Student Matinee Policies | balletarkansas

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STUDENT MATINEE POLICIES

25|26 Season – Student Matinee Policies

Policies Updated: 8/13/25

Student matinee performances are for K–12 students of public, private, or homeschool groups and their educators. All attendees must be 5 years or older. Organizations outside these categories may purchase tickets for public performances at a group discount; contact tickets@balletarkansas.org for details.

Performance Reservation & Payment Deadlines

Sleepy Hollow: Registration Sept 25, 2025 | Payment Oct 2, 2025
Nutcracker Spectacular: Registration Nov 20, 2025 | Payment Dec 4, 2025
Cinderella: Registration Jan 29, 2026 | Payment Feb 5, 2026
Giselle: Registration Apr 2, 2026 | Payment Apr 9, 2026

Reservation Process

Review policies.
Make a reservation for one or multiple performances.
Wait for a confirmation email from Ballet Arkansas with your invoice and payment details.
Mark reservation and payment deadlines on your calendar.
Once your reservation numbers are final, submit payment via check or electronic invoice by the final payment deadline. Requests for payment by credit card must be made 3 days before the payment deadline.
Review arrival details. No ticket exchanges or refunds.

Reservation Requirements

Reservations must be made by an educator or school/homeschool group representative.
Minimum of 10 attendees per group, adhering to all student/educator ratio requirements.
If the representative will not attend, they must provide the on-site contact's information to education@balletarkansas.org at least 72 hours in advance.

Homeschool Groups

Register as a group/co-op, minimum 10 attendees, adhering to all student/educator ratio requirements.
One main contact is responsible for all correspondence and policies.
Must present the representative’s State Approval Letter or Notice of Intent before confirmation.

Reservation & Payment Deadlines

Reservation Deadline: 2–3 weeks prior to performance. Exact dates provided on the reservation form.
Changes: Request via education@balletarkansas.org; $15 change fee may apply after deadline.
- Ballet Arkansas cannot guarantee it will be able to accommodate changes to attendance numbers.
- Reservation changes may not be possible following the reservation deadline due to security purposes and seating chart finalization.
Late Reservations: $25 fee, if approved.
Payment Deadline: 1–2 weeks prior to performance. Exact dates provided on the reservation form. Electronic payments incur a 3.5% processing fee. Payments not accepted at the performance.

Educators & Adult Chaperones

Ratio: 1 chaperone per 50 students (max 1:5), homeschool groups may have 1:1.
Ballet Arkansas may verify credentials and affiliation.
Student matinees are not designed for additional parties (parents, siblings, general public). Student matinee seating is reserved to ensure k-12 students across Arkansas have access to world-class dance performances and educational opportunities.

Cancellation

Reservations are non-refundable after the reservation deadline.
Payment is due in full for confirmed reservations.

Theater Etiquette

Before the Performance

Attending a ballet performance is much like going to the movies—only the magic is live! The lights will dim before the performance begins, and the theater will remain dark until the end, except during intermission.

Students should stay with their group and walk, not run, while inside the theater.
After being seated, students may talk quietly to those around them. Once the lights dim and the performance begins, talking should stop.
Keep feet off the backs of chairs and respect the personal space of other audience members.

During the Performance

Sit quietly and enjoy the performance. Loud expressions such as shouting, whistling, or screaming are discouraged, as they can distract both performers and fellow audience members.
Applause is warmly welcomed at the conclusion of each scene, or whenever you feel moved by the performance.

Audience Behavior

Silence or turn off cell phones and electronic devices. No photography, videography, or audio recording is allowed, as all performance material is protected by copyright.
Follow all staff directions and theater policies. Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the auditorium.
Students should be mindful of comfort: dress appropriately for fluctuating building temperatures. Coat check is not available for student matinee performances.
No food, beverages, or gum are allowed inside the theater. Please leave these items on the bus or at school.

Post-Performance

Discuss the performance and encourage reflection on artistry, music, and storytelling.
Take a moment to discuss the performance with your group. What did you enjoy? What surprised you?
Encourage students to reflect on the artistry, music, and storytelling they witnessed.

Enjoy the Show!

Open your mind, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds, and be a courteous participant. Ballet is a shared experience—respecting the performers and fellow audience members helps everyone enjoy the magic.

Additional Policies

Late arrivals call 501-223-5150. Ballet Arkansas plans to begin on time and may not be able to accommodate late arrivals. No refunds issued.

Travel Details

Nutcracker & Cinderella | Robinson Performance Hall

Address: 426 W Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72201

Arrival: Arrive 30 min prior to the performance.
Bus Sign: Display a large sign with your school name in the front right window.
- Upon parking in front of Robinson Center, Robinson will direct you to the check-in table. Leave all backpacks, large bags, and other personal items on the bus.
Check-In: Main Lobby; provide exact numbers, names of any separate arrivals.
Seating: Ushers will guide your group.
Restrooms: Students in small groups with adult supervision.
Entry: Main Lobby only.

Bus Parking

After drop-off, follow the bus line and turn left onto Broadway at Markham.
Buses park at the US Post Office, 600 E Capitol Ave, in arrival order.
After the performance, buses return in the same order for pick-up. Depart once your group is aboard.

Dismissal: Staff release groups; remain seated until called.

Sleepy Hollow, Giselle & American ICONS | Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Address: 501 E 9th St., Little Rock, AR 72202

Arrival: Arrive 30 min prior to the performance.
Bus Sign: Display a large sign with your school name in the front right window.
- Upon arrival, we will direct you to check-in. Leave all backpacks, large bags, and other personal items on the bus.
Check-In: Atrium Lobby; provide exact numbers, names of anyone arriving separately. Entire group must be present.
Seating: Ushers will guide your group.
Restrooms: Atrium Lobby; students in small groups.
Entry: Atrium Lobby only.

Bus Parking:

Enter the parking lot at the southernmost entrance off Commerce Drive and proceed to the drop-off lane at the Park Entrance. Do not enter on Crescent Drive off 9th Street.
Park around MacArthur Park.
Return 15 min prior to performance end.

Dismissal: Staff release groups; remain seated until called.

Optional Post-Performance Activities: