2026-2027 Matinee Series

All tickets for Matinee Series shows are $5. For inquiries on booking school groups, email pac@georgiasouthern.edu.

Upcoming Events

Mister E. of Imagination: Tales of Edgar Allen Poe

Three people with anxious expressions stand close together, looking upward, in front of a chalkboard filled with spooky words like ‘haunted’ and ‘never.’

Lexington Children’s Theatre

Monday, September 14th, 2026 – 10:30AM

Edgar Allan Poe’s poems and stories still excite imaginations with images that keep us up long after bedtime: a steely-gray eye gleaming in the darkness, an unceasing call from an unwanted winged visitor, and yearning for love long lost in a castle by the sea. Four actors bring the world of Poe to life and intertwine these stories to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Recommended for Grades 4 through Adult.

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Super Cowgirl and Mighty Miracle

Lexington Children’s Theatre

Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 – 10:30AM

Six-year-old Cory is sent to live with her grumpy grandma when her Papi must go away for work. But Grandmother Autumn’s house is different: soup for dinner, church on Sundays, and NO DOGS! When Cory meets a stray dog, she secretly takes him in right under her grandma’s nose. It’s love at first sight for Cory and positively the last straw for Grandmother Autumn. Will this dog bring this new family together or tear it apart?

Recommended for Grades 5 through Adult.

Jack’s Adventure in American History

Person in a white astronaut suit and NASA helmet posing with an American flag, smiling with a student in front in a classroom set.

Bright Star Theatre Company

Monday, October 5th, 2026 – 10:30AM

Join Jack as he crams for his upcoming test. When his history book magically bursts, Jack meets some of the most exciting people in our nation’s history! George Washington, Ben Franklin, Henry Ford and Neil Armstrong are just some of the 22 characters who show up in this high-energy adventure. Audience volunteers help write the Constitution, work on Ford’s assembly line and even demand the right to vote.

Recommended for Grades 2 through 6.

Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show

Bright Star Theatre Company

Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 – 10:30AM

Step into the prehistoric world with Dino Academy! Led by the quirky and curious Dr. Sarah Tops, this action-packed adventure uncovers fascinating dino facts that will wow even the biggest dino fans. Featuring life-like, colorful dinosaur puppets that stomp, roar and charm their way into every heart, this show blends science, storytelling and imagination in the style of your favorite nature programs.

Recommended for Pre-K through 5.

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The Merry Widow: A Comic Operetta by Franz Lehar

Elegant woman in a black beaded gown with a lace fan, standing on a Parisian street with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

A co-production of Georgia Southern Opera and the Performing Arts Center

Friday, October 16th, 2026 – 10:30AM

Join Georgia Southern Opera and the Performing Arts Center for Franz Lehár’s The Merry Widow, one of the world’s most beloved and recognizable operettas. This timeless classic has enchanted audiences for more than a century with its unforgettable melodies, sparkling humor, and romantic intrigue.

Recommended for All Ages.

The Glass Menagerie

Crystal unicorn sculpture illuminated in blue light, standing on a dark reflective surface.

A co-production of GS Theatre and the Performing Arts Center

Thursday, November 12th, 2026 – 10:00AM

Considered a landmark of American Theatre, The Glass Menagerie is Tennessee Williams’s semi-autobiographical “memory play” about the Wingfield family in 1930s St. Louis, focusing on the narrator Tom’s escape from his overbearing mother, Amanda, and his painfully shy, physically disabled sister, Laura, who finds solace in her glass animal collection.

Recommended for Grades 5 through Adult.

Frosty: A Musical Adventure

Male performer in a vintage costume: top hat, cream coat, floral vest, and red bow tie on stage.

The Barter Players

Thursday, November 19th, 2026 – 10:30AM

A young orphan named Billy discovers magic in a stolen hat, and when he places it on a snowman’s head, that snowman comes to life! Can Frosty help Billy find his real family in time for Christmas? Join them on a thrilling quest through New York City as they discover the real magic of the Season is Love.

Recommended for All Ages.

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Jackie Robinson

Portrait of a man wearing a Dodgers jersey and blue cap, seated with hands folded, against a bright mural background.

Bright Star Theatre Company

January 12th, 2027 – 10:30AM

Jackie Robinson’s number “42” has come to symbolize the triumph of the human spirit over incredible odds. This biographical tale follows the life of Jackie Robinson, the first black baseball player to cross the color lines in the Major Leagues. A real-life hero and a tribute to the power of persistence and determination in the face of adversity, see why Jackie Robinson has inspired so many people both in and out of sports!

Recommended for Grades K through 5.

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Freedom Songs: The Music of Black History

Person in a wide straw hat holds up an old lantern, looking upward, with a painted mural backdrop suggesting a historical or storytelling exhibit.

Bright Star Theatre Company

January 13th, 2027 – 10:30AM

From the work songs of the fields of people who were enduring the bonds of slavery, to Ragtime, Jazz, R&B, and the inspired spirituals of the Civil Rights movement, this play follows the compelling story of the role that music played in the history of Black Americans. Meet incredible Americans like Scott Joplin, Billie Holiday, Little Richard and more in a tale that is sure to intrigue audiences of all ages!

Recommended for Grades 3 through Adult.

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Meet Dr. King

Bright Star Theatre Company

Monday, February 8th, 2027 – 10:30AM

One of Bright Star’s most popular productions, Meet Dr. King is a wonderful introduction to the life and work of one of America’s most influential men. This show is perfect for younger audiences, serving to introduce students to major concepts of Black History like freedom, integration and equality.

Recommended for Grades K through 5

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Beauty and the Beast

Young woman with brown hair in a ponytail, smiling while clasping her hands in front of a blue mural.

Bright Star Theatre Company

Tuesday, February 9th, 2027 – 10:30AM

First published by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, this is the classic tale of Belle, a young woman whose complicated life leads her to leave her home village to live with a Beast in his mountain castle. Join Lenny and Mabel, the “greatest actors in the world” as they bring this classic work of literature to life. This heartwarming tale shows that beauty is what lies within. See why this fairy tale has been enchanting audiences since 1740.

Recommended for Grades Pre-K through 4.

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Beneath the Baobab Tree

Person with blue curly hair in a green dress sits on grass, raising a pink frisbee near a tree with hanging nests and yellow birds.

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte

Wednesday, February 10th, 2027 – 10:30AM

Journey through the history and culture of Africa. Young Nia dreams of becoming the next griot (storyteller) in her family, and Anansi — the legendary trickster — is just the guide she needs. Together, they lead us through a grand, winding adventure where every detour is a delightful side story. Full of laughter, heart, and tradition, the journey builds to a moment where Nia — and the audience — become part of the tale.

Recommended for Grades 2 through 5.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Cartoon mouse in blue overalls reaching for a chocolate chip cookie, with more cookies nearby on a green background.

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte

Thursday, February 11th, 2027 – 10:30AM

What happens when a hungry little mouse shows up at your doorstep? If you give him a cookie, you’d better be prepared for a whirlwind of hilarious demands! Based on the wildly popular circular tale by Laura Numeroff, this high-energy show follows the chain reaction of events sparked by one simple snack. Spoiler: One cookie is never, ever enough!

Recommended for Grades K through 3.

Charlotte’s Web

Purple cow-like silhouette stands on a dark stage beneath oversized white spider webs, with a hanging white spider from above.

Sunrise Theatre Company

Wednesday, March 24th, 2027 – 10:30AM

Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.

Recommended for Grades K through 5.

Winnie the Pooh

Bright Star Theatre Company

Tuesday, April 27th, 2027 – 10:30AM

The beloved literary classic comes to life in this sweet and charming production. Join Pooh and all your favorite characters from the Hundred Acre Wood as they find themselves in the playful predicaments first imagined by writer A.A. Milne in 1926. Christopher Robin, Owl, Eeyore and more bring this classic work to life.

Recommended for Grades Pre-K through 3.

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Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Young woman in a bright blue period costume drinks from a decorative teacup on a theater stage, holding a matching plate behind her.

Bright Star Theatre Company

Wednesday, April 28th, 2027 – 10:30AM

Join Alice on her journey into the rabbit hole, packed with some eccentric and fantastical characters who take your audience on an imaginative ride. Since 1865 this literary classic has been a favorite among young readers. Join the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and Alice on this adventure in Wonderland.

Recommended for Grades Pre-K through 4.

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The Velveteen Rabbit

Bright Star Theatre Company

Thursday, April 29th, 2027 – 10:30AM

A special gift for a young boy opens this heartwarming tale of childhood and imagination. Through thick and thin, this story shows us how much care it takes to hold on to special friends, and how important it is to sometimes let those things go. With endearing costumes and unforgettable characters, the Velveteen Rabbit is sure to appeal to younger audiences.

Recommended for Grades Pre-K through 4.

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Upcycled Cinderella

Person dressed as Little Red Riding Hood sweeping the floor with a broom on a stage set, with a blue recycling bin and a cartoon backdrop.

Bright Star Theatre Company

Friday, April 30th, 2027 – 10:30AM

When the scheduled performers fail to arrive for the day’s performance, the facility janitors, “Dustmop” and “Binny,” decide to take over in this hilarious take on the classic fairy tale, Cinderella! One of Bright Star’s most popular shows of all time, Upcycled Cinderella shows that, with a little creativity and ingenuity, you can make the most of any situation. A great show for younger audiences, or for anyone who is young at heart.

Recommended for Grades Pre-K through 4.

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ADA Information

The PAC’s theatre is equipped with multiple ADA device landings, several transfer seats, and handrails that line the exterior stairwells. Additionally, the PAC has an elevator for various access points within the theatre. 

If you or someone in your party is in need of ADA assistance regarding seating, an interpreter, or other concerns, please contact us at (912) 478-7916 or pac@georgiasouthern.edu