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.
December 1–5, 2025
“Zookeepers in the House” – Roger Day
Roger Day has partnered with the Birmingham Zoo to create an interactive, multi-media educational program that celebrates the behind-the-scenes heroes who make zoos “safe and fun”: the ZOOKEEPERS! From opening the gates early in the morning to tucking the animals in late at night, Zookeepers are always on the job. There’s not just one Zookeeper. There’s a whole team! Biologists, zoologists, veterinarians. Roger uses STEAM-based activities and some of his most popular songs – including the viral hit “Zookeeper’s in the House” – to introduce students to those very same professionals and the animals they care for.
October 20–24, 2025
“Topsy Turvy Cinderella” – Childrens Theatre of Charlotte
The boisterous British Panto tradition bursts onto the stage with all the fervor and clownish comic silliness you can handle. Ostentatious costumes, magical medieval effects, and spirited songs put a preposterous spin on the classic Cinderella story. Get ready to “hiss” at the wicked stepmother, “howl” at her naughty, haughty daughters, and “ooh” and “coo” as our hopeful heroine undergoes a magical transformation. We’re all guaranteed to have a ball! After all, how else will our Cinderella meet her prince?
November 17–21, 2025
“From China to Appalachia” Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer with Chao Tian
GRAMMY Award winning American Roots artists Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer join with Chinese classical hammered dulcimer player Chao Tian in a show that combines music from China to Appalachia and beyond. From China to Appalachia was borne of a friendship and mutual love of musical exploration experienced in jam sessions that inspired a show speaking to the power of music to connect cultures.
September 29–October 3, 2025
“Cherokee Tales” – Nright Star Theatre
The Cherokee People have a rich history of myths, legends and folktales explaining everything from the creation of the world to how the plants and animals around us came to look and behave the way they do today. This play introduces young audiences to the Cherokee People through a series of fun and engaging stories. Developed in partnership with the Cherokee Historical Association, this play is a great way to introduce young audiences to the Cherokee people. Commemorate National Native American Heritage month by bringing Cherokee Tales to your young audiences.
September 15–29, 2025
Soul Street Dance
Catch the excitement of Street Dance, as these energetic dancers demonstrate its varied styles, discussing the distinctive features and origins of each. This inspirational group of young men, formerly considered at risk, found focus through dance and are now working as professionals. They take students on a high-flying participatory trip from Brazil’s Capoeira to New York’s break dance. The multi-component forms of Street Dance meets the music of the 17th century composer Vivaldi.
March 16-20, 2026
Jessica Fichot
Accompanied by her accordion, toy piano, and fiery band, singer/songwriter Jessica Fichot draws from her French, Chinese, and American heritage to create an intoxicating program of French chanson, 1940s Shanghai jazz, gypsy swing and international folk. With 3 acclaimed albums under her belt, Jessica has charmed audiences around the world – performing her lively songs at concert halls, festivals and clubs in China, Mexico, Canada and across the US and Western Europe. Featuring scorching performances from her bandmates on clarinet/sax, upright bass and guitar, as well as her own beautiful, clear vocals in French, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and English, Fichot’s music is truly a dazzling trans-world journey.
January 12–16, 2026
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.