The Cabarrus Arts Council provides a professional performance to students in grades K-12 each year. These wonderful school programs captivate our students’ imaginations and bring the curriculum to life. Each performance is related to the Common Core State and North Carolina Essential Standards.
For more information, contact Brian Sullivan, Director of Performing Arts.
April 5 – 9, 2027
“If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” presented by Childrens Theatre of Charlotte
What happens when a hungry little mouse shows up at your doorstep? If you give him a cookie, you’d better be prepared for a whirlwind of hilarious demands! Based on the wildly popular circular tale by Laura Numeroff, this high-energy show follows the chain reaction of events sparked by one simple snack. From needing a glass of milk to requiring a trim in the bathroom mirror, the Mouse’s requests lead to a day of chaotic, slapstick fun that never lets up. Sound familiar? Anyone who’s ever had a toddler in the house will recognize every delightful, exhausting minute. Spoiler: One cookie is never, ever enough!
February 22 – 26, 2027
“Beneath the Baobab tree” presented by Childrens Theatre of Charlotte
Young Nia dreams of becoming the next griot (storyteller) in her family, and Anansi — the legendary trickster — is just the guide she needs. Together, they lead us through a grand, winding adventure where every detour is a delightful side story. Full of laughter, heart, and tradition, the journey builds to a moment where Nia — and the audience — become part of the tale. This world premiere original play features a collection of four tales: “Anansi’s Quest: Anansi Wins Stories for the World”, “The Magic Tree”, “Why the Sun and Moon are Far Away”, and “Anansi and the Singing Pot of Beans”. Gather Beneath the Baobab Tree and celebrate the power of storytelling passed down through generations.
September 28 – October 2, 2026
“And Now I See” presented by Ball in the House, acapella ensemble
An entertaining, informative, and eye-opening new show. Delve into the rich tapestry of African American music, spanning Spirituals, Gospel, Jazz, Soul, Hip Hop, and R&B. Gain insight into the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of each genre, tracing their influences through time. This show celebrates the immense impact of African American musicians and their music, shedding light on their influence while addressing the impact of racism on musical styles and artists alike.
October 19 – 23, 2026
“Pedro’s Story” presented by Antonio Rocha
The Malaga was a 183 ton brig built in 1832, in Brunswick Maine, in a shipyard owned by Joseph Badger. The ship eventually found herself as part of the already Illegal transatlantic trade of African captives to the Americas, especially Brazil.
The Malaga Ship Story is a tour de force performance. Using his entire body and voice, Antonio sings, narrates, and mimes his way through this poetically toned historical tale told mostly from the perspective of the ship. The story vividly explores the reality and impact of the slave industry, which was the largest industry in the world in the 1800s. The story also has a deep connection to the performer, for Malaga goes to Rio de Janeiro – Brazil in 1845, where Antonio was raised in a biracial household over a century later.
” I could not believe the coincidences between the ship and myself. She was built in Maine and went to Brazil to bring t o my home country part of my ancestry. I was born in Brazil and came to Maine where I learn to be a storyteller. The more I read about Malaga, the more I realized I was born to tell her story.” – Antonio Rocha
December 7 – 11, 2026
“7th Grade Stories” presented by storyteller Donna Washington
Donna Washington is an award-winning internationally known master storyteller, artist-educator, and author who has been providing workshops and performing for audiences of all ages for over thirty-six years. She is renowned for her storytelling for both children & adults from poignant & funny fables about the human condition to racy relationships stories to spine-tingling tales of terror. She has been featured at numerous festivals, schools, libraries, theaters and other venues around the world including Canada, Peru, Ireland Argentina & Hong Kong. During the pandemic, she presented over two hundred shows & workshops virtually online. In 2020, she co-founded the non-profit organization Artists Standing Strong Together with Master Storyteller Sheila Arnold for which they won a 2021 Oracle Award. In 2022 she received the Coleen Salley Storytelling Award.
January 11 – 15, 2027
“Richochet” presented by modern circus Nouveau Sud
For over two decades we have seen an increase in the unfortunate and terrifying events of mass shootings at a national level. Churches, public spaces, concert venues, universities, elementary schools… and the list continues. Examining such cases, has brought us to the larger question of Violence as portrayed and accepted in many circles in our society. It can be said that the root of Violence in our country can be traced back to education and/or the lack thereof, as well as the incessant consumption of Violence daily through all media. With the structure of a series of vignettes, utilizing our signature acrobatic language and the contemporary circus arts as vehicle we will look for answers to our communal recurring questions: Why? How do we protect us all? Do we want this? Can we stop it?
February 1 – 5, 2027
Jâca- Clarinet and Guitar Duo
Jâca brings the sounds of the world to life through a thrilling live music experience filled with virtuosity, storytelling, humor, and cultural exploration. Blending dazzling musicianship with global musical traditions, their concerts become vibrant journeys that captivate audiences from the first note to the final encore.
At the heart of Jâca are two virtuoso performers whose playful chemistry and musical curiosity bring extraordinary color and imagination to the stage. Performing on clarinet and guitar, the duo explores repertoire inspired by musical traditions from across the globe, crafting programs that are both adventurous and deeply engaging.
Jâca has performed for audiences across North America and internationally, appearing in concert halls, festivals, and major touring circuits. Their performances have included appearances at venues such as Carnegie Hall and have been featured on television and radio broadcasts across multiple continents. Widely praised for their charisma and technical brilliance, Jâca continues to captivate audiences with concerts that are as electrifying as they are unforgettable.