Free student matinees

More than 6,000 precollege students from the local and surrounding schools are bused to McCain Auditorium each year to see a live arts educational performance. Teachers receive in-depth study guides to connect curriculum to these free student matinees.

If you or your class is interested in attending, please call 785-532-6425 for more information.

Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey

February 27, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Age Appropriateness: Preschool and up

Marvin the mouse wants to be popular. Constantly bullied and picked on by the "cool" mice, he is labeled as a loser and a geek. To get away from the continuous badgering, he retreats into his science books and a world of fantasy. He longs to have adventures — to be the hero.

Join Marvin on the space adventure of a lifetime: a trip to the surface of the moon on his homemade rocket, where he meets a strange cast of misfit creatures and learns of infinite peril and awesome beauty.

Will Marvin make his dreams come true and bring him the glory and acceptance he craves?

Lightwire Theater has been featured as semi-finalists on NBC's "America's Got Talent" and winners of TruTV's "Fake Off." The group combines theater and technology to bring stories to life in complete darkness, and it is internationally recognized for its signature brand of electroluminescent artistry.

Lightwire Theater is proud to present MOON MOUSE, a cosmic adventure about celebrating differences.

Pirate School: The Science of Pirates

April 9, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Age appropriateness: Grades K-5

Pirate School: The Science of Pirates pushes the boundaries of science and technology, just like the seafarers of old. Who better to expand children's horizons than a pirate? Concepts include atmospheric pressure, wind, currents and the aerodynamics of a sailboat (science), simple machines (engineering), navigation (math), and of course, the flight of a cannonball (technology) — all wrapped up in a theater production (art). Combining STEM concepts with the universal dream of a swashbuckling adventure will inspire, encourage and empower.