Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College is excited to announce the 2026-27 Schooltime Performance series!
For over 30 years, our series has brought world-renowned performances to students in grades PreK-12, inspiring creativity and linking live performing arts to classroom studies. Each field trip includes free Student and Teacher Guides aligned with NYC and State Learning Standards.
Join us in bringing powerful learning experiences through the arts to students!
All Schooltime performance tickets are $10 per student in advance. Accompanying teachers, nurses, and paraprofessionals attend free of charge.
Title I tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each eligible teacher may reserve one Title I trip, for up to 35 students, during the 2026-27 school year
For questions, please email us at KCASchooltime@gmail.com, or call (718) 793-8080.
Cirque Kalabanté: WOW
MON, OCT 26, 10:30 AM
Recommended grades: 2-12
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Cirque Kalabanté returns to KCA after its sold-out 2024 run with WOW (World of Words), a vibrant performance that transcends language and connects worlds. Rooted in ancestral African wisdom, the show blends storytelling, song, ritual, acrobatics, and physical play into a shared language of movement. Guided by Trust, Respect, and Wisdom, barriers dissolve in a powerful finale celebrating unity and collective awakening.
The Nutcracker
FRI, DEC 4, 10:30 AM
Recommended grades: 2-8
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Introduce your students to the holiday magic of ballet with New York Theatre Ballet’s one-hour production of The Nutcracker, ideal for young audiences. Choreographed by Keith Michael, this reimagined classic brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless music to life in the elegant Art Nouveau style of 1907. With mischievous mice, playful imps, and dazzling dances, this performance offers a perfect introduction to the world of ballet and classical music.
Lunar New Year Celebration
TUE, FEB 2 - WED, FEB 3**
Recommended grades: 2-8
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Join us for a spellbinding dance performance as we embrace the spirit of the Year of the Fire Goat through the power and beauty of dance. Immerse yourself in a world of wonder as Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company takes the stage, weaving together graceful movements and vibrant costumes to bring ancient traditions to life. Come experience majestic dragons, dancing lions, elegant peacocks, stunning acrobats, twirling ribbons, and much more.
**Schedule Update: Lunar New Year Celebration has moved from Feb. 1–2 to Feb. 2–3 due to NYC DOE “No Field Trip” days. Please note that our previously mailed brochure lists the original dates.
Doktor Kaboom!
FRI, FEB 26, 10:30 AM
Recommended grades: 4-8
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Doktor Kaboom is an over the top German physicist with a passion for science that knows no bounds. Sporting chrome goggles, orange lab coat, motorcycle boots, and wicked cool hair, Doktor Kaboom travels the world, thrilling adults and children alike with an explosive comedic style that is guaranteed to please. His improvisational skill promises no two shows will ever be the same, and his character driven comedy will entertain audiences of every age. Nothing says science like KABOOM!
Con Clave: A Journey Through
Latin Music
FRI, MAR 12, 10:30 AM
Recommended grades: 2-8
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Join us on a vibrant musical journey through the rich history of Afro-Latin music in New York City, led by the extraordinary Steven Salcedo and his all-star band. Through live performance, storytelling, and cultural exploration, students will discover how the rhythms and sounds born in New York’s diverse melting pot have shaped music across the globe.
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia: Ocean Blue
WED, APR 7, 10:30 AM
Recommended grades: K-3
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Dive into an extraordinary underwater adventure with Charlie, a young crab exploring the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific Oceans. Along the way, he encounters whales, sea turtles, deep-sea creatures, and hungry predators while discovering the power of courage, friendship, and resilience. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s Ocean Blue combines stunning puppetry, digital projections, original music, and storytelling to bring the mystery and wonder of the ocean vividly to life.
Cinco De Mayo Celebration
MON, MAY 3, 10:30 AM
Recommended grades: 2-8
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GRAMMY-winning, all-women mariachi ensemble Flor de Toloache brings the vibrant sounds and traditions of Mexico to the stage in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Known for their powerful vocals and dynamic performances, the ensemble puts a fresh spin on traditional mariachi, blending Mexican musical traditions with jazz, soul, and pop. With joyful energy and contemporary style, Flor de Toloache celebrates the rich cultural heritage and spirit of Mexico.
123 ANDRÉS
FRI, MAY 7, 10:30 AM
Recommended grades: PreK-3
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GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY-winning duo 123 Andrés brings joyful, high-energy music to the stage! Blending catchy songs, Latin American rhythms, and interactive performances, Andrés and Christina get audiences singing, dancing, and learning while celebrating Latin American culture and the Spanish language.
All performances take place at Colden Auditorium, Queens’ largest indoor performance venue. These performances are offered exclusively for students in grades PreK–12, so we are unable to accommodate other groups or the general public.
We are a NYC Department of Education approved Vendor. Please use vendor name QUEENS COLLEGE and vendor number COL022000 when placing a Purchase Order with the DOE.
Programs and events are subject to change without notice.
ALREADY PLANNING YOUR VISIT?
To help ensure a positive theater experience for you and your students, please review the important details on the page linked below before your field trip.