A yellow school bus parked in front of a building.

LessonPLAN Series

LessonPLAN (Performing Live Arts Now) Education Series bring students to the Tower Theatre and performers into schools. Inspire your student’s creativity and enhance your teaching tools by attending one of the LessonPLAN education performances, or host one of our performances at your school for an in-school assembly!

“The students were thoroughly engaged in the performance, and loved the interaction that kept them involved.  We were so glad to be a part of this WONDERFUL experience!!”

4th Grade Teacher – Cascade Academy

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Tower Tours & Talks


Are you looking for other ways to get arts education into your classroom? Check out these additional FREE LessonPLAN offerings that are great additions to any curriculum.  

Tower Tours
Step into the spotlight! Take your class on a FREE behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. Explore the stage, the backstage secrets, and our green room while discovering fun facts and history. We may even have time for our theatre ghost stories…if you dare! This field trip is very popular with schools, summer camps, and community groups.

Tower Talks
Get ready for a fun, interactive journey into the world of theatre! Our dynamic Education Manager (a former teacher with serious classroom skills) brings the magic of the Tower Theatre straight to your school! Learn theatre history, cool vocab, and even have your students dive into improv! Whether you're planning a visit to the Tower or not, this is the perfect add-on for any community helper or jobs in my community curriculum.

Ready to book? Email Becca at: beccas@towertheatre.org

Upcoming LessonPLAN Events

Maddog and Me-Bullying and the Power of Kindness

Presented by the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation
October 15, 2024

SOLD OUT!

This entertaining mix of world tales and personal stories addresses the universal experience of standing up for yourself in the face of adversity and bullying. Through fables, myths, and stories from his own life growing up in a rough neighborhood, David Gonzalez offers insights and strategies for cultivating compassionate relationships and communities. 

Curriculum Connections 

Schools and Community
Overcoming Learning Challenges Near and Far 

Music and Mindfulness with Paula Dreyer

Presented by the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation
October 28, 2024

February 13, 2025 
March 6, 2025  
May 8, 2025 

SOLD OUT!

Music and Mindfulness offers a unique and immersive experience for children to explore the power of creativity through live piano music. Led by professional pianist Paula Dreyer, the sessions combine beautiful music with contemplative activities, fostering a sense of relaxation and connection. During the sessions, students engage in various activities, including gentle movement, walking meditations, and imaginative storylines. They also contribute to the creative process by suggesting titles and learning traditional concert etiquette. The use of wireless headphones ensures a deep and meaningful musical experience, while still fostering a shared sense of connection among the students. 

Curriculum Connections 
Poetry, Poets and Becoming Writers, Overcoming Learning Challengers 

Alex Zerbe The Zaniac

Presented by the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation
November 5, 2024

SOLD OUT!

This two-time Guinness World Record holder captivates audiences as he explains the physics behind some seriously impressive tricks. Alex has appeared on three national television shows, and has sung over 12,000 songs.  

Curriculum Connections:
Engineering & Technology, Science, Physics 

Living Voices Klondike Gold Rush

Presented by the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation
November 14, 2024

SOLD OUT!

Hunt for gold in the Klondike with one independent young woman who risks everything for the promise of wealth and afresh start during a time of global turmoil. 

Curriculum Connections 
Historical Non-Fiction, US History 

Warm Springs Tribal Member, Scott Kalama (Blue Flamez)

Presented by the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation
January 7, 2025

One Tower matinee: 10:00 AM

Priority reservations for this performance will be given to middle and high schools.

Blue Flamez is the hip-hop musical persona of Scott Kalama, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs who works by day as a certified prevention specialist to mentor youth and raise awareness about the risks of drugs and alcohol. In January 2024, Scott was awarded a Fields Artist Fellowship from Oregon Humanities and Oregon Community Foundation.

Curriculum Connections 
US History
American Indian Boarding Schools
Historical Non-Fiction
Stories of Human Rights 

Villalobos Brothers

Presented by the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation
January 13, 2025

SOLD OUT!

The Villalobos Brothers, a Grammy-winning family band, captivates audiences across the world with their virtuosic violin performances, original compositions, and fiery vocals. Rooted in the native Veracruz traditions, their music showcased a vibrant blend of Son Jarocho, Son Huasteco, Latin Jazz, and Classical Music, pushing boundaries of musical exploration while paying homage to Mexican folklore. Their performances have garnered widespread praise, capturing the hearts of audiences with their virtuosic musicianship, infectious energy, and profound message of love, brotherhood, and social justice.

Curriculum Connections
Folklore of Latin America
Music of Latin America
Musical Exploration, Social Justice 

Aluminum Show

Presented by the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation
January 21, 2025

SOLD OUT!

A unique and energetic experience for the entire family, is a stimulating tour de force which combines movement, dance, visual theater and plenty of humor. 

Curriculum Connections 
Promoting awareness of recycling and environmental sustainability 
Human and Machine interactions 
Imagination and play 
Creative thinking and artistic expression 

Pack Drumline

Presented by the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation
January 23, 2025

SOLD OUT!

The Pack started out as an afterschool program in the Chicago area, teaching percussion and dance to at-risk youth. Today, the Pack is one of the most dynamic performance groups in the nation! Now the official drumline of the Chicago Sky, their semi-finals finish in season 17 of America's Got Talent brought the group new opportunities including a Las Vegas Residency with AGT Super Stars Live at the Luxor, a guest drumline appearance with the Lakers and a North American tour for the 2023-2024 Season.  

Curriculum Connections 
Arts Literacy
Storytelling, theater, science 
Cultural and interdisciplinary aspects of percussion 
Illuminate the arts as a legacy
Reflecting values, customs, beliefs 
Rich expressions of diverse cultures 
Promoting cultural awareness and appreciation

123 Andres

Presented by the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation
January 30, 2025

SOLD OUT!

Grammy Award winning husband-and-wife duo that creates children's music in both English and Spanish. They also teach geography and sign language. 

Curriculum Connections 
Community & Community Celebrations 
Latin American Music and Folklore 
Physical Education 
Music and Movement 
Dual Immersion & Multi-Lingual communities 

Living Voices - Hear My Voice

Presented by the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation
March 11, 2025

SOLD OUT!

Discover the 72-year struggle that finally won half of America's citizens a voice in their own government, through the campaign of one young activist dedicated to women's suffrage.

Curriculum Connections 
Responding to Inequality-Ratifying the 19th Amendment 
US History 
Historical Non-Fiction 
Stories of Human Rights 

International Guitar Night

Presented by the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation
March 17, 2025

One in-school workshop/performance: 10:00 AM

International Guitar Night is the world’s premier touring guitar festival, each show bringing together the most interesting and innovative acoustic guitarists to exchange musical ideas in a public concert setting. 

Curriculum Connections  
Music History 
Physical science properties that govern sound 

Edna Vasquez

Presented by the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation
April 11, 2025

SOLD OUT!

Priority reservations for this performance will be given to dual language students, middle schools, and high schools.

Edna Vazquez is a fearless singer, songwriter, composer, and guitarist whose powerful voice and musical talent transcend the boundaries of language to engage and uplift her audience. Edna's passion for music and performance grew from her bicultural roots, and she has traveled far and wide spreading her message of light, love, and cultural healing.  

Curriculum Connections  
Musical Exploration
Social Justice 

String Queens

Presented by the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation
April 15, 2025

SOLD OUT!

Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens is a dynamic trio that creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine! With an array of repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100 Chart, The String Queens performs versatile programs that take listeners on a rousing musical journey through time and a multitude of musical genres. 

Curriculum Connections  
Music History
Illuminate the arts as a legacy 
Reflecting values, customs, beliefs 
Rich expressions of diverse cultures 
Promoting cultural awareness and appreciation 
Creative thinking and artistic expression 

Reservations

Pricing:

$6.00 per student for a Tower matinee. $3.00 per student for an in-school assembly. $10 chaperone fee.

Payments:

Payments for LessonPLAN education performances may be made by cash, check, credit card, or school district purchase order.

Reserve Now

For more information contact:

Becca Swain

Education Coordinator

Additional Sponsors