Once Upon a Rhyme transforms a field trip into a powerful learning experience. Through live music, storytelling, multimedia, and culturally relevant themes, students don't simply watch a performance—they actively connect literature, history, music, and identity in ways that continue long after the curtain falls.
Designed For
• Middle school and high school students
• English Language Arts classes
• Social Studies and cultural studies programs
• Performing arts programs
• After-school and enrichment programs
Every booking includes classroom-ready educator resources, discussion guides, and reflection activities that extend learning before and after the performance—helping teachers connect the experience to meaningful classroom instruction.
More Than a Field Trip.
An Experience Students Will Never Forget.
Every performance immerses students in a world where storytelling, music, history, literature, and culture come alive through breathtaking visuals, unforgettable characters, and live theatrical performance. It's an educational experience that students don't just watch—they become part of.
Live theatrical performance with music and storytelling
Age-appropriate content for middle & high school students
Visually engaging scenes and stage environments
Designed to keep students engaged from start to finish
What Students Will Experience
🎭 Experience live professional theatre
Strengthen critical thinking through storytelling
• Explore history, culture, and identity
• Connect classroom learning to live performance
• Leave inspired, engaged, and talking about the experience long after the curtain falls
Curriculum-Aligned Learning Experience
Once Upon a Rhyme is more than a live performance—it is a curriculum-connected educational experience that transforms theatre into a powerful classroom extension.
Designed for Grades 6–12, the production supports instruction across English Language Arts, Social Studies, Music, Theatre, Media Arts, and Arts Integration while engaging students through contemporary storytelling, live music, and immersive multimedia.
Learning Focus Areas
Literacy & Storytelling
Narrative structure, character development, theme, symbolism, and point of view explored through live performance and hip-hop lyrics.Hip-Hop History & Cultural Studies
Students examine the origins of hip-hop as a form of storytelling, resistance, and self-expression, connecting music history to contemporary culture.Indigenous Black History in America
The production introduces students to Indigenous Black tribes and communities that existed in the Americas prior to Columbus, encouraging inquiry, discussion, and historical reflection.Women in Music & Performance
Inspired by legendary female vocal groups and star performers from the 1960s–1990s, students explore artistic influence, representation, and legacy.Critical Thinking & Student Voice
Students analyze choices, consequences, identity, and voice while engaging in creative reflection and discussion.
Standards Alignment
This program supports instruction aligned with:
Illinois Learning Standards
Common Core State Standards (ELA)
Social Studies Inquiry & Historical Analysis
Fine Arts & Arts Integration Frameworks
Grade-level adaptations are provided for Middle School (6–8) and High School (9–12) classrooms.
Educator & Student Resources
Schools receive access to downloadable, classroom-ready materials, including:
📘 Educator Curriculum Guide
📝 Student Workbooks & Reflection Pages
✔️ Answer Keys & Assessment Rubrics
📦 Complete Resource Bundle (ZIP)
Built for Teachers. Approved by Administrators. Loved by Students.
Whether used as a standalone cultural experience or integrated into existing units of study, Once Upon a Rhyme provides schools with a meaningful, standards-aligned learning opportunity that blends performance, history, music, and literacy.
Illinois Learning Standards & Common Core aligned
Grades 6–12 • Curriculum included with booking
Now Booking for Fall Field Trips
We are currently scheduling student group performances for our October residency at the Harold Washington Cultural Center.
Group Benefits Include
• Discounted group ticket rates
• Reserved group seating
• Curriculum resources for educators
• Optional post-show discussion
Join the School Field Trip Notification List
School field trip performances for Once Upon a Rhyme will take place in Fall 2026.
Educators can join the priority notification list below to receive early booking access and curriculum updates when field trip dates are announced.
For schools, churches, youth programs, nonprofits, and community organizations.
No payment is required to submit this form.
A booking coordinator will contact you within 1–2 business days.