Each season, we welcome teachers and students in grades Pre-K–12 to our Arts for Young America (AYA) School Series performances. Students have the opportunity to attend musicals and plays based on popular children's literature, biographical/historical plays, multicultural titles, and STEAM-related presentations. Educators must fill out a separate reservation request form for each performance. (Click the image to the right to see the season brochure)
2025–26 Educator Guide coming soon!
Applications due: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 by 5 p.m.
Mini grants awarded: Week of Oct. 6–10
Award(s) will be applied to invoice(s).
Teachers can apply for financial aid to help offset the costs of tickets for Viterbo Fine Arts Center's Arts for Young America School Series performances. The Mini Grant is only for schools who have an assigned principal or administrator and must serve at least 10 students to apply. We will consider up to one application per grade, per school. Applications will be reviewed based on financial need and testimony. This is essentially a discount program and you will receive a percentage off the total price.
Steps to Apply:
1. Register for school show(s)–complete a separate reservation request for for EACH show you want to attend
2. When you receive the invoice (in 5–7 business days), you will be invited to apply to the Mini Grant.
Questions? Contact programming coordinator Rachel at rafrisby@viterbo.edu or 608-796-3735.
As part of the grant, you will need:
- A short narrative that demonstrates your school's financial need and why you're applying for the grant
- Information about your school’s percentage of free/reduced meals. For more information about that program, visit your state's government website:
Wis. Dept. of Public Instruction–Free and Reduced Meal Eligibility
Minn. Dept of Education–Student Meal Applications
Iowa Department of Education–School Meal Programs Eligibility
---
Mini Grants partially supported by the La Crosse Arts Board.
Can’t go on a field trip? The Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) can come to your school or classroom for a workshop in January 2026.
MCT is the nation's largest touring children's theatre, touring extensively for more than 50 years, performing all over the world. The Fine Arts Center has worked with MCT for more than 20 years.
Workshops will be led by professionally trained actors who are also the MCT Tour Directors for our local production of Cinderella. (Background checks are a requirement for both Tour Directors from MCT.) As such, they are prepared to engage your students with an interactive activity available in several theatre related topics.
Questions? Contact Rachel at rafrisby@viterbo.edu
2026 WORKSHOPS (45-minutes each, details below)
Tuesday, Jan. 13
Wednesday, Jan. 14
Thursday, Jan. 15
Flexible times between 8 a.m.–2:15 p.m.
$50/workshop for regular class of up to 30 students
$100/assembly-style option for 30–60 students
REGISTRATION
When you register online, let us know the best date/time for you and a backup date/time, which workshop you’d like to do, an approximate number of participants, and the grade(s) of your students. We will do our best to honor your request! Availability for workshops will be on a first-come basis as our Tour Director’s time during our residency is limited, so snag your spot ASAP.
AVAILABLE WORKSHOPS–GRADES 1–2 (30 students)
Drama Quest: Adventures in the Jungle!
A grand adventure through a jungle awaits! Using active and energetic role-playing in a dynamic group setting, students will develop problem-solving skills by engaging their communication and imagination. Your students will have so much fun - they won’t realize that they’re learning!
Acting
“All the world’s a stage,” and all your students, merely players! This workshop explores the basic tools of an actor’s trade - observation, memorization, concentration, and imagination - in an entertaining way. The students participate in fun exercises, learning to apply the actor’s tools to performing and their everyday lives.
Mime
Actions speak louder than words! This workshop will equip the students with essential tools for non-verbal expression. By practicing precise isolations, physical illusions, and deliberate body language, the students will tell compelling stories through the power of movement alone.
Improv
Listening, creativity, bravery – all important skills for the Improv Actor to hone. This workshop emphasizes teamwork and “all-in” participation as the students learn to act without a script. Students of any experience level will be successful in this workshop.
Playwriting
Playwriting – the art that transforms words into worlds. This workshop introduces story-telling concepts that will keep the audience on the edge of their seat! Students will learn the basics of creative thinking, plot structure, and character development in this dynamic storytelling workshop.
Workshop content will be tailored to the chosen age group and is most effective when limiting the age range of the participants to three or four grade levels within a particular session (i.e. 1-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12). We ask that one representative from your organization be available during the workshop.
AVAILABLE WORKSHOPS–GRADES 3–12 (60 students)
Acting, Mime, Improv, Playwriting (see details above)
Workshop content will be tailored to the chosen age group and is most effective when limiting the age range of the participants to three or four grade levels within a particular session (i.e. 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12).We ask that one representative from your organization be available during the workshop.
2025–26 Season Upcoming Shows
FRANKENSTEIN: A Living Comic Book
presented by Kidoons and Geordie Theatre in association with The 20K Collective
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025
9:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
$8/ticket | 65 minutes
Grades 2–12
Curriculum Connections: Literature-based, storytelling, STEAM (science & technology), character development
This electrifying show uses comic book techniques to reanimate the sci-fi classic. A young artist named Mary discovers the journal of Dr. Frankenstein, is drawn into his uncanny experiments, and discovers that we need to face monsters of our own making…before they face us!
By Craig Francis, Rick Miller, Paul Van Dyck. Adapted from the novel by Mary Shelley. Learn more here.
Script includes talk of death, mild violence, giving and taking life. Production includes thunder, flashing lights and fog effects.
FRANKENSTEIN reservations must be booked by Wednesday, Oct. 22. Payment due by Friday, Oct. 31.
Shaun Boothe and the Unauthorized Biography Series
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025
9:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
$8/ticket | 60 minutes
Grades 4–12
Curriculum Connections: Multicultural, character development, public speaking, history
Shaun Boothe is an award-winning hip-hop artist, TEDx speaker, and creator of “The Unauthorized Biography Series.” This critically acclaimed musical project will celebrate cultural icons Serena Williams, President Barack Obama, and Malala Yousafzai through biographical rap songs–Repackaging History through Hip-Hop. Half TED Talk, half live concert, Boothe uses music, multimedia, and motivation to deliver powerful and transformative messaging that resonates and inspires. Learn more here.
Shaun Boothe reservations must be booked by Wednesday, Oct. 29. Payment due by Friday, Nov. 7.
Nutcracker Ballet
presented by La Crosse Dance Centre
Friday, Dec. 12, 2025
10 a.m.
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
$8/ticket | 90 minutes (with a brief intermission)
Grades K–12
Curriculum Connections: Dance, art, theatrical storytelling, classical music
This timeless tale tells the adventure of self-discovery for Maria, who receives a Nutcracker doll from her Godparent Drosselmeyer on Christmas Eve. Join Maria on her journey as she defeats the evil Rat Queen, travels through a beautiful snow-covered land, and revels in the colorful Land of Sweets.
Nutcracker Ballet reservations must be booked by Tuesday, Nov. 25. Payment due by Friday, Dec. 5.
MLK Day Presentation
in partnership with Viterbo University D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
9:30 a.m.
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
FREE | 60 minutes
Grades 6–12
Curriculum Connections: Multicultural, character development, history, ethics
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a guest speaker who will share cultural and historical moments of the American Civil Rights Movement and explore contemporary context.
MLK Day reservations must be booked by Tuesday, Jan. 6.
DINO–LIGHT
presented by Lightwire Theater
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026
9:30 a.m
12:30 p.m.
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
$8/ticket | 60 minutes
Grades 1–4
Curriculum Connections: Technology, dance, puppetry, art
DINO-LIGHT, formerly known as Darwin the Dinosaur, was the recipient of the prestigious Jim Henson Foundation Grant and first feature-length theatrical production created and performed by creators Ian Carney and Corbin Popp.
In this original storyline, a famous scientist with magic powers brings a friendly dinosaur to life. When the dinosaur wanders away from home, he discovers a wonderful world full of creatures that light up the darkness and help him find the true meaning of love. This glow-in-the-dark adventure is visually amazing and has been praised for its cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance by audiences all over the world. Learn more here.
DINO-LIGHT reservation must be booked by Wednesday, Feb. 4. Payment due by Friday, Feb. 13.
DRUM TAO
Thursday, March 12, 2026
9:30 a.m.
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
$9/ticket | 60 minutes
Grades Pre-K–12
Curriculum Connections: Multicultural, music, visual art
DRUM TAO has been performing all over the world for more than 30 years. They set their base in Oita, Japan, and started creating their own music, stage set-ups, and costumes to produce the best show in the world using “Wadaiko (Japanese Drums).” The instrument has a very rare and unique variety of sound expressions. Learn more here.
Reservation must be booked by Thursday, Feb. 26. Payment due by Friday, March 6.
Holocaust Survivor Presentation
in partnership with Viterbo University D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership
Friday, March 27, 2026
10 a.m.
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
FREE | 60 minutes
Grades 6–12
Curriculum Connections: Multicultural, character development, history, biography, oral tradition
Due to high demand, this event will only be available to educators who enroll in Viterbo’s D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership’s annual Teaching the Holocaust Workshop, based on availability. You will register through the Institute starting Oct. 1. Look for updates at www.viterbo.edu/holocaust-workshop.
Billy Goats Gruff & Other Tales
presented by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
Wednesday, April 8, 2025
9:30 a.m
12:30 p.m.
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
$8/ticket | 60 minutes
Grades Pre-K–12
Curriculum Connections: Visual arts, literature, language arts, multicultural social studies/mythology
Presenting a fresh and engaging reimagining of three cherished children's stories—Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, and The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Filled with adventure, humor, and heroism, the story follows a brave raccoon and clever mouse who are on a journey to collect treasure. Along the way, they unknowingly help the goats, bears, and pigs, preventing disaster—without any of the animals ever encountering a true villain. This imaginative retelling seamlessly interweaves three classic tales into a heartwarming adventure that celebrates friendship and courage.
Billy Goats Gruff & Other Tales reservation must be booked by Wednesday, March 25. Payment due by Friday, April 3.
Number the Stars from the book by Lois Lowry
presented by GreatWorks Theatre Company
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
9:30 a.m
12:30 p.m.
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
$8/ticket | 60 minutes
Grades 4–8
Curriculum Connections: Multicultural, character development, history, ethics, literature-based connections
When the Nazis invaded Denmark in the 1940s, Jewish families were generally left alone, but all of that changed suddenly in 1943, and when the call went out to round up Denmark's Jewish families, thousands of non-Jewish Danes worked to smuggle their Jewish friends and neighbors across the water to neutral Sweden, and safety.
That true series of events forms the basis of Number the Stars, Lois Lowry's popular book for middle-school readers. Annemarie Johannsen's family lives in Copenhagen, downstairs from her best friend, Ellen Rosen. When the call-up for Ellen's family goes out, Annemarie's family springs into action, spiriting Ellen away to the shore, in preparation for the journey across the sea. But before they get that far, Annemarie will have to step into the fray, and put her own life at risk for the sake of saving her friend.
Number the Stars reservation must be booked by Wednesday, April 15. Payment due by Friday, April 24.
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center’s Arts for Young America (AYA) series was designed specifically for school audiences, selects its high-quality programming-based on Wisconsin State curriculum standards, and has been serving students and educators in our community since 1996. As part of our commitment to our schools, and within IRS guidelines, we gladly honor nonprofit tax-exempt status for organizations who can show documentation of their 501(c)(3) designation.
This will apply to most educational nonprofits whose mission is to inform and educate individuals or the general public, including preschools, public, and private schools. As individuals cannot be a nonprofit organization, most homeschoolers’ ticket purchases will include tax.
We appreciate your compliance and please enjoy our educational programming!
To Reserve Tickets
Tickets are $8 for students and chaperones unless otherwise noted. Click the Reserve Tickets button at the top of this page. You must fill out a separate order form for each performance you wish to attend.
Seating Assignments
Seating location is determined by three criteria: 1) a group’s accessibility requests, 2) the date the initial reservation is made, and 3) if payment is received by the due date stated on the invoice. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate every seating request but will do our best to honor requests in the order in which they are received.
Payment Information
Each performance has its own reservation and payment deadlines to observe. You will receive a confirmation email with an invoice within five business days of your order. Cash, credit cards, and checks accepted. Checks should be made out to: Viterbo University Fine Arts Center. Any payment mailed to us must arrive on or before the payment deadline. Our mailing address is 900 Viterbo Drive La Crosse, WI 54601.
For questions about payment information, contact Caitilin McCoy, patron services manager, at boxoffice@viterbo.edu or 608-796-3738.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made within one week of the performance date will be subject to the entire invoice fee. Cancellations made more than one week in advance of the performance will not owe any fee.
Refund Policy
All sales are final. If you experience a significant reduction in the number of seats needed and notify us of the change two weeks prior to the performance, we will review requests for refunds on a case-by-case basis. You may revise your numbers up to one week prior to the performance. Programs, artists, and dates are subject to change.
Inclement Weather
If a performance is cancelled by Viterbo University due to inclement weather, we will do our best to reschedule it. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled date, a refund will be given. If you need to reduce the number of seats for the new date, we will refund the difference. If you are unable to attend a performance due to your school’s delay or cancellation, we will make every attempt to exchange your order for another age-appropriate performance. If your group is unable to attend another performance, we will review requests for refunds on a case-by-case basis.
Accessibility Requests
Upon your order, communicate any accessibility requests your students have (wheelchairs, walkers, no stairs, visual or hearing impairments, etc.) so we can seat your group appropriately. Because of limited ability to accommodate these needs, we must have this information upon order, or at least two weeks prior to the performance.
Performance Locations
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center
900 Viterbo Drive
La Crosse, WI 54601
Weber Center for the Performing Arts
428 Front Street South
La Crosse, WI 54601
Questions? Contact:
Rachel Frisby, programming coordinator
608-796-3735
aya@viterbo.edu