Announcing the 2026-27 Out-of-School Performances!
Check out the offerings below—a diverse collection of the most exciting performances from the best arts organizations in town—with schedule details and brief descriptions. From these options, create a season for your own students and reserve your selections. There are a limited number of tickets available for most shows. Robin will reply to your reservation form to confirm actual ticket availability and numbers.
Reserve 2026-27 Out-Of-School Tickets
The Muse Machine Musical (title announced soon)
• Presented by Muse Machine
• Victoria Theatre
• Thurs, Jan 14—Sun, Jan 17, 2027
• $15
• Estimated run time TBA
• Recommended for ages TBA
• Drop date: Dec 8, 2026
One of the largest musical productions in the state stars an enormous cast of young people from across the Miami Valley. The Muse Machine musical has been praised by The Dayton Daily News as “a performing arts all-star effort,” while The Oakwood Register has called it “an evening of true theatrical joy… ”
West Side Story
• Presented by Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Opera & Dayton Ballet
• Schuster Center
• Sat, Sep 26 at 7:30pm (free pre-show presentation & food 6:00pm)
• $22
• Estimated run time 2:30
• Recommended for ages 12 and older
• Drop date: Sep 8, 2026
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs. Their struggle to survive in a world of violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative and heart-wrenching musical dramas of our time.
The Crucible
• Presented by Wright State University Theatre Dept
• WSU: Festival Playhouse
• Fri, Oct 2, 2026 at 8:00pm
• $12
• Estimated run time 2:45
• Recommended for ages 12 & older
• Drop date: Sep 15, 2026
A witch hunt is beginning in Salem. Raised to be seen and not heard, a group of young women suddenly find their words have a terrible power. A climate of fear spreads through the community and soon the truth itself is on trial.
The Crucible & Salem: Blood to Drink may also be offered as a thematic two-show package for $30 (an additional $8 savings off individual pricing). The combined shows offer anexcellent experience of the original classic paired with a contemporary dark comedy that revisits characters and themes from the original in thoughtful and funny ways.
THE CRUCIBLE STUDY GUIDE
The Notebook
• Presented by Dayton Live
• Schuster Center
• Multiple performance options:
—Wed, Oct 7 at 7:30pm
—Thurs, Oct 8 at 7:30pm
—Sat, Oct 10 at 7:30pm
• $43 & $65
• Estimated run time: 2:20
• Recommended for ages 10 and older
• Drop date: Sep 8, 2026
The Notebook is a new hit musical based on the best selling novel and iconic film. Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart, in a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love. Directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, RENT) and Muse Machine alumna Schele Williams (The Wiz, Aida).
Salem: Blood to Drink
• Presented by Human Race Theatre Co
• The Loft Theatre
• Wed, Oct 14 at 7:30pm (free pre-show presentation & food 6:15pm)
• $26 (also Crucible & Salem two-fer $30)
• Estimated run time: 2:00
• Recommended for ages 13 and older (PG-13)
• Drop date: Sep 15, 2026
In this modern dark comedy about America’s most famous witch hunt, Elizabeth Proctor and others find themselves on the wrong side of witchcraft accusations in Salem, 1692. They confront their fears and just how much society has suddenly forced them to have in common. Includes a pre-show presentation & tour!
The Crucible & Salem: Blood to Drink may also be offered as a thematic two-show package for $30 (an additional $8 savings off individual pricing). The combined shows offer anexcellent experience of the original classic paired with a contemporary dark comedy that revisits characters and themes from the original in thoughtful and funny ways.
Macbeth (opera)
• Presented by Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD
• Regal Fairfield 20 Cinema in Beavercreek
• Sat, Oct 17, 2026 at 1:00pm (pre-show workshop 10:30am at the Metropolitan Arts Center)
• Free
• Estimated run time: 3:15
• Recommended for ages 12 and older
• Drop date: Sep 15, 2026
With questions of fate, superstition, guilt and power, Verdi’s opera is a powerful musical interpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless drama of ambition and its personal cost. Includes a pre-opera workshop at a school or Muse studio, followed by a live-streamed Met Opera performance at a local movie theater.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (ballet)
• Presented by Dayton Ballet & Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
• Victoria Theatre
• Sat, Oct 24 at 7:30pm
• $17 ($5 tickets also available—see ticket form)
• Estimated run time TBA
• Recommended for ages 8 and older
• Drop date: Sep 16, 2026
Dayton Ballet brings Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to life in a captivating collaboration with the Philharmonic. Force Flux, set to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 13 opens the evening with bold contemporary movement before dancers transform the stage into a moonlit forest of romance and mischief!
Spectra
• Presented by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
• Victoria Theatre
• Sun, Nov 1, 2026 at 7:30pm
• Price TBA
• Estimated run time TBA
• Recommended for ages 8 and older
• Drop date: Sep 29, 2026
An evening that dances through the full range of what DCDC does best—repertory that moves audiences from one emotion to the next. From tenderness to joy, from tension to power!
Clue
• Presented by Dayton Live
• Schuster Center
• Multiple performance options:
—Tues, Nov 24 at 7:30pm
—Wed, Nov 25 at 7:30pm
—Sun, Nov 29 at 6:30pm
• $43 & $65
• Estimated run time: 1:30
• Recommended for ages 12 and older
• Drop date: Oct 20, 2026
Murder is on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Based on the fan-favorite movie and board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.
A Christmas Story
• Presented by Dayton Live
• Schuster Center
• Multiple performance options:
—Fri, Dec 4 at 8:00pm
—Sat, Dec 5 at 2:00pm
• $43 & $65
• Estimated run time: 2:30
• Recommended for ages 8 and older
• Drop date: October 20, 2026
From the songwriting team behind Dear Evan Hansen and La La Land, A Christmas Story: The Musical brings the classic movie to hilarious life on stage! Ralphie Parker schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, but an infamous leg lamp, pink bunny pajamas, a department store Santa and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish.
The Nutcracker
• Presented by Dayton Ballet & Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
• Schuster Center
• Multiple performance options:
—Fri, Dec 11 at 7:30pm
—Fri, Dec 18 at 7:30pm
• $17
• Estimated run time: 1:45
• Recommended for ages 5 and older
• Drop date: Nov 10, 2026
Join little Clara as she drifts into restless slumber, where she meets the sparkling Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. An enormous cast dances to live music performed by the Dayton Philharmonic in this holiday tradition!
Santa Claus: The Musical (and The Gift of Christmas)
• Presented by LaComedia Dinner Theatre, Springboro
• Multiple performance options:
—Sat, Dec 12 (arrive 10:30-11:00am for meal; show ends at approximately 1:30pm or 2:45.)
$53 (morning performance price; incl meal & show)
—Sat, Dec 12 (arrive 5:30-6:00pm for meal; show ends at approximately 8:30pm or 9:15pm.)
$60 (evening performance price; incl meal & show)
• Recommended for ages 5 and older
• Drop date: Nov 10, 2026
After 1,000 years of faithful service, Santa announces his decision to hang up the big red suit and train a replacement. Enter Nick: a website designer with a tech-savvy daughter. Will they overcome pressures and a jealous elf in time for Nick to take the reins?
Santa Claus: The Musical is followed by The Gift of Christmas: a musical narrative of the Nativity told through traditional carols and hymns. Advisors have the option of departing during the intermission after Santa Claus: The Musical, or staying for both productions. Staying for both extends the run time by approximately 1:15.
Handel’s Messiah
• Presented by Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra & Chamber Chorus
• Schuster Center
• Wed, Dec 16, 2026 at 7:30pm
• $17
• Est run time: 2:30
• Recommended for ages 8 and older
• Drop date: Nov 10, 2026
Handel’s masterpiece weaves soaring melodies, triumphant choruses and moments of profound reflection into an unforgettable musical journey. Its sweeping drama transcends faith and when the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus rings out, audiences rise to their feet in sheer awe of its power.
The Littlest Angel
• Presented by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
• University of Dayton Boll Theatre
• Multiple performance options:
—Fri, Dec 18, 2026 at 7:00pm
—Sat, Dec 19, 2026 at 7:00pm
• Price TBA ($5 tickets also available—see ticket form)
• Est run time TBA
• Recommended for ages 8 and older
• Drop date: Nov 17, 2026
Inspired by Charles Tazewell’s beloved story, a small angel struggles to belong in heaven until an elder angel helps him overcome homesickness through a humble gift.
The Music of Studio Ghibli
• Presented by Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
• Schuster Center
• Wed, Jan 20, 2027 at 7:30pm
• $17
• Estimated run time: 1:45
• Recommended for ages 7 and older
• Drop date: Dec 15, 2026
Conjure the sound world created by celebrated composer Joe Hisaishi for Studio Ghibli. Featuring music from My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service. The music of Ghibli evokes wonder, nostalgia and adventure! Please note: does not include film projections.
Hell’s Kitchen
• Presented by Dayton Live
• Schuster Center
• Multiple performance options:
—Wed, Jan 27 at 7:30pm
—Fri, Jan 29 at 7:30pm
• $43 & $65
• Estimated run time: 2:35
• Recommended for ages 8 and older
• Drop date: Dec 15, 2026
Welcome to Hell’s Kitchen, the hit musical by Alicia Keys’s life, music and community. 17-year-old Ali is searching for her place in the world. Along the way, you’ll meet the people who help her grow. Hell’s Kitchen is a celebration of finding yourself, your purpose, and the people who lift you up.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (play)
• Presented by Human Race Theatre Co
• The Loft Theatre
• Wed, Feb 10 at 7:30pm
• $26
• Estimated run time: 2:00
• Recommended for ages 10 and older (PG)
• Drop date: Jan 12, 2027
In this beachy reimagining of Shakespeare’s beloved romantic comedy, our young lovers flee across the magical moonlit sands. The fairy Puck follows them along the coastline to play tricks and make sure that everything turns out right in the end!
Sparking Joy
• Presented by Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Dayton Opera Artists-in-Residence, Dayton Ballet Studio Company & School Ensemble
• Schuster Center
• Sun, Mar 7 at 5:00pm
• $17
• Schuster Center
• Estimated run time TBA
• Recommended for ages 7 and older
• Drop date: Feb 9, 2027
The Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is joined by the Ballet School Ensemble, Ballet Studio Company, and Opera Artists in Residence for this multi-disciplinary showcase of joy and collaboration! This concert includes works by Bernstein, Kabalevsky and Saint-Saëns!
Flutopia: Mozart’s Flute Concerto & The Magic Flute
• Presented by Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra & Dayton Opera
• Schuster Center
• Sat, March 13 at 7:30pm (free pre-show presentation & food 6:15pm)
• $17 ($5 tickets also available—see ticket form)
• Estimated run time TBA
• Recommended for ages 7 and older
• Drop date: Feb 9, 2027
This concert pairs Mozart’s Flute Concerto with a newly reimagined concert version of The Magic Flute. Flutopia celebrates the musicians’ artistry and the timeless wit of Mozart’s storytelling!
Silent Night
• Presented by Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD
• Regal Fairfield 20 Cinema in Beavercreek
• Sat, Mar 20, 2027 at 1:00pm (pre-show workshop 10:30am at the Metropolitan Arts Center)
• Free
• Estimated run time: 2:45
• Recommended for ages 12 and older
• Drop date: Feb 16, 2027
The Pulitzer Prize–winning opera, inspired by the true events of the 1914 Christmas truce, when soldiers spontaneously set aside the horrors of the First World War and crossed the trenches to mingle, exchange gifts and sing carols with the enemy. Includes a pre-opera workshop at a school or Muse studio, followed by a live-streamed Met Opera performance at a local movie theater.
Hamilton
• Presented by Dayton Live
• Schuster Center
• Multiple performance options:
—Thu, Apr 1 at 7:30pm
—Sat, Apr 3 at 7:30pm
—Wed, Apr 7 at 7:30pm
—Fri, Apr 9 at 7:30pm
• $51 & $71
• Estimated run time: 2:45
• Recommended for ages 10 and older. Regarding language content: Many students and families are familiar with the show via streaming on Disney+. Be aware that the show contains three instances of the f-word in lyrics, two of which do not appear in the version on Disney+ (to maintain a PG 13 rating). Muse advisors and the families of students should make informed decisions about whether the show is suitable for particular students.
• Drop date: Feb 16, 2027
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical Hamilton is as revolutionary as its subject: the poor kid from the Caribbean who fought the British, defended the Constitution and helped to found the United States. Fusing hip-hop, pop, R&B and the best traditions of theater, this once-in-a-generation show broadens the sound of Broadway, reveals the storytelling power of rap and claims our country’s origins for a diverse new generation.
Beethoven’s Fifth & Copland’s Appalachian Spring
• Presented by Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra & Dayton Ballet
• Schuster Center
• Sat, April 17 at 7:30pm
• $17
• Estimated run time TBA
• Recommended for ages 7 and older
• Drop date: Mar 16, 2027
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony comes to life with powerful choreography, transforming the iconic score into a bold and visually striking dance experience. Paired with Copland’s iconic Appalachian Spring, a sweeping portrait of hope and Americana—a dynamic celebration of movement, music and storytelling!
Kinky Boots
• Presented by Dayton Live
• Schuster Center
• Fri, Apr 23 at 7:30pm
• $43 & $65
• Estimated run time: 2:30
• Recommended for ages 13 and older
• Drop date: Mar 23, 2027
Winner of every Best Musical award, including the Tony, Grammy and London’s Olivier Award! Based on true events, follow the journey of an unlikely pair who find that they have more in common than they realized and discover that you change the world when you change your mind.
Fiddler on the Roof
• Presented by LaComedia Dinner Theatre, Springboro
• Sat, Apr 24 (arrive 10:30-11:00am for meal; show ends at approximately 3:15pm.)
• $53 (meal & show)
• Recommended for ages 8 and older
• Drop date: Mar 23, 2027
In a small village of Czarist Russia, a milkman tries to provide a joyful life for his family while protecting them from the dark sentiments spreading across the country. The Tony Award winning musical returns with humor, warmth and honesty. Performance (includes meal) at La Comedia Dinner Theatre, Springboro.
Shucked
• Presented by Dayton Live
• Schuster Center
• Thu, May 6 at 7:30pm
• $43 & $65
• Estimated run time: 2:15
• Recommended for 10 and older
• Drop date: Apr 6, 2027
Maizy and Beau are getting hitched, when the corn that protects their small community starts to die—and the town needs answers! This Broadway hit about an unlikely hero, an unscrupulous con artist and a battle for the heart and soil of a small town is not to be missed.
Reserve 2026-27 Out-Of-School Tickets
Middle school suggestions
These performances may be good choices for students in middle school (find details above and on the order form):
Muse Machine Musical
Beethoven’s Fifth & Copland’s Appalachian Spring
Clue
A Christmas Story
The Crucible
Fiddler on the Roof
Flutopia
Hamilton (with language advisory)
Handel’s Messiah
Hell’s Kitchen
The Littlest Angel
Macbeth (opera)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (ballet)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (play)
The Music of Studio Ghibli
The Notebook
The Nutcracker
Santa Claus: The Musical
Shucked
Silent Night
Sparking Joy
Spectra
West Side Story
Elementary school suggestions
These performances may be good choices for students in elementary school (find details above and on the order form):
Muse Machine Musical
Beethoven’s Fifth & Copland’s Appalachian Spring
A Christmas Story
Fiddler on the Roof
Flutopia
Handel’s Messiah
Hell’s Kitchen
The Littlest Angel
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (ballet)
The Music of Studio Ghibli
The Nutcracker
Santa Claus: The Musical
Sparking Joy
Spectra
Literary connections
These performances are based on or inspired by books that may be familiar to your students:
A Christmas Story (inspired by the book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash by Jean Sheperd)
The Crucible (play by Arthur Miller, often on school reading lists)
Fiddler on the Roof (inspired by Tevye and His Daughters—also known as Tevye the Dairyman—by Sholem Aleichem)
Hamilton (inspired by the book Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow)
Macbeth (by William Shakespeare)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (by William Shakespeare)
West Side Story (inspired by Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare)
Final Count Confirmation Form
When the drop date for each show approaches, you will receive a message from Robin reminding you that your final ticket count is due. Robin’s message will always include the link to this form (which you may access at any time here as well). If you use an online ticket form, remember to check your ticket reports to confirm who actually paid for tickets. The form will also ask for your purchase order number. The link below is just for your reference—Robin will also contact you when each actual drop date is near.
Final Count Confirmation FormPerformance Etiquette Tips
To prepare your students for out-of-school performances, you are welcome to share Muse’s list of Out-of-School Performance Etiquette Tips with your students and chaperones.
Out-of-School Performance Etiquette TipsThe Metropolitan Opera HD Live in Schools
Muse Machine is the first nonprofit organization in the country to partner with the Metropolitan Opera in NYC for the Met’s HD Live in School program. Students and their advisors can experience a pre-opera workshop at Muse Machine or at their school and then attend a live-streamed Met Opera performance at a local movie theater. From workshops to snacks to tickets, this program is entirely FREE to Muse members and schools!
Any size group of students is welcome to attend this event with an advisor or chaperone. High School students may attend independent of advisor.
The Workshops
Prior to the opera, advisors and students join their peers from other Muse schools to participate in an interactive workshop at their own school or at the Muse Studio. These workshops make the elements of opera and theater accessible and compelling and give students and teachers the opportunity to socialize in a community of Muse Members.
“I felt very well-informed and welcome,” one first-time middle school workshop attendee wrote about her experience.
The Livestreams
Students receive free tickets to attend the livestream of the opera they explored in the workshop, performed live by the Metropolitan Opera, at the Hollywood Stadium 20 cinema at Fairfield Commons. Students liked that the broadcast showed the opera singers “up close” and that the filming including behind-the-scenes footage that “showed how they set up the stage.” Middle school Muse members called their first Live HD in Schools opera experience “beautiful and inspiring” and “amazingly awesome.” One wrote “I liked this so much! You should try it!”
Register your students for a Metropolitan Opera HD Live in Schools workshop and cinema performance – registration coming soon