Nicklaus Children’s Smart Stage Matinee Series 2025/2026 to Enrich Education Through Performing Arts
The 2025/2026 Nicklaus Children’s Smart Stage Matinee Series at The Broward Center and The Parker offers curriculum-aligned performances to inspire creativity and emotional wellbeing in students.
The 2025/2026 Nicklaus Children’s Smart Stage Matinee Series at The Broward Center and The Parker is set to bring learning to life through a series of educational performances designed to align with Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards. This initiative underscores the importance of integrating arts into education to foster creativity, emotional wellbeing, and a deeper understanding of curriculum content among students.
DeAnn Hazey, CFRE of Government Relations & Community Affairs at Nicklaus Children’s Health System, emphasized the series' role in promoting children’s health and wellness. "Supporting curriculum-connected performances is vital to inspiring creativity, deepening classroom learning, and giving students meaningful access to the arts," Hazey stated. The series not only aims to entertain but also to educate, with free study guides available for download to enhance the learning experience.
Highlights of the series include Pinkalicious: The Musical, which teaches lessons on self-acceptance, and Bill Blagg’s The Science of Magic, where physics meets magic to spark curiosity about science. Other notable performances include Seussical, a musical extravaganza bringing Dr. Seuss characters to life, and The Nutcracker, offering a magical journey through Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.
For groups of 20-90 students, the Smart Stage Plus interactive learning experience offers a 30-minute workshop with a Broward Center teaching artist, further deepening the connection to the show’s content. This added feature exemplifies the series' commitment to not just passive viewing but active learning and engagement.
The series is a testament to the power of performing arts in education, providing students with unique opportunities to explore complex themes, historical events, and scientific principles in an engaging and memorable way. With performances like She Persisted: The Musical and Elephant & Piggie’s “We are in a Play!”, the series also highlights the importance of resilience, friendship, and creativity, values that are essential for young learners.
Tickets for the Nicklaus Children’s Smart Stage Matinee Series are available through Ticketmaster, the official ticketing service of The Broward Center and The Parker. This series represents a significant investment in the educational and emotional development of children, showcasing the transformative power of the arts in learning.