Serie LessonPlan

Tower Theatre Matinee - SOLD OUT!

TAIKOPROJECT's powerful drumming unites ancient Japanese tradition with 21st century American innovation to create a riot of movement and thundering rhythm. It's been called a tsunami of sound, but this highly charged ensemble is so much more. This show will ignite all your senses with a spellbinding mix of music, theater and precision. Utilizing authentic instruments hand-crafted in Japan, the performers weave traditional and modern forms of taiko together and share elements of their Japanese and Japanese-American culture. The group received international acclaim when they became the first American ensemble to win the prestigious Tokyo International Taiko Contest.

*Curriculum Connections: Music, Rhythm and Percussion, Storytelling, Japanese and Japanese-American Culture and History.

*Recommended for grades K-12

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Tower Theatre Matinee, 10:00 AM

In Ballet Bend's debut season of presenting the best dance from across the continent, this October they bring the acclaimed contemporary dance company, Tentacle Tribe to perform the American premiere of their critically acclaimed piece, PRISM. Originally from Montreal Canada, Tentacle Tribe features 5 dancers specializing in a fusion of dance styles ranging from contemporary, break, modern, and popping. 

PRISM is a one-of-a-kind performance that places their dancers among a mirrored set including two moveable mirrored walls and a mirrored floor. The changing orientation of these set pieces combined with the dancers' athletic partnering and dance styles makes for an awe-inspiring - and sometimes gravity defying - sensory experience!

*Curriculum Connections: Dance, Theatre, Connection/Collaboration, Music

*Appropriate for grades K-12

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October 26, 2026: In-School Matinee - SOLD OUT!

October 27, 2026: In-School Matinee

Grammy-nominee Uncle Jumbo layers heartfelt lyrics and messages of positivity that inspire young minds to dream big and chase their passions. His family concerts and student matinee performances include hits from his Taste the Sky and Garden Groove albums, with uplifting songs and dance-alongs that focus on joy, connection,  kindness and wellbeing.  

*Curriculum Connections:  

Fine Arts: Performance, Music & Composition, Soul, Reggae, Hip Hop

Science: Gardens, Bugs, Trees, How things grow

Emotional/Social Development: Self Awareness, Self Management, Identifying Emotions, Empathy, Courage, Curiosity, Respect for Others, Perspective-Taking, Relationship Skills, Social Engagement, Relationship-building, Family, Teamwork

*Recommended for grades K-5

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In-School Matinees - SOLD OUT!

Birdie, a Jewish pilot, joins the groundbreaking Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). Serving alongside Hazel Ah Ying Lee, one of only two Chinese American WASPs, she navigates racism, sexism, and patriotism to contribute to the war effort.

*Curriculum Connections: World War II, Civil Rights, US History, Civics/Government, Women’s History, Ethnic Studies, African American Studies, World History, Literature, Theatre/Drama, Media/Television/Film

*Recommended for grades 4-12

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In-School Matinee - SOLD OUT!

Jump into fast, fun improv games where students think on their feet, take creative risks, and build real confidence—together. John  Breen is a professional actor, director, and coach (Portlandia, Conan). He’s helped thousands of students become more confident, creative, and comfortable being themselves. This workshop strengthens confidence, communication, creativity, and connection—skills that carry into school, friendships, and life. Students learn to take risks, recover quickly, and support each other in a positive, high-energy environment. We move. We play. We laugh. They grow. No experience needed. No judgment.

Students will learn how to:

• Speak up with confidence

• Stay present under pressure

• Listen and support others

• Work as a team

• Trust their ideas

*Curriculum Connections: Communication, Self-Management Collaboration, Teamwork, Creative Thinking

*Recommended for grades 3-12

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Tower Theatre Matinee- SOLD OUT!

Jake Shimabukuro is a world-renowned ukulele virtuoso whose groundbreaking artistry has redefined the instrument for the 21st century. Jake has captivated audiences across the globe with his masterful technique, innovative spirit, and deeply expressive performances that seamlessly blend elements of jazz, rock, classical, blues, folk, and traditional Hawaiian music.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, Jake began playing the ukulele at age four, quickly developing a unique style that pushed the instrument far beyond its traditional boundaries. Beyond the stage, Jake is a passionate advocate for music education and community outreach, frequently performing at schools and benefit concerts to inspire the next generation of musicians.  

*Curriculum Connections: Oregon Music Standards

*Recommended for grades K-12

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January 12, 2027 - SOLD OUT!

February 23, 2027- SOLD OUT!

May 4, 2027 - SOLD OUT!

In-School Matinee

Dennis McGregor is a local (Sisters, Oregon) author, illustrator, designer, songwriter, and musician. He will be performing his books and music in three local schools throughout the season with his partner, Beth Wood. Beth has been writing, performing, teaching, and creating for over twenty-five years — delighting and inspiring audiences with her exceptional musicianship, intelligent writing, powerhouse voice, and warm and commanding stage presence.

*Curriculum Connections: Literature, theatre, music, visual arts

*Recommended for grades K-3

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January 21, 2027 - SOLD OUT!

February 18, 2027 - SOLD OUT!

Lights, camera... music! Join composer and musician Chris Thomas for an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the music that brings movies and video games to life. Students will discover how composers use melody, rhythm, and emotion to tell stories, build suspense, create unforgettable characters, and make every adventure more memorable.

Chris Thomas is a versatile composer renowned for his contributions to film, television, theme parks, and video games, as well as being a distinguished TEDX speaker. With a notable repertoire spanning across various media, Chris has left an indelible mark in the entertainment industry.

*Curriculum Connections

Analyzing how music communicates meaning and emotion in multimedia works.  

Connecting artistic choices to storytelling techniques across disciplines.  

Developing critical listening and media literacy by evaluating how music shapes audience experiences.  

Understanding careers in the creative arts, including composing for film, television, and video games.  

Strengthening communication and creative thinking through discussion, interpretation, and artistic reflection.

*Recommended for grades 4-12

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Tower Theatre Matinee - SOLD OUT!

The story begins with Aesop’s classic fable of The Tortoise and The Hare where the “slow and steady” Tortoise defeats the nimble but overconfident Hare.  For those who ever wondered what happened after the Race, Lightwire Theater continues the story which finds the two opponents 10 years down the road, now with children of their own and exploring modern day distractions. Smart phones and video games create a new landscape of lost connections to life experiences. The Next Gen features Tortoise Junior and Lil’ Hare in a whole new kind of race, where their adventures lead them into unexpected territory. Old man Tortoise and Big Daddy Hare must come together despite their differences to find and save their children. What hurdles will they have to overcome to make it to the finish line?  With dazzling visuals, poignant storytelling, and creative use of music from classical to pop, this production brings this classic tale into a brilliant new light.  

*Curriculum Connections: Fables, Traditional Literature, Collaboration, Theatre Arts, Social and Emotional Learning, Dance and Movement, Science, Communication

*Recommended for grades K-12

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Two Tower Theatre Matinees

10:00 AM - SOLD OUT!

12:30 PM

DLUX Puppets presents a fun new multimedia adaptation of Peter Pan! Using state of the art digitally projected scenery, high-quality life-sized puppetry, actors, and popular songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s, DLUX Puppets’ adaptation will teach children the power of their choices and to place attention on what they want to create in their life. In this visually engaging production, all of the characters Wendy meets from Neverland are intricately engineered life size puppets, hand built, performed and voiced by DLUX Puppets’ founder Derek Lux. Wendy is played by his wife, Lauren Lux, DLUX Puppets’ Education Director and active elementary school teacher who developed a performance activity kit for students who attend the show.

*Curriculum Connections: Social-Emotional Learning, Cross-Curricular Connections, Literature, Creative Writing, Art & Design

*Recommended for grades K-5

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Tower Theatre Matinee - SOLD OUT!

With the energy of ten thousand suns, The Zaniac shines like a comedy beacon as he bounces from one end of the stage to the other like an untamed rubber band. Jaws will drop, and eyes will pop as Alex juggles bowling balls, flaming torches and slices vegetables in half with a flying playing card.

*Curriculum Connections: Forces of motion, scientific method, engineering & technology, science, physics 

*Recommended for grades K-5

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Two In-School Matinees

Morning - SOLD OUT!

Afternoon - SOLD OUT!

Experience the Revolutionary War, the founding of the United States and the concept of "all men are created equal" from the unique point of view of a free Black colonist. In 1775, Peter and his father enlist in the Concord patriot militia during the colonial rebellion. While his brother joins the Loyalists serving the British, Peter chooses to fight for freedom for himself and his land, participating in the birth of a new country and a new people: the first generation of African Americans.

*Curriculum Connections: American Revolution, Civil Rights, US History, Civics/Government, Ethnic Studies, African American Studies, Literature, Theatre/Drama, Media/Television/Film

*Recommended for grades 4-12

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