Education

The Art Students Want, The Education They Need!

At Our Theatre:

Student Matinee Series

Bring your students to see a special 10am show at the theatre as part of the school day! Tickets start at $12 + tax per student, and for every 10 tickets you purchase you receive one free educator ticket! This program is sponsored by The Thorp Family Youth Engagement Fund established by the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, and the United Way of Cumberland County’s Youth Growth Stock Trust. 

Due to construction at our main facility, our 25/26 season will take place at 1707 Owen Drive. To learn more about this project, click here!

Reservations for our 25/26 season will begin on Monday, August 11 at 12:00pm. 

Promotional banner announcing that student matinee bookings are now open for Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s 2025–2026 season, featuring titles like Little Shop of Horrors, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Disney’s High School Musical, Driving Miss Daisy, and Crowns: A Gospel Musical.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS | Best for Middle & High School
Shows at 10:00am | $14 per ticket

ABOUT THE SHOW: This outrageous, R&B-infused cult classic follows down-on-his-luck Seymour and his bloodthirsty botanical discovery: Audrey II. What starts as a withering flower shop turns into a fame-fueled frenzy… as long as Seymour can keep the plant fed. With Motown beats, maniacal laughs, and one very hungry plant, Little Shop of Horrors is the funniest, freakiest, and most ferociously entertaining show in town. Come see why audiences are screaming… with laughter!

RATED PG-13. This musical contains some horror-comedy violence and dark themes.

Dates Available: Oct. 29, Oct. 30 (seating limited), Nov. 13

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NEW BACKSTAGE PASS PROGRAM BELOW,
NOW AVAILABLE DURING LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS!


THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER | Best for Elementary & Middle School
Shows at 9:30am & 11am | $12 per ticket

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Herdmans are the worst kids in the whole history of the world… or so everyone says. They lie, steal, smoke cigars, and cause chaos everywhere they go. So when they unexpectedly show up at church and decide to take over the annual Christmas pageant, the congregation braces for disaster. Imogene Herdman as Mary? Leroy as Joseph? Not a chance. What follows is a wild ride of missing rehearsals, rewired costumes, and absolute mayhem- but also, unexpectedly, a whole lot of heart. As the Herdmans experience the Christmas story for the first time, they bring raw honesty, curiosity, and even a little grace to a tale the church thought they knew by heart. In the end, the pageant might not go as planned… but it just might be the best one yet!

RATED G. This show is perfect for all ages and makes a fantastic holiday outing for kids, parents, grandparents, and anyone in between!

Dates Available: Dec. 9, Dec. 10, Dec. 11, Dec. 12, Dec. 15, Dec. 16, Dec. 17, Dec. 18, Dec. 19


HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL | Best for All Ages
Shows at 10am | $14 per ticket

ABOUT THE SHOW: School spirit hits a high note in this energetic, feel-good favorite that’s all about breaking free! When basketball star Troy and shy science whiz Gabriella defy expectations and audition for the spring musical, East High’s social order is thrown into total chaos. Cliques clash, secrets spill, and the “status quo” gets a serious remix. With catchy pop hits, big dance numbers, and a message of friendship and self-expression, Disney’s High School Musical is a sing-along sensation that proves we’re all in this together!

RATED G. This musical great for all ages!

Dates Available: Feb. 4, Feb. 5, Feb. 11, Feb. 12, Feb. 18, Feb. 19
SOLD OUT, NOW ACCEPTING WAITLIST. PLEASE FILL OUT THE INQUIRY FORM BELOW TO BE ADDED.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NEW BACKSTAGE PASS PROGRAM BELOW,
NOW AVAILABLE DURING HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL!


DRIVING MISS DAISY| Best for High School
Shows at 10am | $12 per ticket

ABOUT THE SHOW: She’s independent, he’s determined- and neither one is ready to change. When Daisy Werthan, a wealthy white widow, is paired with Hoke Colburn, her Black chauffeur, what begins as a working relationship slowly transforms into something deeper. Driving Miss Daisy is a warm and human portrait of connection across boundaries of race, age, and class. Gentle, funny, and moving, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a meditation on aging, acceptance, and the idea that sometimes the most meaningful journeys don’t take us far from home- they bring us closer to one another!

RATED PG. This show contains historical social themes (racism, antisemitism), mild language including racial slurs, a car accident, and references to violence. Recommended for ages 11+, with parental guidance.

Dates Available: Mar. 26 & Apr. 2

To book, please fill out the interest form above. All reservation requests must be submitted through the form!

Backstage Pass: An Exclusive Add-On Experience for Student Matinees

Want extra engagement? Have your class stick around after the show for an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience with our brand-new Backstage Pass program!!

Here’s what’s included:

  • Lunch & Learn: Students enjoy their lunches (brought from home/school) in our Rehearsal Hall right after the 10am student matinee.

  • Exclusive Access: A 50-minute interactive session designed to deepen understanding of the performance, theatre-making, and the creative process.

  • Small Group Feel: Limited to no more than 40 students per session for a personal, hands-on experience.

  • Enhance the Field Trip: This is an add-on to your SMAT booking (not a separate program). Your group must attend the 10am show to participate. 

Fee: $200 per session

Give your students a Backstage Pass to the magic of live theatre!
With questions, please reach out to Jennifer at edassociate@cfrt.org