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  • 2025 January: Onstage
Hope Horne 

Inspiring Young Minds: Overture’s OnStage Field Trip program 

January 23, 2025

Black Violin performing on a colorful stage. Two lead perfomers are at the front of the stage. On the left, a black man playing a violin with a beard, black hat, and black shirt. On the right a black man speaking into a microphone with a white shirt on and holding his hand in the air., The young audience is on their feet and excited.

For many students, an OnStage field trip to Overture Center is more than just a break from the classroom—it’s an opportunity to experience the magic of live theater and the arts in a way that leaves a lasting impression.  

Debbie Blitz, a teacher at Wingra School in Madison, shared insights into the transformative power OnStage field trips provide to her students.  

“Seeing live performances is an amazing enrichment to offer young children,” Blitz said. “It brings books they know to life, introduces them to new ideas, new music, new people... it is just wonderful!”  

Through OnStage, students are immersed in a world that combines storytelling, music and movement, igniting both their imaginations and their understanding of the world around them. 

Students arrive at Overture

  • Two school buses parked outside of Overture Center.

  • Several students walking past a round window outside of Overture. A school bus passes by in the background.

  • A group of kids standing in Overture's lobby. They are circled around an opening in the floor that looks down into the lower level.

  • Young kids walking in line against a textured wall. They are touching the wall as the walk past it.

Not only are OnStage shows available for public and private school students, but they are open to homeschool students as well. 

Homeschool teacher Jen St. Clair first learned about OnStage through the FISH Homeschool Group.  

“One of the other moms coordinated a group trip to a performance a few years ago when we were brand new to the Madison area,” said St. Clair. “It was a wonderful way to meet some new families, get a quick feel for the downtown area and see the incredible Overture theater!” 

In preparation of performances, sometimes classes will pre-read stories that relate to the performance, while at other times, the performance itself guides discussions and activities once back at school. 

“We are fortunate to be able to be responsive educators and follow the kids’ interests,” Blitz said.  

“Although we don’t do any formal de-briefing or school assignments related to the performances, I’ve noticed that with each performance, my daughters get more excited about their own instruments,” St. Clair said. “Specifically, in seeing how much growth can happen with more years of committed practice.” 

What is always consistent, however, is a discussion on how to be a respectful audience member – a lesson that stays with students long after the curtain falls.

An audience of children in a Q&A session in theater seats. In front of them, and man with light skin tone and brownish gray hair is speaking into a microphone and a second man with light skintone and a blue shirt is seated at a piano.

When asked why programs like OnStage are important, Blitz reflected on the challenges of modern childhood: “Kids these days have a different life with screens and instant gratification. The art of theater needs to be introduced, or they might miss out! Bringing them to see new people and new experiences is priceless.” 

Blitz described her experiences at OnStage as nothing short of “fabulous.”  

“The kids are always on the edge of their seats,” Blitz said, noting some particularly memorable performances by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, whose productions consistently captivate students.   

“They always leave time for a valuable Q&A session,” Blitz said. “It is one of my favorite things to hear the kids’ questions—an insight into how they are thinking and what they are curious about.”  

One of St. Clair’s favorite OnStage experiences is attending the UW Marching Band.  

“We are Swifties through and through... and to have the band play so many Taylor Swift songs to get all those kids interested and singing! Ah, it made me cry with happiness,” St. Clair expressed. “Well done, UW Marching Band!”

A large marching band on stage wearing red performing for students in seats.

Blitz recommends OnStage field trips to fellow educators, noting how welcoming Overture is to all schools, even accommodating specific needs like tight schedules: “The folks at Overture accommodate that and dismiss us first.” 

St. Clair encourages other homeschool educators to give OnStage a try, even if it feels intimidating at first: “My advice is—just try one! Go on your own as a family so that you don’t have to worry about meetup locations and times and just try it. It has always been worth the extra effort for us!” 

Last season, the OnStage program reached a total of 18,346 students through 19 performances, featuring 110 touring artists and 80 Madison artists. A total of 168 schools and groups participated, 78 of which were new to the program. These numbers highlight the growing impact of OnStage and its dedication to fostering arts education for students across the community. For more details, view our annual report.  

This season promises even more thrilling experiences for students, including our next show, a sold-out performance by the UW Varsity Band on Thursday, February 13. To learn more about OnStage and see a list of upcoming shows, please visit the OnStage Student Field Trips webpage.  

Through OnStage, students are given the chance to explore, imagine and grow, all while enjoying the thrill of live performances. Whether it’s a first experience with theater or one of many, these trips have a unique way of inspiring joy and curiosity that lasts well beyond the final applause. 

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