We are so excited to present our 2022-2023 Education Performances!
Education Performances are 60-minutes long and are purposefully chosen to correlate with the South Carolina Department of Education Standards. Each performance highlights the curriculum through the arts and is accompanied by a lesson plan crafted by the Gaillard Center’s education team. Lesson plans to come!
Please contact Stephanie Lancaster at slancaster@gaillardcenter.org with any questions.
SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES
The following performances will be sensory-friendly performances:
- Jabari Dreams of Freedom on January 11, 2023 at 1pm
- In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson on February 28, 2023 at 1pm
- It's Okay to be Different on March 28, 2023 at 12:30pm
- The Gruffalo on April 25, 2023 at 12:30pm
Sensory friendly performance:
- The house lights will remain dimmed during the performance, not completely off
- Smaller audience size
- Social stories provided prior to performance
- Intense lighting and loud sound effects reduced
- Adjustments will be made to the script and acting to maximize comprehension of the story
- A quiet area is available for patrons who need to take a break
- The performance hall is relaxed and inclusive, where patrons feel comfortable during the performance, freely enter or exit the theater during the performance, and speak openly
- Ushers/house managers will be on hand to assist with patron needs
- Tablets/phones are permitted to assist non-verbal patrons
- Headphones are welcome and available upon request
- Assisted Listening Devices (ALD's) available
- American Sign Language available and must be pre-arranged by contacting slancaster@gaillardcenter.org no less than two weeks prior to the performance
- KultureCity sensory inclusive bags available upon request
All educational performances:
- A quiet area is available for patrons who need to take a break
- The performance hall is relaxed and inclusive, where patrons feel comfortable during the performance, freely enter or exit the theater during the performance, and speak openly
- Ushers/house managers will be on hand to assist with patron needs
- Tablets/phones are permitted to assist non-verbal patrons
- American Sign Language available and must be pre-arranged by contacting slancaster@gaillardcenter.org no less than two weeks prior to the performance
- Headphones are welcome and also available upon request
- Assisted Listening Devices (ALD's) available upon request
- KultureCity sensory inclusive bags available upon request
EDUCATION PERFORMANCE FAQS
Tickets are $5 per child and chaperone. Teachers will receive (1) free ticket for every (15) student tickets purchased.
If you are a Title 1 School, your students qualify for free tickets and transportation for one performance. Learn more about transportation in the dropdown below.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased individually for Education performances. All Education performances are open to home-school teachers and students, and to families with children.
Once you complete and submit the Education Program Ticket Order Form, you will receive a email receipt. A Ticket Office representative will contact you to confirm your seat reservation and payment instructions at least 60 days prior to the show.
Paper tickets will not be issued for schools. Ushers are provided a list of reservations and names/numbers will be checked at the door.
Please consider your confirmation email as notice that your seats are reserved. We will contact you and list shows as sold out if your ticket order cannot be processed.
If you are a Title 1 School, your students qualify for free tickets and transportation. For Title I Schools, the Charleston Gaillard Center Education and Community Program fully funds bus transportation to the Gaillard Center and back for one performance.
Transportation arrangements can be made with your school’s preferred bus carrier. We will reimburse the school directly for the transportation cost. Please send the final invoice directly to the Gaillard Center at sdevries@gaillardcenter.org.
Transportation arrangements can also be made with Coastal Bus Line. Visit coastalbusline.com and click Book Now. Indicate in your destination box you are a Title One School.
*Please note that there will be no lunch stops.
If the Charleston Gaillard Center is funding your transportation and you decide to cancel the buses, the Gaillard Center and your preferred bus carrier must receive an email cancellation thirty (30) days prior to the performance with a confirmed response from the Gaillard Center. If you do not send a cancellation notice within the guidelines your school will be sent the $500 invoice and payment for those buses will be the responsibility of the school.
Buses drop off schools at the Charleston Gaillard Center entrance on George Street. A Gaillard Center representative will be present to greet schools as they arrive and instruct buses where to park. At the end of the performance, students are dismissed by school and file out to George Street to board their bus.
For GPS directions, the address is: 2 George Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Both of the primary entrances on the George St. and Calhoun St. sides are handicap accessible and lead into the shared lobby space between the Martha and John M. Rivers Performance Hall.
There are handicap accessible elevators located in close proximity to either entrance. In the Performance Hall lobby, elevators are located to the north and south. Ushers will be present to assist anyone with accessibility needs.
Handicap accessible restrooms can be found on every floor and centrally adjacent to each of the facilities’ patron areas.
If you have an attendee in need of ADA accommodations such as wheelchair seating, American Sign Language, service animal seating or a sensory-free space, please email sdevries@gaillardcenter.org or call (843) 579-6458.
We have partnered with KultureCity to make all events within the Martha and John M. Rivers Performance Hall sensory inclusive. KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using their resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs; not just those with Autism. Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.
Sensory-friendly performance:
- The house lights will remain dimmed during the performance, not completely off
- Smaller audience size
- Social stories provided prior to performance
- Intense lighting and loud sound effects reduced
- Adjustments will be made to the script and acting to maximize comprehension of the story
- A quiet area is available for patrons who need to take a break
- The performance hall is relaxed and inclusive, where patrons feel comfortable during the performance, freely enter or exit the theater during the performance, and speak openly
- Ushers/house managers will be on hand to assist with patron needs
- Tablets/phones are permitted to assist non-verbal patrons
- Headphones are welcome and available upon request
- Assisted Listening Devices (ALD’s) available
- American Sign Language available and must be pre-arranged by contacting slancaster@gaillardcenter.org no less than two weeks prior to the performance
- KultureCity sensory inclusive bags available upon request
- A quiet area is available for patrons who need to take a break
- The performance hall is relaxed and inclusive, where patrons feel comfortable during the performance, freely enter or exit the theater during the performance, and speak openly
- Ushers/house managers will be on hand to assist with patron needs
- Tablets/phones are permitted to assist non-verbal patrons
- American Sign Language available and must be pre-arranged by contacting slancaster@gaillardcenter.org no less than two weeks prior to the performance
- Headphones are welcome and also available upon request
- Assisted Listening Devices (ALD’s) available upon request
- KultureCity sensory inclusive bags available upon request

THE ADVENTURES OF TORTOISE AND HARE: THE NEXT GENERATION
October 11 & 12, 2022
10:30am & 1:00pm
K - 2nd Grade
October 11 at 10:30am is SOLD OUT
We begin with Aesop’s classic fable of the The Tortoise and the Hare but continue the story which finds them 10 years down the road, now with children of their own and exploring modern day distractions. Read more and access lesson plan...
Smart phones and video games create a new landscape of lost connections to life experiences. The Next Gen features Tortoise Junior and Lil’ Hare in a whole new kind of race; where their adventures lead them into unexpected territory. Old man Tortoise and Big Daddy Hare must come together despite their differences to find and save their children. What hurdles will they have to overcome to make it to the finish line?
With dazzling visuals, poignant storytelling and the creative use of music from classical to pop, this production brings this tale into a new brilliant light.

DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM LECTURE DEMONSTRATION
October 19, 2022
11am
All Ages
This informal performance provides an inside look at the art of classical ballet. From the training and preparation of a dance artist through the elements of choreography and stage craft, the viewer is given an intimate look at the power of this beautiful art form. Read more and access lesson plan...
This informal performance provides an inside look at the art of classical ballet. From the training and preparation of a dance artist through the elements of choreography and stage craft, the viewer is given an intimate look at the power of this beautiful art form. Following a brief history of ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem, the performance begins with exercises at the barre and the reasoning behind them before quickly moving on to jumping, partnering and lifts. Similarities between ballet Dance Artists and professional athletes are brought to light. Finally, to demonstrate the expressive power of ballet, excerpts from different styles of ballet are presented. Audience members are engaged with a Q&A segment or onstage interaction where possible. This lecture demonstration will also include the Gaillard Center and IAAM newly commissioned piece on Hazel Scott.
Support for this program is made possible by generous donors who have committed time and resources to the Charleston Gaillard Center’s Dance Initiative.
Sounds of Hazel: The Hazel Scott Ballet is co-commissioned by Charleston Gaillard Center and the International African American Museum, Music Worcester, Seattle Theatre Group, and Washington Performing Arts, with residency support from Chautauqua Institution, and the Hopkins Center at Dartmouth College.

This work is made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Photo Credit: Anthony Santos, Derek Brockington, Amanda Smith and Dylan Santos. Photo by Rachel Neville.

SCENES FROM THE NUTCRACKER WITH DANCE CONSERVATORY OF CHARLESTON AND CHARLESTON SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA STUDENTS
November 28, 2022
10:30am SOLD OUT & 1:00pm
All Ages
This version of The Nutcracker is a condensed version of the Russian Nutcracker Ballet. Students will listen to the songs of the composer, Tchaikovsky as the dancers perform classic scenes from The Nutcracker. Read more and access lesson plan...
The Nutcracker performance features a full cast of Dance Conservatory of Charleston dancers ages 5-18. Performing is the essence of dance and a key part of the student-centered approach, and as such, DCC is thrilled to present a production in which every role is danced by a student.
The Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra musicians, under the direction of conductor, Dr. Nisan Ak, are proud to collaborate with the dancers of the Dance Conservatory of Charleston in an all-student-led performance of Scenes from the Nutcracker. The Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestras showcase over 100 young musicians from throughout the Lowcountry in grades 4-12 annually. For more information about CSYO, please visit http://charlestonsymphony.org/csyo/.
Support for this program is made possible by generous donors who have committed time and resources to the Charleston Gaillard Center’s Dance Initiative.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE (EVENT #1)
Adaptation with Environmental Anthropologist and Filmmaker, Alizé Carrére
In local partnership with South Carolina Aquarium
November 29, 2022
11:00am
5th Grade – College
SPECIAL EVENT! Classrooms* that sign up for both National Geographic Live performances will have a classroom trip to the South Carolina Aquarium included in their overall field trip. Limited availability. You will either attend the South Carolina Aquarium after the November event OR after the January event. Teachers will be notified at a later date which day they will be able to attend the aquarium. If you have any questions, please contact our Education Manager, Stephanie Lancaster, at slancaster@gaillardcenter.org.
*Note: This is only available for classrooms at this time. Tickets are still available to purchase for the event!
Explore the remarkable ways people around the world are adapting to our changing planet with environmental anthropologist and filmmaker Alizé Carrère. Read more and access lesson plan...
Explore the remarkable ways people around the world are adapting to our changing planet with environmental anthropologist and filmmaker Alizé Carrère. Dive into the South Pacific waters of Vanuatu, where islanders are using innovative techniques to combat outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish that threaten the surrounding reefs. In Bangladesh, discover how farmers in low-lying areas are reviving an old agricultural technique—floating gardens—that has inspired other floating infrastructure, including schools, libraries, hospitals, and playgrounds. And travel to the mountainous desert of Ladakh in northern India to glimpse giant ice pyramids, or “ice stupas,” invented by a Ladakhi teacher and engineer to help the community preserve its scarce freshwater resources. Through her work documenting these stories, Carrère offers a hopeful look at the resilience, perseverance, and innovation of humankind under even the most difficult of conditions.

JABARI DREAMS OF FREEDOM
January 10 & 11, 2023
10:30am & 1:00pm*
3rd – 6th Grades
*January 11, 2023 at 1pm is a sensory-friendly performance
JABARI DREAMS OF FREEDOM by Nambi E. Kelley is a play with music for young audiences that follows a Chicago boy's journey from fear to hope. Read more and access lesson plan...
JABARI DREAMS OF FREEDOM is a play to save Black youth from living through fear. It tells the story of Jabari, a young Black boy from the South Side of Chicago who loves to paint. Through painting, he can escape the turbulent world around him. When a friend is hurt by police, Jabari is afraid to leave the house. With his Forever President Barack Obama as a guide, he dreams he meets children from the Civil Rights Era including Ruby Bridges, Claudette Colvin, and a 7-year-old Barack Obama on the eve of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Can Jabari use the lessons he's learned to instill in young Barack the ideas he'll need to become president? Will Jabari take these lessons back into his own life and heal his community? Using history, rap, freedom songs, and humor, this play explores what it means to have courage in a world where Black children—Black boys—are not safe.
“Jabari Dreams of Freedom” received its World Premiere Production at Chicago Children’s Theatre, April 2016
Jacqueline Russell, Artistic Director
“Jabari Dreams of Freedom” was developed as part of New Victory LabWorks at the New Victory Theatre in New York City.
The Charleston Jazz Orchestra in partnership with the Gaillard Center's Education and Community Program present Jazz Day for Kids. Read more and access lesson plan...
The Charleston Jazz Orchestra in partnership with the Gaillard Center's Education and Community Program present Jazz Day for Kids, featuring the Charleston Jazz Orchestra led by Robert Lewis and Charlton Singleton, Gaillard Center Artist-in-Residence Emeritus. Jazz Day for Kids is a big band concert designed for Kindergarten through middle school students.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE (EVENT #2)
Secrets of The Whales with Underwater Photographer, Brian Skerry
In local partnership with South Carolina Aquarium
January 31, 2023
11:00am
5th Grade – College
SPECIAL EVENT! Classrooms* that sign up for both National Geographic Live performances will have a classroom trip to the South Carolina Aquarium included in their overall field trip. Limited availability. You will either attend the South Carolina Aquarium after the November event OR after the January event. Teachers will be notified at a later date which day they will be able to attend the aquarium. If you have any questions, please contact our Education Manager, Stephanie Lancaster, at slancaster@gaillardcenter.org.
*Note: This is only available for classrooms at this time. Tickets are still available to purchase for the event!
Dive deep into the groundbreaking science of whale families... Read more and access lesson plan...
Dive deep into the groundbreaking science of whale families – and their startlingly human parallels – through the awe-inspiring work of celebrated National Geographic underwater photographer Brian Skerry. Discover the extraordinary communication skills and intricate social structures among four different species of whales – from the international cuisines of orcas to families of beluga whales playing at their “summer resort” – and learn what these majestic creatures can teach us about ourselves and our planet.

The Kennedy Center for Young Audiences On Tour Presents
ACOUSTIC ROOSTER'S BARNYARD BOOGIE: STARRING INDIGO BLUME
February 13, 2023
10:30am SOLD OUT & 12:30pm
3 Years – 2nd Grade
New York Times best-selling author KWAME ALEXANDER brings two of his beloved children’s books—Acoustic Rooster and Indigo Blume—to the stage in a world premiere Kennedy Center commission. Read more and access lesson plan...
The Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour Presents
Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie Starring Indigo Blume
Find your voice in this feathery adventure.
Adapted from the books by Kwame Alexander
By Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess
Music by Randy Preston
Directed by Lili-Anne Brown
New York Times best-selling author KWAME ALEXANDER brings two of his beloved children’s books—Acoustic Rooster and Indigo Blume—to the stage in a world premiere Kennedy Center commission. Alexander teams up with his writing partner MARY RAND HESS and long-time musical collaborator RANDY PRESTON to tell a story about being scared, being brave, and believing in yourself. With special guests like Duck Ellington and Ms. Dairy Parton—this musical adaptation will have children (and families) dancing in their seats.
Dive into a book to keep the fun going: Kwame’s NEW picture book of the same name is based on our musical!
Most enjoyed by 5+
Please note: This performance contains haze effects.
The Kennedy Center Theaterfor Young Audiences on Tour is represented by Shaw Entertainment Group, LLC.
Photo credit Jati Lindsay.

IN THE YEAR OF THE BOAR AND JACKIE ROBINSON
Honolulu Theatre for Youth
February 27 & 28, 2023
10:30am & 1:00pm*
3rd Grade – 8th Grade
*February 28, 2023 at 1:00pm is a sensory-friendly performance
Our protagonist, Shirley Temple Wong, and her family move from China to the United States in 1947, the year Jackie Robinson was breaking records and assumptions. Read more and access lesson plan...
This play is adapted from the award-winning novel by Bette Bao Lord and was inspired by the author‘s own memories of immigrating to the United States. Our protagonist, Shirley Temple Wong, and her family move from China to the United States in 1947, the year Jackie Robinson was breaking records and assumptions. Told through humor and a rich multi-media staging, the play celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of those who bring new perspectives to our country.
Based on the book by Bette Bao Lord
Adapted for the stage by Mark Branner

IT'S OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT
Stories by Todd Parr with Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
March 27 & 28, 2023
10:30am & 12:30pm*
3 Years – 2nd Grade
March 27 & March 28 at 10:30am are SOLD OUT
*March 28, 2023 at 12:30pm is a sensory-friendly performance
With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, Todd Parr explores important and timely subjects. Read More...
With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, Todd Parr explores important and timely subjects. It’s Okay to Be Different cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and self-confidence. Equally whimsical and heartfelt, The Earth Book, is a sweet homage to our beautiful planet inspiring readers of all ages to do their part to keep the Earth happy and healthy. This is My Hair is a funny exploration of how silly hair can be and that no matter how your hair looks, always feel good about yourself.
Mermaid’s new show will be directed and adapted by Jim Morrow, veteran director of numerous internationally acclaimed Mermaid productions. It will feature a diverse cast, an innovative approach to puppetry manipulation and construction, combined with playful original music for which the company has earned worldwide praise.
Todd Parr is the author and illustrator of more than 40 books for children. His books are available in over fifteen languages throughout the world. He is the co-creator of the three-time Emmy-Nominated children’s television show ToddWorld™ as well as short films for Sesame Street.

CHARLESTON SYMPHONY’S YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT
LINK UP: THE ORCHESTRA SINGS!
March 30 SOLD OUT & 31, 2023
11:00am
3rd Grade – 5th Grade
The Charleston Symphony is proud to partner with the Charleston Gaillard Center and Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute to present LINK UP: The Orchestra Sings! hosted by Thomas Cabaniss. Read More...
The Charleston Symphony is proud to partner with the Charleston Gaillard Center and Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute to present LINK UP: The Orchestra Sings! hosted by Thomas Cabaniss.
In partnership with Carnegie Hall and the Gaillard Center, the Charleston Symphony presents Link Up: The Orchestra Sings, a music education program for students in grades 3-5 on March 30 & 31, 2023 at the Gaillard Center. The nearly 3,000 Lowcountry students participating in the Link Up program will have the opportunity to study the curriculum in their classrooms and then attend a highly engaging culminating concert where they sing and play recorders with the orchestra from their seats.
To participate in Link Up, Teachers are required to attend a professional development workshop exploring the Link Up Curriculum on Friday, September 30, 2022, at the Gaillard Center. All attending teachers will receive a complimentary ticket to the Charleston Symphony’s Masterworks concert after the workshop.
To explore the Link Up curriculum and resources, please visit: https://www.carnegiehall.org/Education/Programs/Link-Up/National-Program/The-Orchestra-Sings
Please contact Mitsuko Flynn, CSO Director of Education and Community Engagement, at mflynn@charlestonsymphony.org with any questions.
About Thomas Cabaniss:
Thomas Cabaniss is a composer for dance, theater, film, and the concert stage. Orchestra: Double Rainbow (double piano concerto for Michael and Jessica Chow Shinn); Come To Play, Drumlines, To Make Words Sing, Away I Fly (Carnegie Hall commissions for Link Up educational concerts performed by over 120 orchestras across the US and internationally); Chamber: Trinity Pass (for two pianos), String Quartets #1 - #6, One Silken Thread (for cello and piano four hands), Tiny Bits of Outrageous Love (piano four hands), Searching for Kristallnacht (mixed ensemble and singers). Choral: My Song Is a Fire (cantata for soloists, chorus and orchestra), Three Sabbaths (for 2 oboes, string orchestra and SATB chorus); Watchman, Heaven Is, Celestial Fire (for the Young People's Chorus of NYC), Behold the Star. Operas: Denmark Vesey, The Sandman, The German Refugee, Otoyotoy, Camille’s Rainbow. Dance: The Reclamation, Noise + Speed, It's All True, and The Short-Cut. Theater scores for Spoleto Festival USA, Yale Repertory Theater, Manhattan Theater Club, Dallas Theater Center, Center Stage Baltimore, Portland Stage Company, Pearl Theater, Primary Stages, Target Margin Theater, Juilliard Drama Division. Obie Award, 1998; Drama Desk nomination, 1998; ASCAP Foundation Award; score for The Lunch Date, an Academy Award-winning short film, 1990. He helped to create the Lullaby Project at Carnegie Hall, serving young parents in shelters, hospitals and prisons with collaboratively created songs for their children. He co-founded the vocal improvisation ensemble Moving Star, which produces interactive singing experiences for young people and adults. He has been teaching at Juilliard in the Dance Division since 1998 and in the Music Division since 2007. He served as education director for the New York Philharmonic and Music Animateur at the Philadelphia Orchestra. He has written articles for Chamber Music Magazine and the Teaching Artist Journal. His music is published by Boosey & Hawkes, European American Music, G. Schirmer, and MusiCreate Publications. He is a member of ASCAP and an associated artist of Target Margin Theater.

THE GRUFFALO
Tall Stories London, England
April 24 & 25, 2023 10:30am & 12:30pm*
CD– 3rd Grade
April 24 & 25 at 10:30am are SOLD OUT
*April 25, 2023 at 12:30pm is a sensory-friendly performance
A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood... Read more and access lesson plan...

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high-spirited Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?
Songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world!
"The Gruffalo © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 1999 – Macmillan Children’s Books"
Photo Credit: © Tall Stories
Programs

2022 – 2023 Classes and Workshops
The Charleston Gaillard Center serves students and the others throughout the Lowcountry by offering free curriculum-based workshops, classes, pre-show lectures, and more.