Learn & Engage
K-12 Programs

Northrop welcomes students back next school year with four more exciting field-trip opportunities! Another world-class lineup of educational, engaging, and thought-provoking music and dance programming awaits your students in Northrop’s 2025–26 Student Matinees schedule. Tickets are on sale now—with options for in-person, livestream, and on-demand viewing.
The 2025–26 Northrop Season features four student matinees, including the interactive, dynamic dance exploration Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE Featuring TU Dance, the rousing UMN Marching Band Indoor Concert, and Martha Graham Dance Company, a celebratory modern dance program for middle and high school students. Additionally, we welcome back our partner VocalEssence for WITNESS: Eyes Still on the Prize II. VocalEssence joins a collective of Twin Cities-based artists to introduce us to three Minnesota women who continue to make a positive impact on our society as they speak out about and stand up for change.
Northrop Presents
Thu, Oct 30, 10:30 am
For up to 20 in-person tickets, call 612-624-2345.
Northrop and UMN School of Music Present
Fri, Nov 21, 10:30 am
On-demand Dec 12–19
For up to 20 in-person tickets, call 612-624-2345.
Northrop Presents
Fri, Feb 6, 10:30 am
For up to 20 in-person tickets, call 612-624-2345.
Northrop and VocalEssence Present
Fri, Feb 20, 10:15 am & *12:45 pm CT
In-person / *Livestream
*On-demand through Feb 27
Free Event, Advance Registration Required
Thank you for an amazing 2024-25 Northrop Season! Submit your bus reimbursement by May 19 for 2024-25.
$4.50 tickets per student for in-person matinees
No cost for all chaperones
Free online offerings for select matinees
Study materials that meet and support MN Academic Standards
Q&A sessions with artists
Access to a Sensory Friendly Lounge hosted by trained staff
Seating in a historic theater on the friendly UMN Campus
Tickets for WITNESS: Eyes Still on the Prize II are free.
Registration is provided by VocalEssence.
When registered for the program, your school will also receive access to two free days of classroom workshops with a VocalEssence Teaching Artist, a program orientation with professional development for teachers, and access to additional classroom resources.
There is no bus reimbursement. If you are facing a financial barrier to securing bussing for the concert, please email matinees@umn.edu and we will be happy to work with you.
Northrop proudly engages students in meaningful experiences that expand their worldview and provide the hope and joy the arts offer through its K-12 matinee program. The program provides students and educators high-quality and affordable arts programming with expanded access online and flexible on-demand options that fit school schedules. Each performance is augmented with additional study materials that meet learning standards, as well as resources to guide students about arts performances.
Research shows that children who study the arts demonstrate stronger overall academic performance, helping to produce creative thinkers that employers need in an increasingly complex workforce.
K-12 students involved with the arts show higher levels of success in math and reading skills, and additional skills are strengthened in communication and problem-solving abilities.
Exposure to the arts help K-12 students improve ACT/SAT test scores, perform higher on standardized tests, and achieve higher GPAs. These students are less likely to drop out of school and three times more likely to receive a bachelor's degree in higher education.
Both state and federal laws require K-12 schools to provide arts education for students to foster a more well-rounded education.