Performances for Youth

One of La Jolla Playhouse’s signature Education programs, the Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour is an annual world-premiere, Playhouse-commissioned production that brings the magic of theatre to San Diego classrooms. Launched in 1987, the POP Tour can be accessed by schools, libraries and community centers. Prior to each performance, a Playhouse teaching artist visits each school, either in person or virtually, to engage students in an interactive workshop that explores issues and themes at the core of the play. The Playhouse also provides schools with an interactive standards-based engagement guide that enables educators to integrate the play into their curriculum, including exciting interviews with the cast and the creative team. Ideal for students in grades 3 – 6.

POP TOUR 2023

JIN VS. THE BEACH
By Min Kahng
Directed by Jacole Kitchen

This new musical finds fifth grader Jin headed to field trip to a local San Diego Beach—something he is not familiar with, and a bit anxious about. He’d rather spend his time indoors playing with his favorite game, CUBECRAFTIA. With the support of friends, teachers, and his imagination, Jin learns that everyone has different feelings when it comes to approaching the unknown and that it is important to express those feelings even if they may feel scary.

Touring San Diego County Schools in March and April 2023
Public Performances at La Jolla Playhouse’s WOW FESTIVAL at The Rady Shell in April 2023

To book the POP TOUR to come to your school, please fill out the form on our POP TOUR website.

The following recorded performances from our Digital WOW series are a great way for high school-age students to enjoy theatre. Plus, they’re all FREE!

Ancient
The Society of Wonder
The Totally Fake Latino News with Culture Clash
Walks of Life
You Are Here

The Playhouse offers special student matinees of selected mainstage productions throughout the school year. Virtual Study guides, post-performance workshops and post-show talkbacks are available to prepare students for these productions. Staff development workshops are also offered to teachers prior to their school’s participation in the student matinee.

2022-23 Student Matinee Dates

Thursday, December 1, 2022, 10:30 am (arrival by 10:00 am)

As You Like It
By William Shakespeare
Co-Directed by Christopher Ashley and Will Davis

The original rom com, wild with love and high on joy

In Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, Rosalind and Orlando meet by chance in court and have an immediate connection. When they are both banished, fate brings them together again in the Forest of Arden. Far from the restrictions of court life, we find ourselves in a vibrant new world, where identities can be fully explored and romance can blossom in multiple forms.

Brought to vibrant life by a cast of trans, non-binary and Queer performers, Christopher Ashley and Will Davis’s re-imagined As You Like It is a celebration of the limitless possibilities of love and humanity.

This bold and beautiful production inhabits a wonderful, ‘gender-ful’ world – a sensuous place that embraces the full spectrum of gender possibilities. Evoking the heady experience of falling in love, and underscored by heart-thumping live music, there are no boundaries in As You Like It, just endless complexities, infinite love and the joyful expression of true selves. Love is in the air!

Important AS YOU LIKE IT Dates:

Thursday, March 23, 2023, 10:30 am. (arrival by 10:00 am)

The Outsiders
Book by Adam Rapp
Music and Lyrics by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) and Justin Levine
Music Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations by Justin Levine
Directed by Danya Taymor

The story that defined an era is reimagined in a groundbreaking musical for a new generation. In 1967 Tulsa, Oklahoma, the hardened hearts, aching souls and romantic dreams of Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade and their band of greasers take center stage in a fight for survival and a quest for purpose. Adapted from S.E. Hinton’s seminal book and Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic film, The Outsiders features a book by Adam Rapp, music and lyrics by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) and Justin Levine, music supervision, arrangements & orchestrations by Justin Levine; directed by Danya Taymor.

Important THE OUTSIDERS Dates:

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Please email [email protected] with any questions.