Learn & Engage
K–12 Programs
Northrop welcomes students back this school year with five more exciting field-trip opportunities! Another world-class lineup of educational, engaging, and thought-provoking music, dance, and science 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 five student matinees, including the interactive, dynamic dance exploration Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE Featuring TU Dance; the rousing UMN Marching Band Indoor Concert; the newly added 2026 Physics Force Winter Shows, copresented with the UMN College of Science and Engineering; 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 is proud to copresent Student Matinees: 2026 Physics Force Winter Shows!
2025–26 Student Matinees On Sale Now
Northrop Presents
2025–26 Northrop Season
Thu, Oct 30, 10:30 am
For up to 20 in-person tickets, call 612-624-2345.
Northrop and UMN School of Music Present
2025–26 Northrop Season
Fri, Nov 21, 10:30 am
On-demand Dec 12–19
UMN College of Science and Engineering and Northrop Present
Tue, Jan 13, 10:00 am & 1:00 pm
Wed, Jan 14, 10:00 am & 12:30 pm
Thu, Jan 15, 10:00 am & 1:00 pm
Fri, Jan 16, 10:00 am & 12:30 pm
For up to 20 in-person tickets, call 612-624-2345.
Northrop Presents
2025–26 Northrop Season
Fri, Feb 6, 10:30 am
For up to 20 in-person tickets, call 612-624-2345.
Northrop and VocalEssence Present
2025–26 Northrop Season
Fri, Feb 20, 10:15 am & *12:45 pm CT
In-person / *Livestream
*On-demand through Feb 27
Free Event, Advance Registration Required
To reserve 21 or more in-person tickets
Stay In the Know
When you order tickets to a student matinee, the benefits include:
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$4.50 tickets per student for in-person matinees
(WITNESS is free) -
No cost for all chaperones
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Free online offerings for select matinees
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Study materials that meet and support MN Academic Standards
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Q&A sessions with artists
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Access to a Sensory Friendly Lounge hosted by trained staff
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Seating in a historic theater on the friendly UMN Campus
The WITNESS Young People's Concert includes all the benefits above, and these key differences:
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Tickets for WITNESS: Eyes Still on the Prize II are free.
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Registration is provided by VocalEssence.
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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.
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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.
Physics Force Student Matinees include all the benefits above, and these key differences:
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Tickets for Student Matinee: 2026 Physics Force are $2 per student.
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There is no automatic bus reimbursement. For information regarding bus grants for high-needs schools and to apply, please visit this Google Form.
Providing Access to the Arts
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.
Access To Arts Education Matters
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Both state and federal laws require K-12 schools to provide arts education for students to foster a more well-rounded education.
