Welcome to our 2022-23 Season!
Each season, we welcome about 20,000 teachers and students in grades PK-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.
(Click above to view brochure)
Important Info
- All reservations must be placed through our online reservation form (red button above).
- You will receive a confirmation email, invoice attached, within 5 days of your order.
- Teachers can apply to our 2022-23 Arts for Young America Mini Grant by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30 (see details below).
Thank you to the La Crosse Arts Board, our 2022–23 Mini Grant sponsor.
Teachers can now 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 2022-23 Arts for Young America Mini Grant is only for schools who has 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. Applicants will be notified of their status and or awards the week of October 3. Award(s) will be applied to invoice(s).
Teachers must make ticket reservations for performance(s) PRIOR to submitting the Mini Grant application. The reservation form reserves seats and creates your invoice specific to your choices. The name of the teacher who reserves seats on the reservation form must match the contact on the Mini Grant application.
As part of the grant, you will need:
- Your principal/administrator’s signature
- 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
Completed Arts for Young America Mini Grant applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.
Thank you to the La Crosse Arts Board, our 2022–23 season Mini Grant sponsor.
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!
2022–23 Season
Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition
presented by Theatre Heroes
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Viterbo Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
$7 | 60 minutes
Grades: 4 and up
Curriculum Connections: Technology, literature-based storytelling, language arts, resilience, endurance, survival
Jack London’s classic tale brought to life! This multi-media adventure mixes classic storytelling with projected illustrations to tell the story of Buck, the magnificent cross-bred offspring of a St. Bernard and Scottish Collie. Kidnapped from his lavish life on a California estate and sent to work as a sled dog during the great Klondike Gold Rush, Buck fights to survive and becomes the most famous dog in the whole history of Alaska.
Reservations must be booked by Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022. Full payment is due by Friday, Oct. 7.
The Emperor’s New Clothes
presented by Virginia Repertory Theatre
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
$7 | 60 minutes
Viterbo Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
Grades: K-5
Curriculum Connections: Art, language arts, literary classic, history, character development, reading
By Hans Christian Andersen
Book by Richard Giersch for Virginia Rep On Tour
New music, lyrics, and script updates/additions by Jason Marks
The classic fable with new music is brought to life in this rendition of Hans Christian Andersen’s story of greed and privilege. When it comes to fashion and, well, everything, this emperor knows it all. Or so he thinks! A couple of con artists decide to profit from his bombast and persuade the emperor that they have the world’s most exquisite fabric. The emperor pays the “tailors” a fortune, but when he goes to inspect his dazzling new wardrobe, the con artists offer a clever trick that ultimately shows the foolishness brought on by the emperor’s “sophistication.” A fun tale that reminds us we must not let fear or pride stop us from speaking up and stating the truth.
Reservations must be booked by Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. Full payment is due by Monday, Nov. 14.
Nutcracker Ballet
presented by La Crosse Dance Centre
Friday, Dec. 9, 2022 at 10 a.m.
$7 | 90 minutes
SOLD OUT
Grades: K–12
Curriculum Connections: dance, multicultural, music, art, classical music
This timeless tale tells the adventure of self-discovery for Maria, who receives a Nutcracker doll from her Godfather 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. Come celebrate the joy of the season with La Crosse’s original Nutcracker Ballet.
Reservations must by booked by Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. Full payment is due Wednesday, Dec. 7. SOLD OUT
"Do You Have a Dream?"
MLK Day Presentation with Dr. Andre E. Johnson
presented by Viterbo University’s D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership
Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.
FREE | 60 minutes
Viterbo Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
Grades: 5 and up
Curriculum Connections: Multicultural, character development, history
We will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. with guest speaker Dr. Andre E. Johnson, author and associate professor of Rhetoric and Media Studies and the Scholar in Residence at the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis. He teaches classes in African American Public Address, Rhetoric Race and Religion, Media Studies, Interracial Communication, Rhetoric of Social Movements, and Hip Hop Studies. Reservations must be booked by Monday, Jan. 3, 2023. SOLD OUT
Warriors Don’t Cry
presented by TheaterWorksUSA
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
(Note new date–one day later than originally scheduled)
Viterbo Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
$7 | 60 minutes
Grades: 5 and up
Curriculum Connections: Communication, language arts, music, technology, social studies, civil discourse, social justice, activism, social media
After hearing Ya Girl, a high school student with over 1 million followers on Instagram, struggle to make sense of today’s tumultuous world, Melba Pattillo steps out of history to share the story of her battle to integrate Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Ya Girl learns to see herself in Melba—and in all the young warriors who came before her who raised their hands and made a difference. Inspired by Dr. Melba Pattillo Beals's Little Rock Nine memoir Warriors Don't Cry, this production is a catalyst for deeper discussion about social responsibility, civil discourse, social media, and community engagement.
Reservations must be booked by Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. Full payment is due by Friday, Jan. 20.
Pilobolus–Rules @ Play
Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 at 12:30 p.m.
Viterbo Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
$7 | 60 minutes
Grades: 3 and up
Curriculum Connections: Dance, multicultural, music, art
Throughout life we all encounter rules and we usually view them negatively. Rules @ Play explores how rules actually present opportunities in order to solve problems and overcome challenges. Here is a promo video.
Reservations must be booked by Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. Full payment is due by Friday, Jan. 27.
Finding North with David Gonzalez and Daniel Carlton
presented by RainArt Productions
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Viterbo Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
$7 | 60 minutes
Grades: 5 and up
Curriculum Connections: Storytelling, Blues music, oral history, memoir, self-awareness, Black history, social awareness, compassion, empathy
This production brings to life the powerful stories of the strivings, sacrifices, and dreams of John P. Parker, a former enslaved man who dedicated his life to helping fugitive slaves escape through the Underground Railroad in southern Ohio. Drawn from historical research, Parker’s tale is woven together with verbatim interview material and oral histories from immigrants and non-immigrants who tell their stories of searching for haven in modern-day America.
Finding North written and by with music by David Gonzalez. Performed and additional text by Daniel Carlton.
Reservations must be booked by Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023. Full payment is due by Friday, Feb. 3.
It’s Okay to Be Different–Stories by Todd Parr
presented by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
Monday, March 13, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Viterbo Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
$7 | 60 minutes
9:30 a.m. SOLD OUT; Availability for 12:30 p.m.
Grades: Pre K-3
Curriculum Connections: Early literacy, language arts, emotional development, multiculturalism, character growth
This production for very young audiences features three books from author Todd Parr’s collection. With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, Parr explores important and timely subjects. It’s Okay to Be Different cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and self-confidence. Equally whimsical and heartfelt, The Earth Book, is a sweet homage to our beautiful planet inspiring readers of all ages to do their part to keep the Earth happy and healthy. This is my Hair is a funny exploration of how silly hair can be and that no matter how your hair looks, always feel good about yourself.
Reservations must be booked by Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. Full payment is due by Friday, March 10. The 9:30 a.m. performance is SOLD OUT. Availability remains for the 12:30 p.m. show.
Peter Feigl, Holocaust Survivor
Presented by Viterbo University’s D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership
Friday, March 24, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.
AT SEATING CAPACITY
Viterbo Fine Arts Center Main Theatre
FREE presentation | 60 minutes
Grades: 6-12
Curriculum Connections: Multicultural, character development, history, biography, oral tradition
Learn what life was like during the Nazi regime from Holocaust survivor Peter Feigl. As this is a real-life account of a survivor, this presentation is best suited for middle school and high school-aged students. Priority tickets will be given to educators who register for the D.B. Reinhart Institute’s Teaching the Holocaust Workshop (March 23–24) by Friday, March 3. Register for the workshop here: www.viterbo.edu/holocaust-workshop
All reservations must be booked by Friday, March 10, 2023. AT SEATING CAPACITY.
If you would like to be added to our mailing list, call 608-796-3735 or email aya@viterbo.edu.
To Reserve Tickets
Tickets are $7 for students and chaperones unless otherwise noted. Click the Reserve Tickets button at the top of this page (coming soon). 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 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
For reservations made during the school year, full payment is due prior to the date of the performance. Each performance has its own reservation date and payment guidelines to observe. You will receive a confirmation email, invoice attached, within 5 days of your order. You can pay by cash, credit, or check. Checks should be made out to: Viterbo University Fine Arts Center.
For questions about payment information, contact Caitilin McCoy, patron services manager, at boxoffice@viterbo.edu or 608-796-3738.
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.
Questions? Contact:
Rachel Frisby, programming coordinator
608-796-3735
aya@viterbo.edu