Modlin School Series
Explore meaningful performing arts experiences that enhance student learning, expand cultural awareness, and spark imaginations. The Modlin Center is excited to offer a series of K-12 matinee performances and in-school artist residencies for the 2023/24 season.
These free school performance opportunities are open to public, private, and home schools in grades K-12. Read our FAQs at the end of the page to help you prepare for your visit to the Modlin Center.
School Matinee Field Trip
Hamid Rahmanian's Song of the North
Friday, February 2, 2024 | 11 AM - 12:20 PM
Alice Jepson Theatre, Modlin Center for the Arts
An epic love story from ancient Persia comes to life in this cinematic performance created through the manual art of shadow puppetry, projected animation, music, and theatre. Song of the North, adapted from The Shahnameh, the Book of Kings, uses 500 handmade puppets to tell the story of Manijeh, a courageous heroine who uses her strengths and determination to rescue her beloved Bijan and help prevent war. Carefully crafted for young audiences, this mesmerizing experience celebrates themes of unity, collaboration, and experimentation.
“The Persian soul and culture vibrate in this original and poetic show…An innovative fairy tale.” -Toute La Culture
Recommended for grades 2-12
Length: 80 minutes including a behind-the-scenes Q&A with the artists
Funded in part by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, with lead funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.
In-School Artist Residencies Available
Each year the Modlin Center partners with public and private schools and homeschool groups around the region to bring visiting artists to students and educators for artistic and educational residencies. Activities include school assembly performances, classroom visits, and workshops. Contact Shannon Hooker to learn more about bringing a Modlin artist into your school at 804-287-6599 or shooker@richmond.edu.
Upcoming opportunities include activities with 23/24 season artists and the educational concert below.
Jazz at Lincoln Center's Let Freedom Swing
Monday, February 26 & Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Recommended for Grades 3-5 | Two in-school assembly performances available
In this special in-school performance, Jazz at Lincoln Center jazz artists will showcase uniquely democratic principles of jazz. A dynamic quintet of up-and-coming jazz artists will illustrate the diverse origins and collective spirit that have made jazz America’s most significant contribution.
Tickets are free and open to all public, private, and homeschool students, teachers, and families. If you would like to reserve seats, please complete an online registration form for each performance.
Bus Grants
Do you work with a Title-1 School or is your school district in need of financial assistance for field trip transporation? Modlin Center can provide up to 50% of the total bus cost. Please let us know if you would like to be considered for a bus grant when you register. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Adjusting Your Reservation
If you need to adjust the number of seats reserved or your group can no longer attend, please inform the Modlin Center as soon as possible by contacting assistant director Shannon Hooker so that tickets can be released to those on the waiting list. Minor seat adjustments may be possible on a space-available basis.
Accessibility and Accommodations
We want to make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible. Please advise us of any accommodations that you require in advance of your arrival at the Modlin Center. Wheelchair seating, parking, and assisted listening devices are available. Please make your request in advance.
Assigned Seating
Modlin Center staff assign seats in advance of the performance. In order to make your experience at the theater as efficient as possible, you will not be issued tickets. Modlin Center staff will assign seats in advance of each performance, factoring in grade, group size, and special circumstances. We are not able to honor specific seating requests except for requirements for accessibility.
Things to know before you leave, like what time to leave at school, and what to do about lunch. As part of your registration, a field trip guide will be emailed to you prior to your visit.
Field Trip Guide
Several weeks before the performance date, we will email our field trip guide to help you prepare for your performance. This guide outlines everything you need to know before attending your field trip including a educational guide to supplement your students' learning experiences, directions, seating procedures, theater etiquette, and more. All communication will go to the name and email address associated with the order.
Arrival and Drop Off
Plan to arrive at the Modlin Center at least 20-30 minutes prior to show time. Allow for travel time, parking, and trips to the restroom. You should be in your seat at least 5 minutes before the performance begins.
Buses will unload at the circle in front of the Modlin Center entrance. Cars and vans may park in the Modlin Center lot. Modlin staff will be on-site to assist.
If for any reason you are running late or need directions, please notify the box office at 804-289-8980. We regret that we are unable to hold the performance for latecomers.
Lunch Policy
While Modlin Center venues are not equipped to host lunches, we do have outdoor space available when the weather is nice or you may eat in the campus dining hall for a fee. Space is limited and must be reserved in advance. Lunch arrangements requested on the reservation form will be confirmed when we send your field trip guide.
Photo Policy
The Modlin Center may photograph your visit for use on our website and promotional materials. If you or your students do not wish to be photographed, please indicate this on your registration form in advance or inform a Modlin Center staff member prior to the show.
Parking and Directions
The venue address is 453 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA 23173. Free parking is available during the show. Get directions to our venues.
Check-In
Field trip leaders are asked to share their group size with a Modlin staff member before entering the building and being seated.
Seating
Individual tickets are not issued for school performances. Modlin Center staff carefully assign seats in advance of each performance, factoring in grade, group size, and special circumstances. We are not able to honor specific seating requests except for requirements for accessibility.
Pick Up
When the performance ends, remain seated. A Modlin staff member will come to the stage and release groups by school name to avoid traffic jams in the aisles and lobby. When your group is released, please keep your group together as you exit the performance hall through the same door you entered. Modlin Center staff will be outside to direct you to your bus.
Feedback
Following the performance, you may receive a short survey requesting feedback on your theater experience. Please make time to respond, as doing so will inform us on how we can further develop Modlin Center K-12 programs. Thank you!
For questions about your reservation or information about the School Series programs, please contact assistant director Shannon Hooker.
