.10.1, CN.11.1, CN.11.2. Theatre Appreciation: RE.7 – 9, CN 11. Music: RE.7 – 9, CN.10, CN.11. Music Appreciation: RE.7-9, CN.10, CN.11. Visual Art: RE.7-9.CN.10, CN.11

Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar

Baum Walker Hall
Nov. 22, 2024
10am
Best For: Middle School and up

Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar is a choir known for their harmonies and vocal blends that bring inspiration and joy to the hearts of those who listen. Hailing from Augusta, Georgia, Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar have inspired audiences with soulful gospel songs and clever arrangements of musical theater covers. The group has carved a unique place in the music industry for their rich original compositions, and has performed with gospel greats such as William McDowell, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, Richard Smallwood, VaShawn Mitchell, Earnest Pugh and James Fortune. Always providing a fresh perspective, the group’s sound is truly authentic while capturing the essence of the original music.

Arkansas Learning Standards: Fine Arts Music: PR 4; RE 7; RE 8; CN 10; CN 11; Vocal Ensemble: PR4.2; RE.7; RE.8; CN.10; CN.11. Music Appreciation: CR.2, PR.6, RE.7-9, CN.10-11. Fine Arts Theatre: CR.3.1, PR.4.1, RE.7.1 and 2, RE.8.1 and 2, RE.9.1, CN.10.1, CN.11.1 and 2. Theatre Appreciation: PR.4, RE.7-9, CN.10, CN.11.

Syncopated Ladies: Live

Baum Walker Hall
Jan. 27, 2025
10am
Best For: Middle School and up

Syncopated Ladies: Live is a groundbreaking mixed media concert featuring an all-black, all-female cast celebrating sisterhood, the power of joy and tap dance! Created for theatergoers of all ages, it is an electrifying one-of-a-kind dance and storytelling experience. Get to know the ladies as they each share their inspiring journeys to reach for their dreams through the art of tap dance. With fierce footwork and a spectacular pop concert production, the ladies leave audiences motivated to pursue their dreams with courage, determination and love, no matter the obstacles.

Arkansas Learning Standards: Fine Arts Theatre: CR.3.1, RE.7.1 and 2, RE.8.1 and 2, RE.9.1, RE.9.2, CN.10.1, CN.11.1 and 2. Theatre Appreciation: PR.4, RE.7-9, CN.10, CN11. Fine Arts Music: RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10, CN.11. Instrumental Ensemble: RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and 11. Music Appreciation: RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and 11. Dance: RE.7, 8 and 9, CN10 and11. Performance Dance: RE.7, RE.8, RE.9, CN.10, CN.11. Dance Appreciation: RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and 11.

Kattam and his Tam-Tams

Baum Walker Hall
Feb. 3-4, 2025
9:30 & 11:30am
Best For: Middle School and up

Join percussionist Kattam and his monkey Takoum to discover Africa, the Middle East and India through rhythm, song and dance! Kattam – who is part Quebecois and part Moroccan – first trained in classical music, studying piano, singing and percussion before discovering the exciting sounds of world music. This performance allows children to discover and experience different cultures – from African rap and desert dance to trance Sufi rhythm and Bollywood dance – with the aim of fostering in them a love for music, discovery and selfexpression. Kattam is here to teach children that beyond cultural differences lies a shared humanity.

Arkansas Learning Standards: Fine Arts Music: PR 4, RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and 11. VOCAL MUSIC - . Music Appreciation: PR.4, RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and 11. Music Technology: RE. 7 and 8. Theatre Appreciation: PR.4, RE.7-9, CN.10, CN11. World Languages CMP.2; CMN.1. MUSIC 10

Sonia De Los Santos

Baum Walker Hall
Feb. 11, 2025
10am
Best For: Upper Elementary and up

Sonia De Los Santos returns to WAC with Música, a brand-new bilingual concert that celebrates women who make music and those who inspire them! Sonia and her all-female bandmates chart a joyful journey through Latin American rhythms, from festejo to cumbia to traditional Mexican folk. Sonia has been nominated for a Latin Grammy® and hailed by Billboard as “one of the Latin children’s music artists you should know.” She has earned special recognition with her band, performing at renowned venues and festivals such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza.

Symphony of Northwest Arkansas

Baum Walker Hall
Feb. 14, 2025
10am
Best For: Middle School and up

Through education outreach concerts, SoNA gives students in NWA the chance to see a live performance by a professional symphony orchestra during the school day, among an audience made up of their peers. These performances are crafted specifically for youth with accessible and relatable music and themes – separate from the regular mainstage concert series of the orchestra. The education outreach concerts are designed for young audiences to gain insight into live performance from SoNA’s Assistant Conductor, Sarah Pearson and Education Director, Natalie Fernandez.

Arkansas Learning Standards: Fine Arts Music: PR 4, RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and 11. Vocal Ensemble: RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and11. Music Appreciation: CR.2, PR.6, RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and 11. Theatre: CR.3.1, PR.4.1, RE.7.1 and 2, RE.8.1 and 2, RE.9.1, CN.10.1, CN.11.1 and 2. Theatre Appreciation: PR.4, RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and 11.

Peking Acrobats

Baum Walker Hall
March 5, 2025
9:30 & 11:30am
Best For: Lower Elementary and up

For over 30 years, The Peking Acrobats® have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics and pushed the envelope of human possibility. They perform daring maneuvers and defy gravity with displays of contortion, flexibility and control. Their astonishing displays of trickcycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting, gymnastics, juggling and incredible balancing feats showcase tremendous skill and ability. They are masters of agility and grace. Often accompanied by live musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments and high-tech special effects, this exuberant entertainment event features all the excitement and festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival!

The Ugly Duckling

Baum Walker Hall
March 12-13, 2025
9:30 & 11:30am
Best For: Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary

Bigger and paler than the others, Mother Duck's last hatchling is different from her other 4 ducklings. The Ugly Duckling may be the best swimmer of the brood, but he is treated as an outsider by his family. Then one day, the Ugly Duckling follows and watches as one lagging duckling is captured and taken back to a cat’s lair. Can Ugly Duckling save his brother and be celebrated for the heroic swan he is? Lightwire Theater brings a classic tale to the modern stage through a blend of puppetry, technology, music and dance. With their electroluminescent wire, Lightwire engineers and actors form larger-than-life characters to provide an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Arkansas Learning Standards: English Language Arts: K.RC.3.RF, , K.RC.8-11.RL, K.RC.13.RI, K.CC.1-2.OL, K.CC.3.P; K.CC.5.P, 1.RC.1- 3.RF, 1.RC.7-12.RL, 1.CC.1-3.P; 2.RC.1-3.RF, 2.RC.7-12.RL, 2.CC.1- 2.OL,2.CC.3.P, 2.CC.5.P; 3.RC.1-2. RF, 3.RC.7-8.RL, 3.CC.1-2.OL, 3.CC.3.P; 3.CC.5.P. Science: K-2.ETS1.A, 1.LS1.A, 2.LS2.A, K-2.ETS1.B; 3.LS2.C; 3.LS4.B; 4.ESS2.E; 4.ESS3.A; 5.LS1.C; 5.LS2.A; 5.ESS2.A; 5.ESS3.C Dance Appreciation: RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and 11. Music: RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10, CN.11.

The Pa’akai We Bring

Starr Theater
March 31-April 4, 2025
9:30 & 11:30am
Best For: Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary

From our friends at Honolulu Theatre for Youth (The Carp Who Would Not Quit), this original production introduces young audiences to the Native Hawaiian relationship to Pa‘akai (salt). Traditionally, Pa‘akai has been used as food, medicine and a treasured gift. The play follows multiple generations of salt farmers on Kauai, mixing in ancient stories, hula, live music, original songs and plenty of audience participation into a tasty potluck, joyously served up with “aloha.” This project was led by Native Hawaiians and seeks to honor its culture, language and traditions.

Arkansas Learning Standards: Learning Standards: Language Arts: K.RC.8-12.RL, K.RC.1-3.RF; 1.RC.1-3.RF, 1.RC.7-12.RL, 1.CC.1-3.P; 2.RC.1- 3.RF, 2.RC.7-12.RL, 2.CC.1-2.OL; 3.RC.1-2.RF, 3.RC.7-8.RL, 3.CC.1-2.OL; 4.RC.1-2.RF, 4.RC.7-11.RL, 4.CC.1-2.OL. Fine Arts Theatre: CR.1.3, CR.2.2, CR.3.1, PR.4.1, PR.4.2, PR.5.1, RE.7.1 and 2, RE.8.1 RE.8.2, RE.9.1, CN.10.1, CN.11.1, CN.11.2. Theatre Appreciation: PR.5 and 6, RE.7 – 9, CN.10, CN 11. Music: PR.4, RE.7 – 9, CN.10, CN.11. Music Appreciation: RE.7-9, CN.10, CN.11.

The Edge Effect

Baum Walker Hall
April 4, 2025
10am
Best For: Upper Elementary and up

Part of the ninth annual VoiceJam A Capella Festival, The Edge Effect is a five-man a cappella vocal group based in Orlando, Florida. Since its creation in summer 2011, the group has travelled the world as guest headliners for Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises and Costa Cruise Lines, and has been featured at The Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. They strive to prove that singers do not need Autotune and computers to put on a great show for all ages. Their music is as diverse as they are; offering a wide array of styles and showcasing influences that span decades.

Arkansas Learning Standards: Learning Standards:Fine Arts Music: PR 4, RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and 11. Vocal Ensemble: RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and11. Music Appreciation: CR.2, PR.6, RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and 11. Theatre: CR.3.1, PR.4.1, RE.7.1 and 2, RE.8.1 and 2, RE.9.1, CN.10.1, CN.11.1 and 2. Theatre Appreciation: PR.4, RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and 11.

The Paper Escaper

Starr Theater
April 22-25, 2025
9:30 & 11:30am
Best For: Upper Elementary and up

What happens when a book character won’t stay in their place? Benny, our plucky puppet protagonist, is eager to explore the world beyond their page. They know that they are destined for greater things than a simple pop-up book. But in a world that’s trying to squash Benny between its pages – from a wily dancing fire to a disillusioned illustrator – Benny will need the help of a new friend to achieve their dreams. This nonverbal work uses striking visuals and brilliant puppetry set to dynamic original music with a sweeping score and cartoon-like sound effects to tell a story of determination, friendship and the power of following your own path. Presented by Australia’s Terrapin Theatre that also brought us You, Me and The Space Between and I Think I Can.

Arkansas Learning Standards: English Language Arts: K.RC.3.RF, , K.RC.8-11.RL, K.RC.13.RI, K.CC.1-2.OL, K.CC.3.P; K.CC.5.P, 1.RC.1- 3.RF, 1.RC.7-12.RL, 1.CC.1-3.P; 2.RC.1-3.RF, 2.RC.7-12.RL, 2.CC.1- 2.OL,2.CC.3.P, 2.CC.5.P; 3.RC.1-2.RF, 3.RC.7-8.RL, 3.CC.1-2.OL, 3.CC.3.P; 3.CC.5.P. Fine Arts Standards Theatre: RE.7.1 and 2, RE.8.1 and 2, RE.9.1, RE.9.2, CN.10.1, CN.11.1 and 2. Musical Theatre: RE.7.1, RE.7.3, RE.7.4, RE.8. Theatre Appreciation: PR.4, RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10 and11. Music: RE.7, 8 and 9, CN.10, CN.11.

Nimbus Dance

Baum Walker Hall
May 9, 2025
9:30 & 11:30am
Best For: Upper Elementary and up

Nimbus bridges the gap between world-class performance and community engagement by creating works that speak to and elevate diverse audiences while also reflecting today’s most pressing issues. The company champions expanding arts access for all communities. Guided by Founder/Artistic Director, Samuel Pott, a former soloist with Martha Graham Dance Company, Nimbus has become New Jersey’s largest contemporary dance organization, premiering multiple works each year, and operating the Nimbus Arts Center which serves Jersey City, New Jersey – the most diverse town in the nation. Through in-depth crossgenre collaborations with theater, visual and music artists, Nimbus has developed a highly attuned, physical and visually exciting performance style.

Havana Hop

Baum Walker Hall
May 13 & 14, 2025
9:30 & 11:30am
Best For: Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary

Young Yeila dreams of being a superstar but her lack of confidence gives her awful stage fright. With advice from her mother and mentors, Yeila begins her journey to find her roots, get confidence and be amazing! Travel with Yeila who visits her grandmother in Cuba to add a salsa flavor to her own hip-hop style! Created by dance performer Paige Hernandez, audiences will dance along in this dynamic participation play where one actress creates three generations of lively women.

Arkansas Learning Standards: Language Arts: K.RC.1-3.RF, K.RC.8-12. RL; K.CC.3.P; 1.RC.1-3.RF, 1.RC.7-12.RL, 1.CC.1- 3.P; 2.RC.1-3.RF, 2.RC.7-12.RL, 2.CC.1-2.OL; 3.RC.1-2.RF, 3.RC.7-8.RL, 3.CC.1-2.OL; Fine Arts Standards Theatre: RE.7.1 and 2, RE.8.1 and 2, RE.9.1, RE.9.2, CN.10.1, CN.11.1 and 2. Theatre Appreciation: PR.4, RE.7-9, CN.10, CN11. Music: RE.7-9, CN.10, CN.11 Dance: CR.1, PR.5 and 6, RE.7, 8 and 9. CN.10, CN 11. Performance Dance: RE.7, RE.8, RE.9, CN.10, CN 11. Dance Appreciation: RE.7, RE.8, RE.9, CN.10, CN 11.

Support the 2024-2025 Classroom Series is provided by JB Hunt, Coca-Cola, Tyson and Walmart and education grants from the Arkansas Arts Council, Walmart Foundation and Walton Family Foundation.