Once Upon a Rhyme is more than a performance — it is a multimedia theatrical experience designed to extend learning beyond the classroom.
Through music, storytelling, and live performance, the production explores themes of identity, culture, and creative expression while supporting instruction across English Language Arts, Social Studies, Music, and Arts Integration..
Perfect 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
Educators receive access to classroom-ready curriculum materials designed to support discussion, reflection, and creative learning before and after the performance.
A Field Trip Experience Built for Students
Once Upon a Rhyme is a live multimedia musical that engages students through storytelling, music, and immersive stage design—bringing lessons off the page and onto the stage.
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
🎭 Live Performance
A full theatrical production with live acting, music, and storytelling.
🌍 Cultural Storytelling
Themes of identity, creativity, and culture presented in a way students can connect to.
🎨 Visual & Multimedia Design
Dynamic stage visuals that bring each scene to life.
Curriculum-Aligned Learning Experience
Once Upon a Rhyme is more than a performance — it is a fully supported educational experience designed to extend learning beyond the stage and into the classroom.
This live multimedia hip-hop musical aligns with Illinois Learning Standards and Common Core and supports instruction across English Language Arts, Social Studies, Music, and Arts Integration for Grades 6–12.
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.