STAGES OF DISCOVERY

ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST & FRIENDS

TheatreWorks! USA – New York, NY

Tuesday, October 14

The Playhouse on Rodney Square / Best For Grades: K – 4

Ms. Greer's classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers. Rosie Revere has big dreams. Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture. And Ada Twist's curiosity can lead her to solve any problem.

A fun musical based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty, which spotlights the STEM curriculum (focusing on science, technology, engineering and math).

Learning Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Music, Science, Social-Studies

SEL: Resilience, Creative Problem Solving, Teamwork, Friendship, School, Collaboration, Science, Engineering, Architecture

RESERVATION FORM

Study Guide

UPRISING: Remembrance, Resistance, Revival

Pieces of a Dream, Inc. – Wilmington, DE

Wednesday, October 29

Copeland Hall at The Grand / Best for Grades 6-12

UPRISING: Remembrance, Resistance, Revival is a multidisciplinary work, performed by Pieces a Dream, Inc. (POAD).  Using modern dance and contemporary art, UPRISING is an artistic expression of the events in Wilmington, Delaware in 1968, including the populist revolution and the National Guard occupation of the city. UPRISING reflects upon the actions of the people and the government in 1968 and then flash forward fifty years to consider the actions of both bodies today and into the future.  The production addresses a variety of issues that were a concern in 1968 and continue to be an issue today, such as the racial differences in education, housing, and employment.

The soundscape for the production includes speeches from Martin Luther King, Jr., Freedom Songs, original contemporary compositions, and poetry from the Black Arts Movement of the 1970s.

Learning Connections: Civil Rights, Social Studies, African American History

SEL Connections: Character Building, Kindness, Friendship, Inclusivity

Supports the learning requirements of DE HB 198

RESERVATION FORM

CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM: The Musical

Third Wish Productions

Wednesday, November 5

Copeland Hall at The Grand / Best for Grades PK -3

Follow the playfully adored story as the alphabet letters ambitiously climb the coconut tree, only to tumble down in a cascade of color and laughter. With plenty of audience interaction and lively performances, this show is not just entertainment—it's a fantastic way for children to explore sound, rhythm, and reading in a fun, engaging spectacle. Don't miss the excitement and joy of "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical!"

Learning Connections: Literacy, Phonemic Learning, Performing Arts, Theatre, Music, Dance, Rhythm, Problem-solving, SEL, Self-Confidence, Teamwork and Storytelling

RESERVATION FORM

STUDY GUIDE

THE NUTCRACKER | 25TH ANNIVERSARY

First State Ballet Theatre – Wilmington, DE

Thursday, December 11

Copeland Hall at The Grand / Best for Grades: K – 12

Delaware’s Holiday Tradition at The Grand

Celebrate the season with Delaware’s professional ballet company! Share in Marie’s holiday dream and experience a magical journey through a swirling snowstorm to the Land of Sweets in this lavish production.  Established in 1999 by Artistic Director Pasha Kambalov and Executive Director Kristina Kambalov, First State Ballet Theatre is Delaware's only professional ballet company. FSBT employs a talented roster of dancers from around the world to present classical and contemporary ballet, including new works from local and internationally-recognized choreographers, on stages across the state of Delaware and beyond.

Learning Connections: Wilmington, DE History, Delaware History, Holiday, Dance, Storytelling

RESERVATION FORM

BLACK HISTORY HALL OF FAME

BrightStar Touring Theatre – Morrisville, NC

Tuesday, February 17

Copeland Hall at the Grand/ Best for Grades: 3-8

So many amazing Americans and so little time to meet them all! Follow us on this amazing journey through Black History as we meet Maya Angelou, Aretha Franklin, Mae Jemison, the Buffalo Soldiers and more. A fast-paced adventure sure to delight any audience, see why Black History Hall of Fame has come to be one of our audiences’ favorite shows of all time!

Learning Connections:  Women’s History, African American History, Social Studies, Civil Rights, Discrimination, Equality, Language Arts

Supports the learning requirements of DE HB 198

RESERVATION FORM

STUDY GUIDE

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

The Barter Players – Abingdon, VA

Tuesday, March 3

Copeland Hall in The Grand / Best for Grades: K-6

When Alice chases the White Rabbit down a rabbit hole, she tumbles into a curious world with a zany cast of characters including the Mad Hatter, a grinning Cheshire Cat, a mischievous Caterpillar, and the imperious Queen of Hearts. This musical adaptation of the timeless classic celebrates the wonder of imagination!

Learning Connections: Language Arts, Storytelling, Passage of Time, Emotions, Music, Theatre Arts

RESERVATION FORM

STUDY GUIDE

WE CAN DO IT: A Celebration of Women’s History

BrightStar Touring Theatre – Morrisville, NC

Tuesday, March 24

the baby grand / Best for Grades: 3 – 8

Celebrate Women’s History Month with our show We Can Do It: A Celebration of Women’s History. This is the perfect show to inform and inspire audiences – girls and boys alike! An incredible adventure featuring some of the world’s most remarkable female pioneers, your audience will discover incredible and groundbreaking women like Amelia Earhart, Susan B. Anthony and more! Honor the women of America by bringing this show to your venue!

Learning Connections: Women’s History, African American History, American History, Social Studies, Civil Rights, Discrimination, Equality

RESERVATION FORM

STUDY GUIDE

What 1776 Means to You and Me

Walnut Street Theatre Touring Outreach – Philadelphia, PA

Wednesday, April 22

the baby grand / Best for Grades: 6-9

Follow a modern-day middle school classroom as they immerse themselves in an insightful discussion about America’s history and equal rights! This is an exciting brand new piece, commissioned in partnership with The Walnut’s Mainstage Performance of 1776 and in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Learning Connections: American History, Social Studies, Civil Rights, Equality, Friendship, Inclusivity

RESERVATION FORM

The Pout Pout Fish

TheaterWorksUSA – New York, NY

Tuesday, May 12

Turn the poutiest of frowns upside down in this musical featuring whimsical puppets and live performers in a sweeping oceanic adventure. When Mr. Fish sets out on a quest to find Miss Clam’s missing pearl, he discovers there is more to him than his permanently plastered pout.

This colorful adaptation of The New York Times bestseller is co-conceived, directed, and designed by the acclaimed puppeteers of AchesonWalsh Studios, whose work was featured in Broadway's The King And I, On the Town, and Radio City's New York Spectacular. Writing team includes New Victory LabWorks Residency recipients Christopher Anselmo, Jared Corak, Matt Acheson, and Fergus Walsh.

Learning Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Music, Aquatic Creatures

SEL Connections: Friendship, Exploration, Teamwork, Creativity, Adventure

RESERVATION FORM

STUDY GUIDE

Explorer Concert with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra – Wilmington, DE

Tuesday, May 19

Copeland Hall / Best for Grades: K – 5

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO) returns to The Grand stage for an exciting day of music and fun with its Explorer Concerts! Join us on a magical musical adventure as the DSO brings melodies to life in a performance specially designed for young listeners! With fun narration and interactive moments, this engaging performance is the perfect introduction for school-age students to the vibrant world of orchestral music. Upon registration, complimentary study guides will be provided to schools and educators for students to learn about the music and the instruments of the orchestra before the performance.

Learning Connections: TBD

RESERVATION FORM

TICKETS are $11 per person. Groups get one ticket free with every 15 reserved. Discounts for Title I schools are subject to availability and must be verifiable by the Department of Education.

No deposit is necessary for school groups; invoices will be provided. The final payment for schools is due two weeks prior to the performance. Full payment is required for general admission or small groups (less than 10) at the time of reservation.

Reservations are required for all performances. You may estimate the number of tickets needed with your initial reservation. Please include all students, teachers, and chaperones. Final counts (and payments) are due two weeks before performance dates (additional seats subject to availability). No adjustments may be made after this deadline.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations must be received in writing at least 30 days before the performance date, and payments will be refunded. Cancellations made within 15-30 days of the performance will be charged a cancellation fee (50% of the total invoice) and/or receive a partial refund. Cancellations made within 14 days of the performance must pay the full invoice amount; refunds will not be issued.

To get started: 1) download the reservation form, 2) complete and save the form, then 3) e-mail it as an attachment to Discovery@grandopera.org. If you have any questions or special needs, please put them in the body of your e-mail.

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS are available for purchase online or through The Grand’s Box Office. Please call (302) 652-5577 or come to The Grand at 818 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.

SHOW TIMES are 9:30 AM and 12:00 PM. Performances will begin as close to these times as possible, and no later than 10 minutes after the scheduled time. Large groups should make every effort to arrive within the half-hour prior to show times to allow ample time for seating. The running time for all shows is approximately one hour. Please allow extra time for dismissal; street access is limited and groups will be called as their buses are ready for departure.

NO LUNCHES: The Grand will not be able to accommodate requests for indoor lunch spaces during our 2025-2026 season. Groups may utilize Rodney Square, a public park, across the street from The Playhouse (weather permitting).

Please email Discovery@grandopera.org for more details.

CLASSROOM VISITS help prepare your students for their field trip. Programs may be tailored to suit your educational goals. The material covered will include a custom lesson plan related to the content of the show, theatre etiquette, and the history of The Grand or The Playhouse. The first classroom visit is $50; discounts are offered for each additional class, with a maximum of 30 students per class. A travel fee may apply. Please contact Mari Johnson, Director of Community Engagement, at (302) 658-7897 x3405 or send an email.

STUDY GUIDES specific to each show include lessons and activities for use in the classroom before and after your visit. Please see study guides available for download along the right sidebar of this page.

TEACHING ARTIST (TA) RESIDENCIES: by Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education (DiAE) are available for selected shows, to be announced prior to 2025-2026 school year.

Trained TAs will design a series of workshops that allow students to explore subject matter and have a deeper, more personal connection with the art form. DiAE service fees will apply. Please email DiAE's Artistic Director, Ashley SK Davis.

TRANSPORTATION SUBSIDIES are available for schools that demonstrate financial need. Applications may be downloaded here and are accepted throughout the year. Awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as funds are available.