Learning through the arts

The Schooltime Performance Series brings classroom lessons to life! Each live show aligns with Massachusetts curriculum standards and enhances learning for Greater New Bedford students—making your visit to the theater an inspiring extension of the classroom.

2026 SCHOOLTIME Season

On Sale August 13
Season brochures available after Labor Day

Educators! Bring your students to the beautifully restored Zeiterion to experience world-renowned theatrical, dance, and musical companies. These engaging, curriculum-based performances are designed for grades K–12 and explore a wide range of subjects, themes, and relevant topics—reaching nearly 20,000 students and teachers each year!

ENHANCE learning outside of the classroom!

If you are ready to purchase tickets, feel free to place your order now. Be sure to use code TEACHER at check-out to receive a complimentary ticket for every 10 tickets.

Interested in bringing your students to a show, but not ready to pay for the tickets? Please choose "Invoice Request" below and our team will create a reservation and invoice for you. Payment can be made by check at a later date.

Blair

 

Taylor

she/her
Director of Education and Community
The Zeiterion offers a number of scholarship tickets to select performances. If your class is in need of financial assistance to attend a show, we welcome you to apply.
Apply Online

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See the full Season

We know the arts can serve as a powerful tool for student achievement in and out of the classroom. It deepens students’ connection to the world and reveals new ways to see it. Not only does Schooltime performances enable students to explore the concepts and themes they study in the classroom, the performing arts can provide pathways to:

Foster Empathy

Boost Critical Thinking

Spark Discussion

Nurture Cultural Awareness

Power The Imagination

Improve Reading Comprehension

Nearly 20,000 Pre-K through 12 schoolchildren

throughout southeastern Massachusetts attend more than 20 performances at the Zeiterion every year.

Help a student experience a performance that enhances their learning and creates a better tomorrow. Sponsor or donate a learning opportunity today!

Performance Preparation

Enhancing Curriculum

To enrich the experience, support comprehension, and encourage interpretation, online curriculum guides are available in advance of performances. For most shows, pre- or post-performance Q&A sessions with the artists and their companies are also available to explore both the themes and the art form. The Z also offers in-school residencies, including mini-performances, workshops and theater-prep visits.

Scholarship

In an effort to make the performing arts accessible, the Zeiterion offers a number of scholarship tickets to select performances. Distribution of scholarship funds is managed by the Zeiterion upon evaluating the financial need and objectives of each request. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and are subject to availability.

Know Before you go

Chaperones

Please bring one chaperone for every 10 students.

We strongly recommend bringing one chaperone for every 10 students to ensure child safety and an enjoyable viewing experience for all. We welcome one free chaperone ticket per 10 student tickets with code TEACHER at check-out or reservation.

Accessibility Requests

Include your accessibility requests at time of reservation or purchase.

Please indicate your accessibility requests, including number of accessible seats, at time of reservation or purchase. For online purchases, leave a note in the comments at check-out. We'd like to accommodate all requests, but please note that accessible seating is on a first come, first serve basis and cannot be guaranteed.

Arrive 40 Minutes Early

Please arrive 40 minutes prior to showtime.

While The Z's Schooltime series is off-site, please arrive at least 40 minutes before the show to ensure orderly seating of each school group.

No Unaccompanied Adults Permitted

Adults without children are not permitted at Schooltime shows.

Unaccompanied adults are welcome to attend the mainstage presentation when available, but Schooltime performances are for Pre-K through 12 students and teachers, home school communities, neurodiverse community organizations, and caregivers with children.

All Sales Are Final

No refunds, no exchanges, unless the event is cancelled or postponed.

If you are unable to attend a performance for which you have tickets, please consider giving those tickets to a friend or family member. The Zeiterion does not authorize its tickets for resale through third party sellers.

Theater Etiquette

The Z realizes that attending a Schooltime performance may be a first for many students. A live theatrical production is exciting and vibrant. The actors, the audience, and the backstage personnel are all part of the experience. Your students, as part of the audience, play an important role in the atmosphere of the production. Please remind your class that everyone will have a great time by remembering their theater etiquette.

No Running

Please don’t run inside or outside the theater. You and your friends can get hurt.

Go before the show

Restroom visits are best made before the show begins. This helps to minimize distractions and ensures you won't miss part of the show.

Stay Seated

It’s important to remain at your seat for the entire performance, and please keep your feet off the seats.

Quiet Time

When the lights go down, it means the show is about to begin. We settle down and refrain from talking unless we are asked. It can be disruptive to the performers.

Attention

Give your full attention and energy to the performers. In return, the performers give it back to you with a better performance.

Applause Encouraged

Show the performers your appreciation for their efforts! When there are parts that you particularly enjoy, you should feel free to laugh and clap.

No Cell Phones

Cell phones and other electronic devices are prohibited. Noises from electronic devices are distracting to the performers and the audience.

Made Possible with support by

And our Donors & Patrons

Help a student experience a performance that enhances their learning and creates a better tomorrow. Sponsor or donate today!