OnStage Student Field Trips
Plan the perfect field trip to Overture Center! We offer a great selection of shows each year for students of all ages.
Pricing and Show Length
Seats are $9 each for school groups and $10.50 each for homeschool groups. One complimentary seat is given for every 15 seats reserved and subsidies are available for qualified groups. All performances are 60 minutes, sometimes this includes a short question and answer period with the artists.
2025/26 Onstage Season
Please note the following performances are sold out or have limited remaining seats available:
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for these shows, please email Janna at onstage@overture.org.
Mariachi Rock Revolution
Thursday, October 30
10am - SOLD OUT
12:30pm - LIMITED SEATING
Capitol Theater
Get ready for a rock-fueled, Mariachi-infused spectacle of sight and sound celebrating the tradition of Mariachi. This high-energy show unites arenarock fans, abuelas raised on Vicente Fernández—and everyone in between.
Grades 4 - 12
Curriculum Connections: Arts, Social Studies, Social Emotional, Language Arts
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for sold out shows, please email Janna at onstage@overture.org.
Cirque Mechanics - Tilt!
Monday, November 3, 10am
SOLD OUT
Capitol Theater
Enter the wonder-filled world of Cirque Mechanics, where modern circus collides with American industrial ingenuity. Witness acrobatics, mechanical marvels and a bit of clowning around—all wrapped in raw realism you won’t find anywhere else.
Grades 4 - 12
Curriculum Connections: Arts, Social Emotional
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for sold out shows, please email Janna at onstage@overture.org.
National Geographic Live
A Pirate's Life with Archaeologist Lisa Briggs
Wednesday, November 5, 11am
Capitol Theater
Set sail on a thrilling adventure with archaeologist Lisa Briggs. Dive into the Mediterranean to uncover how pirates shaped the Roman Empire, meet China’s fierce Pirate Queen and step into the lab to track Blackbeard’s trail. History’s greatest treasures await—are you ready to hunt?
Grades 4-12
Curriculum Connections: Science, Social Studies
Bill Blagg: The Science of Magic
Friday, January 9, 2026
10am - SOLD OUT
12:30pm
Capitol Theater
Enjoy 60 minutes of non-stop magical fun, specifically designed to entertain and engage audiences of all ages. Blagg’s unique blend of comedy, audience participation and mind-bending magic may bring objects to life and make audience members float in mid-air!
Grades 1 - 5
Curriculum Connections: Science, Social Studies
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for sold out shows, please email Janna at onstage@overture.org.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 10am & 12:30pm
Capitol Theater
Letters climb, tumble and delight in this vibrant, music-filled adventure! With catchy songs, energetic dancing and whimsical puppets, this playful production brings the beloved story to life. Full of audience interaction, it’s a joyful way for kids to explore sound, rhythm and reading through laughter and fun.
Grades Pre K - 3
Curriculum Connections: Arts, Language Arts, Social Studies, Social Emotional
National Geographic Live
Wild Cats Revealed with Filmmaker Sandesh Kadur
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 11am
Capitol Theater
From towering Himalayas to dense jungles, India is home to the world’s most diverse wild cats. Join filmmaker and National Geographic Fellow Sandesh Kadur as he unveils rare felines—like the grumpy-faced Pallas’s cat and the fishing cat—through captivating images and video.
Grades 4-12
Curriculum Connections: Science, Social Studies
Step Afrika!'s The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 10am
SOLD OUT
Overture Hall
Watch as the energy of percussive dance, African traditions and contemporary movement collide. With powerful rhythms, storytelling and audience participation, this celebration of African culture and artistry will leave your heart pounding.
Grades 3 - 12
Curriculum Connections: Arts, Social Studies, Social Emotional
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for sold out shows, please email Janna at onstage@overture.org.
Secrets of Space
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
10am - SOLD OUT
12:30pm
Capitol Theater
Sisters Suni and Mae dream of exploring the stars, and now they’re inviting us along! With magical illusions and a cutting-edge digital LED wall, this interactive journey through space dazzles with stunning imagery while uncovering the wonders of science, technology and engineering. Get ready to dream big and explore the cosmos!
Grades 2 - 6
Curriculum Connections: Science, Arts, Social Studies, Social Emotional
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for sold out shows, please email Janna at onstage@overture.org.
UW Varsity Band
Friday, February 27, 2026
10am - SOLD OUT
12:30pm
Overture Hall
Always a favorite, the University of Wisconsin Varsity Band led by Director Corey Pompey treats audiences to a spectacular show of many musical styles from pop to Broadway. This show often sells out, so get your tickets early!
Grades 4-12
Curriculum Connections: Arts, Social Studies
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for sold out shows, please email Janna at onstage@overture.org.
National Geographic Live
The Untold Story of Sharks with Marine Biologist Jess Cramp
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 11am
Capitol Theater
Dive into our planet’s waters and observe the fascinating lives of sharks with marine biologist Jess Cramp. Fifty years after “Jaws,” discover the real story of these ancient predators, the trailblazing women of shark science and Cramp’s mission to protect them.
Grades 4 - 12
Curriculum Connections: Science, Social Studies
Drum TAO
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 10am
SOLD OUT
Capitol Theater
Experience the pulse-pounding power of Drum TAO, where traditional Japanese Wadaiko drums meet breathtaking performance and modern spectacle. Renowned for their dynamic choreography, striking visuals and thunderous rhythms, Drum TAO delivers a performance that is more than just a concert—it’s a full-body experience.
Grades Pre 4 - 12
Curriculum Connections: Arts, Social Studies, Social Emotional
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for sold out shows, please email Janna at onstage@overture.org.
Curious George: The Golden Meatball
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 10am & 12:30pm
Capitol Theater
Join Curious George, the inquisitive, engaging monkey-star of books, movies and the award-winning PBS television show in a brand new musical. With every swing and flip, George takes the audience through a fun-filled adventure, in which he learns more about Rome... and meatballs... and the secret ingredient to cooking!
Grades Pre K - 3
Curriculum Connections: Arts, Language Arts, Social Studies, Social Emotional
Billy Goats Gruff
Friday, April 10, 2026,
10am - LIMITED SEATING
12:30pm
Capitol Theater
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings three beloved stories to life with a fresh, playful twist! Meet three determined goats who outwit a troll in “Billy Goats Gruff,” watch as a wily Wolf gets bested by clever pigs in “Wolf vs. Pigs,” and follow a mischievous raccoon in “Goldilocks.” Featuring laughter, surprises and a Q&A session, it’s a must-see for ages 3–7!
Grades Pre K - 2
Curriculum Connections: Arts, Language Arts, Social Studies, Social Emotional
Doodle POP
Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026, 10am & 12:30pm
Capitol Theater
A mischievous duo’s doodles come to life, launching them—and us—into a playful sea adventure with a tiny turtle. Featuring stunning interactive animations, live whiteboard drawings and a captivating score performed live, this enchanting non-verbal show is a heartwarming journey of creativity, imagination and discovery. Will they return the turtle safely home?
Grades Pre K - 2
Limited Seating - 650 per show
Curriculum Connections: Arts, Science, Social Emotional
2025/26 Onstage Brochure
Additional Resources
FAQs
To help make your field trip as smooth as possible, please review the following FAQs.
OnStage Ordering Guide
A step-by-step guide to ordering OnStage tickets.
Educator Resources Guides
To help you get the most out of your students’ OnStage field trip performance, we provide a resource guide before each show designed to help you apply your academic goals to your students’ performance experience.
Arrival & Departure Info
Everything you need to know about your arrival and departure from Overture Center for the Arts.
Overture Blog
Inspiring Young Minds: Overture’s OnStage Field Trip program
Make your trip even more special
We invite you to expand your students’ learning by combining an OnStage field trip performance with one of the following options:
- Student and Educator Group Tickets (prices range from $20/ticket).
- Tour Overture Galleries, James Watrous Gallery, Wisconsin State Capitol, Madison Public Library, Madison Children’s Museum or Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Please contact these organizations prior to your trip.
Find out more about our resources and programs for educators.
Have additional questions?
Reach out to us at onstage@overture.org and we'll be happy to help answer any questions you have!
