Student Matinees

A class trip to McCarter is an excellent and effective tool for enhancing many areas of study, including Language Arts, Social Studies, and World Languages.

McCarter student matinee performances are typically followed by a facilitated, 30-minute post-show discussion with members of the acting company. McCarter post-show discussions allow students to pose questions to actors and share collectively with their peers in making meaning of the performance and highlighting elements of personal resonance.

Reserving Tickets for Your School

To reserve tickets, please complete and submit the McCarter Student Matinee Reservation Form.
A Patron Services representative will contact you to discuss your reservation including:

  • The details of the contract

  • McCarter Theatre’s student matinee policies

  • The non-refundable deposit payment required to hold your reservation

  • Logistics on the day of your scheduled student matinee

For questions please email groups@mccarter.org

In-School Enrichment

Enrich your students’ experience of a Student Matinee performance and deepen the overall impact of your trip to the theater through a McCarter In-School Enhancement Program available at an additional cost. For more information, please email education@mccarter.org.

Empire Records

Student Matinees:
September 19 & 26 at 10:30AM

A world-premiere musical adaptation of the ‘90’s cult-classic film of the same name with an original rock score by Zoe Sarnak and book by original screenwriter Carol Heikkinen. Overflowing with optimism, rooftop dancing, and the spirit of punk rock, Empire Records tells the story of a band of idealist misfits fighting to save their beloved record store from a corporate takeover. 

Recommended for grades 7-12
CONTENT ADVISORY: This production contains adult themes and language.

Duel Reality

Student Matinee:
Thursday, October 10 at 11:00AM

An all-ages epic, gravity-defying spectacle from the acclaimed cirque company The 7 Fingers (Water for Elephants, Pippin). Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, two feuding families engage in a battle of skill, each competition more daring than the last – while a pair of star-crossed lovers struggles to escape the showdown.

Recommended for grades 1-12
CONTENT ADVISORY: This production includes stylized depictions of violence.

A Christmas Carol

Student Matinees:
December 12 & 18 at 10:30AM

McCarter's annual holiday tradition returns with magic, music, and merriment for all. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a fantastical journey through Christmases past, present and future and enjoy this classic story as it comes to life around you. Create magical memories with the ones you love as this festive spectacle ushers you into the spirit of the season with all the delight, wonder, and generosity that Scrooge himself discovers.

Recommended for grades 6-12

Here There Are Blueberries

January 30 & February 6 at 10:30AM

A celebrated new production from Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project (The Laramie Project). Based on real events, Here There Are Blueberries tells the story of newly discovered historical photographs and the shocking truth behind them—what they reveal about the perpetrators of the Holocaust, and our own humanity.

Recommended for grades 7-12
CONTENT ADVISORY: This production engages with the subject of Nazis and the historical events surrounding the Holocaust. The production contains loud sounds and photographic flash.

Legacy of Light

Student Matinee:
Thursday, April 3 at 10:30AM

In Princeton, New Jersey, a brilliant astrophysicist tries to become a mother. Meanwhile—300 years earlier, in France—a mathematician, scientist, and lover to Voltaire finds out she’s about to become one. From the writer of Native Gardens and Destiny of Desire comes a bright and funny new play about life, the universe, and parenthood.

Recommended for grades 7-12
CONTENT ADVISORY: Adult themes

Primary Trust

Student Matinee:
May 15 & 22 at 10:30AM

An absorbing and open-hearted comedy about new beginnings, NY Times Critic’s Pick, Primary Trust explores the inner and outer lives of Kenneth, a dedicated loner with a passion for drinking Mai Tais on weeknights. When he begins to face a world he’s long avoided, will he have the courage to embrace a new start in life?

Recommended for grades 7-12
CONTENT ADVISORY: This production contains alcohol, strong language and adult themes.

FAQs

  • Buses should pull into the circle in front of the Matthews Theatre at McCarter. A representative will greet them, guide the students into the theatre, and direct the bus driver to the nearest parking lot.

  • No. We ask that bus drivers stay with the bus in the parking area for the entirety of the show. In case of an emergency, we want to be able to know where the bus is and call it back immediately if necessary. The bus parking lot is not within walking distance of the theater.

  • Unfortunately, no. Space is at a premium and we simply do not have the capacity to house all of our student matinee patrons for lunch. In the past, schools have been able to find space independently on the Princeton campus (see attached campus map). Additionally, some schools opt to eat lunch on the bus. A third option is walking into town post-performance and taking advantage of the various restaurants Princeton has to offer. If you choose to do this we ask that your bus pick you up from Nassau Street rather than coming back to the theater

  • Concessions will be available for Student Matinee performances.


  • Please reach out with any special requests for seating and student needs. We create a seating map ahead of the performance to meet the needs of you and your students.

  • Immediately following the performance there is a 30 minute discussion which gives students the opportunity to pose any questions or reactions they had to some of the actors. It’s always an exciting and enlightening talk and we highly recommend sticking around for it! We completely understand that many schools can’t stay due to time constraints and we will ensure you are dismissed at the appropriate time.