Student Matinees

Students experience live theatre while learning curriculum at the same time in one of our historic theatres Proctors, theREP or UPH. Saratoga’s newest performing arts venue, Universal Preservation Hall offers quality productions during the school day!  

2022-2023 SEASON  

Wynn Harmon

Pure Poe: Three Tales of the Macabre 
by Edgar Allan Poe 
Adapted by Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill  
Directed by Margaret E. Hall  

One of Capital Rep’s most beloved On-The-Go! touring shows, Pure Poe,  is back! A production of lost loves, mad murders and a prosperous prince attempting to defy death and doom, Edgar Allan Poe’s characters come to life and are told by the master storyteller himself. When the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe returns, he decides the time is ripe to recite his famous poem, The Raven, and much-loved stories The Tell-Tale Heart and The Masque of the Red Death. Wynn Harmon reprises his role as the famed poet in this tour that is sure to spook as well as delight. 

Show Details: 
Date: October 12, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. 
Location: Great Hall at UPH 
Price: $8 

Grade level: Recommended for grades 6 & up. 
Length: 45-minutes
CC: Literature, ELA, American History 
CLICK HERE for “Pure Poe” study guide

Justin Roberts And The Not Ready For Naptime Players 
Justin Roberts is a songwriter and performer for kids and families based in Chicago, IL. For nearly 20 years, Justin has been writing songs that explore the joys and sorrows of growing up with funny and touching songs that the whole family can enjoy. Get ready for a wild interactive ride through the imagination, with vivid im- ages of snow days, student crossing guards, gym class parachutes, sibling scuffles, and little league  

Show Details: 
Date: November 10, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. 
Location: Great Hall at UPH 
Price: $8 

Grade level: Recommended for grades Pre-K – 2  
Length: 60 minutes  
CC: Literature, ELA, American History 

Lauren E. Banks

Harriet Tells It Like It Is 
by Karen Jones Meadows 
Directed by Margaret E. Hall 

Travel back in time and journey north on the Underground Railroad with Harriet Tubman in this special adaptation. Harriet shares her story of bravery, resilience, and triumph as she fights for her freedom and the freedom of countless other African American slaves. Harriet’s account comes to life with live accompaniment from a professional African drummer. This narrative truly demonstrates the power of one individual to affect and inspire the lives of many. 

Show Details: 
Date: March 1, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. 
Location: Great Hall at UPH 
Price: $8 

Grade level: Recommended for grades 3 – 6  
Length: 45-minutes
CC: American History, Social Studies, ELA 
CLICK HERE for “Harriet Tells It Like It Is” study guide

Jazz Reach Presents: She Said/She Says & Metta Quintet
She Said / She Says is a comprehensive program highlighting some of the many important achievements of female composers, arrangers, instrumentalists, and vocalists from the early 20th century through present day. Using U.S. and 20th Century women’s history as a backdrop, She Said / She Says celebrates the lives of some of the many courageous, creative women who have dedicated their lives to the serious study and practice of jazz  

Show Details:  
Date: March 10, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. 
Location: Great Hall at UPH 
Price: $10 

Grade Level: Recommended for grades 6 & up. 
Length: 60 minutes  
CC: Music, Culture, Theatre Arts  

Eric Carle: From Head To Toe 
Three beloved stories by Eric Carle, award-winning children’s book illustrator and author, are retold on stage through the magic of black light and fanciful puppets. The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows the wonderful adventures of a very tiny and very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through an amazing variety of foods on his path to becoming a beautiful butterfly.  High up in the sky,  Little Cloud  playfully transforms himself into various creatures, including a sheep, and an airplane, a shark and more. The Mixed-Up Chameleon is bored with his life, sitting about predictably changing color all day. Following an adventurous trip to the zoo, he attempts to emulate the beautiful animals he sees before coming to the conclusion that there is value in his own unique self. 

The student matinee performance of “Eric Carle: From Head To Toe” is currently sold out.

Show Details: 
Date: April 26, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. – SOLD OUT
Location: Great Hall at UPH 
Price: $8 

Grade Level: Recommended for Pre-K – 1  
Length: 60 minutes  
CC: Music, Culture, Theatre Arts  

Chaperones | For every 15 students, one complimentary adult ticket is provided for chaperones or teachers.  

Personal Responsibility Statement: UPH prides itself on offering a diverse selection of arts entertainment. Not all productions may appeal or be appropriate for every person or all ages. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows we offer, in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets.