Student Matinees
A.C.T.’s Student Matinee (SMAT) program—one of the oldest such programs in the United States—brings the highest-quality productions to your students, at very affordable prices.
At A.C.T , you can experience theatrical storytelling that that engages the spirit of the San Francisco Bay Area, activates stories that resonate, promote a diversity of voices and points of view, and empowers theater makers and audiences to celebrate liveness.
From epic dramatic spectacles in our 1,000-seat theater to up-close performances in our more intimate venues, we're committed to bringing you rich, thrilling productions that will engage your students and spark conversation in the classroom. Each teacher receives a complimentary copy of our in-depth Educator Guide and an invitation to attend a Teacher Preview and explore our educational materials, at no additional cost. Each SMAT performance is followed by a SMAT Chat, during which the cast interacts with students during a brief Q&A session. To further enhance your students’ theatergoing experience, consider booking a pre-performance workshop!
We aren't hosting a SMAT for Big Data, but please contact smat@act-sf.org for information on booking SMAT-priced tickets to one of the regular run performances for your high school class.
Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord
April 26, 2024 at 11 a.m. & May 1, 2024 at 11 a.m.| Strand Theater
Recommended for grades 8–12
Tickets: $15
"For some of our students, the first professional play they ever see is at a student matinee. The program is a wonderful opportunity and it can be truly magical when our students get to see themselves and their stories reflected on stage. I also appreciate how our students are met with kindness and warmth. These experiences are so important if we want to keep theater alive and serving its purpose, to open up a dialogue, help us see society and ourselves."
—Robert Coverdell, teacher, Downtown High School
About Student Matinees at A.C.T.
- High-quality productions
- Discounted tickets ($15/person)
- Pre-show Educator Guides to give you and your student context, resources, and activities to do after the show is over
- Pre-performance workshops (see more below)
- Post-show chats with members of our cast and artistic team
Pre-Performance Workshops
Get a free workshop from an A.C.T. teaching artist to prepare students for their theatre experience related to the show! We will schedule this based on your school schedule and our teaching artist availability, taking place at your school!*
*Workshops can only take place on your campus if you are within 60 minutes of 30 Grant Ave, San Francisco. Applicable to schools who reserve their SMAT performance a month in advance.
Can't make it to a student matinee? Discounted tickets to all regular performances are available for school groups.
Questions? Contact smat@act-sf.org.
