The Dixie is committed to providing arts education to children and youth through live theatrical and musical performances. As of the 2023-2024 season we have almost 300 shows and 113,000 children! Please join us in celebrating the arts and inspiring our youth.
School students and parents with children are welcome. All shows reinforce the TN Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) testing.
THE 2023 - 2024 EDUCATION SERIES LINEUP IS HERE!
CHeck out these great shows coming to the dixie during its 18th season.
JACK & THE BEANSTALK
Wed, Oct 25, 2023
9A + 11A | Grades PreK-4
Jack is different from the other kids: every time it rains, he hears beautiful music up in the sky. Then one day the rain stops, and the ensuing drought forces Jack into town to sell his beloved cow, Bessie. Before he gets there, he meets a swindler who sends him instead on a madcap adventure up a magical beanstalk—an adventure that includes six quick-changing actors playing an entire town full of people, a Goose that lays golden eggs, a singing Golden Harp, and one angry Giant!
Sponsored by Tippitt Farms & Renfroe Farms.
THE RAINBOW FISH
Tues, Nov 21, 2023
9A + 11A | Grades PreK-3
The first of three tales introduces the most beautiful fish in the sea, whose scales shimmer in all the colors of the rainbow.
He is admired – and resented – by the entire underwater world, until a clever octopus advises him to give each fish one of his scales. Further adventures follow as The Rainbow Fish finds the courage to explore the great unknown deep sea, discovering a new world with wonderful sights and friendly creatures of all shapes, sizes and colors who are eager to make his acquaintance.
The underworld wonderland is the setting for an introduction to the concept of opposites. As a fitting finale, the story ends with the most satisfying opposite of all—give and take—as Rainbow Fish shares one of his shining scales with a friend.
Sponsored by Carroll Bank & Trust.
SHAKESPEARE’S GREATEST HITS
Tues, Dec 5, 2023
9A + 11A | Grades 7-12 | Only 200 available for these shows!
Surprise your students with how much Shakespeare they already know and speak! This engaging panoply of essential scenes, soliloquies, sonnets, and songs is a delightful primer to the words, phrases, and characters your students will love experiencing in context. Two actors take on all the major roles in a 45-minute smattering of scenes from Shakespeare’s most iconic plays. A thrilling time is had by all!
Sponsored by Tennessee Arts Commission.
HEROES OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
Wed, Jan 24, 2024
9A + 11A | Grades K-5
During one of the darkest periods of American History, thousands of enslaved people undertook a harrowing journey to find freedom. That story comes to life in Heroes of the Underground Railroad. This play highlights several of the heroic stories of the brave men and women who dared to escape slavery, and the abolitionists who risked everything to aid them along the way. Your audiences will be amazed at the heroics of Harriet Tubman, Henry “Box” Brown, Frederick Douglass, Levi Coffin, and John Parker in this incredible show of true American Heroes.
Sponsored by Huntingdon Insurance.
BILL BLAGG’S MAGIC IN MOTION
Thur, Feb 15, 2024
9A + 11A | Grades 3-8
Magic in Motion is a magic filled, educational experience that is designed to inspire students to investigate how physical science can create magic while also playing an important role in their daily lives.
Sponsored by Carroll Bank & Trust.
THE BOY WHO CRIED WOLF (9A + 11A SOLD OUT)
Mon, Mar 11, 2024
9A + 11A | Grades PreK-5
Silas is from a family of shepherds and has to do right by hismom and granddad as he reluctantly takes on the responsibility of watching their sheep up on the mountain over the winter. But he’s bored, lonely, and missing out on the fun of the annual knitting competition in town, so he cries - “Wolf!”
Sponsored by FirstBank.
ANASTASIA: THE MUSICAL
Wed, Apr 10, 2024
9:30A | Grades 11 -12
From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, creators of such Broadway classics as Ragtime and Once On This Island, this dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family. Bethel University’s Renaissance Theatre program is sure to bring this story to life in a creative and exciting way!
Sponsored by Espey Oil.
TICKETS
Tickets are $10/seat. A complimentary Teacher Ticket is included with every 10 student seats purchased.
EDUCATION PERFORMANCE POLICIES
Payment is non-refundable. Once an invoice is paid, a refund will not be issued due to student absences, transfers, or dislike of a performance. The Executive Director reserves the right to cancel a show due to weather-related occurrences. However, in most instances, the show will go on even if only one school is able to attend. If a show is cancelled due to weather, or your school system is closed, Dixie PAC will attempt to offer available make-up days. If that is not possible, Dixie PAC will offer to apply the funds to another upcoming school time production.
GRANT APPLICATIONS
These performances qualify for the Tennessee Arts Commissions Student Ticket Subsidy grant and we encourage all educators to take advantage of this opportunity by visiting tnartscommission.org. Grant applications open on August 15 at 8a CT, however you must have a reservation number from The Dixie box office to apply. Reservations will be accepted at The Dixie beginning at 10am on Mon, Aug 7, at 10a CT.
PAST EDUCATION SERIES SHOWS
[FREE EVENT] OLD MACDONALD’S SINGALONG FARM
Monday, July 17, 2023
2p | Pre-K to Adults
Everybody on the farm has a favorite song. Join Old Farmer MacDonald, his wife Mrs. MacDonald, Daisy the Cow, Simon the Pig and all your favorite friends from the farm for a fun and energetic singalong that brings everyone together.
From tunes like “Camptown Races” to classic nursery rhymes like “Hey Diddle Diddle,” this fun interactive show has a strong character message of sharing and caring for others and is a great option for our youngest audiences.
MAGIC IN MOTION
Friday, October 7, 2022
9am and 11am | Grades 3-8 | 60 mins.
Magic in Motion is a magic filled, educational experience that is designed to inspire students to investigate how physical science can create magic while also playing an important role in their daily lives.
Curriculum Connections - Science (Motion, Gravity, Cause/Effect, Energy, Gravity, Force, Magnetism, States of Matter), Theatre/Drama and Problem Solving
❗️ SOLD OUT: BETHEL UNIVERSITY RENAISSANCE PRESENTS THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
9:30am | Grades 9-12 | 2.5 hours
The Phantom of the Opera is a thrilling and romantic account of the legendary Phantom, a musical genius who dwells beneath a majestic opera house in Paris. Shunned by society for his facial deformity, he takes a young soprano under his wing to groom her for the opera and falls in love with her.
Curriculum Connections - Drama, Language Arts, Writing, History, Arts and Music
FROSTY
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
9am and 11am | Grades PreK-8 | 60 mins.
A young orphan named Billy discovers magic in a stolen hat, and when he places the hat on a snowman’s head, that snowman comes to life! Can Frosty help Billy find his real family in time for Christmas? Join them on a thrilling quest through New York City as they discover that the real magic of the Season is Love.
Curriculum Connections - Literature, Language Arts, Social Skills and Life Skills
[POSTPONED TO TBD NEW DATE] HEROES OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
Wednesday, Feb 1, 2023
9am and 11am | Grades 3+ | 60 mins.
A captivating performance about the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans who risked it all to help others escape the terror of slavery.
This performance has been postponed due to inclement weather. We will share a new date once its confirmed.
Curriculum Connections - History: Civil War, Civil Rights; Music: Spirituals, Hymns
THE GRUFFALO (❗️9A - SOLD OUT!)
Friday, February 24, 2023
9am and 11am | Grades PreK-3 | 60 mins.
Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl, and the party mad Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?
Curriculum Connections - Language Arts: Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Fine Arts: Music, Drama; Community Values: Courage, Self Esteem, Role Playing, Problem Solving, Imagination
WE CAN DO IT!
Friday, March 10, 2023
9am | Grades PreK-Adult | 60 mins.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the 19th Amendment with our show We Can Do It: American Women In History. This is the perfect show to inform and inspire audiences – girls and boys alike! An incredible adventure featuring some of the world’s most remarkable female pioneers, your audience will discover incredible and groundbreaking women like Amelia Earhart, Sacajawea, Susan B. Anthony and more!
Curriculum Connections - History and Social Studies
LLAMA LLAMA LIVE!
Thursday, March 23, 2023
9am and 11am | Grades PreK-1 | 60 mins.
Bedtime has never been so exciting! It’s the end of the day for the Llama family. After a long day of adventures at the school and the store, Baby Llama can’t wait to put on his red pajamas. He and his friends, the toys, are ready to sing and dance their way to sleep...except...they need a bedtime story and a kiss goodnight and a drink of water, but where’s Mama? This hilarious new musical based on the bestselling books by Anna Dewdney will warm every Llama and Llama Mama’s heart.
Curriculum Connections - Literacy: Reading Comprehension, Active Thinking, Vocabulary, Rhyme; Values and Decision Making, Connections to Real Life Scenarios and Emotional Learning
THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
9am and 11am | Grades PreK-5 | 60 mins.
A special gift for a young boy opens a heartwarming tale of childhood and imagination. Through thick and thin, this story shows us how much care it takes to hold on to special friends, and how important it is to sometimes let those things go. With endearing costumes and unforgettable characters, the Velveteen Rabbit is sure to appeal to your young audience. Based on the classic tale by Margery Williams Bianco, this show examines what it means to love and to be real.
Curriculum Connections - Literacy: Main Idea, Making Inferences, Summarizing; Life Skills and Social Skills: Bully Prevention, Character Education
STREAMING ONLINE: twas the night before christmas
December 14 - 18, 2020
’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a... hmm, what rhymes with house?”
This adaptation of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas gives you a funny and festive look behind the scenes at how this favorite tale might have been written. Follow author Clement Clarke Moore (better known as “Clem”) on his journey to write his beloved Christmas Eve poem, along with two magical friends who show up from the North Pole! Together, they write one of the most beloved St. Nick stories of all time - but not without a few hilarious word fumbles, caroling, and kooky Christmas antics along the way!
Recommended Age: PreK - 5th Grade / Running Time: 1 hour
THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS - LOST IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Friday, October 25, 2019
Grades K - 5th
Runtime: 60 mins / 9am &11am shows
Sponsored by Epsey Oil and Epsey Gin
When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space! But when problems begin, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system. Hop on the Magic School Bus!
Curriculum Connections: Communications and Language Arts, Music, Science, Social Studies, Science, and Space.
MISS NELSON HAS A FIELD DAY
Thursday, November 14,2019
Grades K - 5th
Runtime: 60 mins / 9am &11am shows
Sponsored by Maddox Insurance
Return to Horace B. Smedley School where the Smedley Tornadoes have never won a football game. In fact, they have never even scored a single point! With such a poor record and a team that is out of control, kind-hearted Miss Nelson comes to the rescue when she enlists the help of her alter ego, the ill-tempered Miss Viola Swamp, to coach the team and whip them into shape.
Curriculum Connections: Language Arts: reading, writing, comprehension, and vocabulary, Math: measurement Emotional and Social Learning: teamwork, collaborating to create projects
Performing & Visual Arts: theater, music and production design
Illustrations used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.Copyright © 1985 Harry Allard. Copyright © 1985 James Marshall
FROSTY
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Grades K - 6th
Runtime: 60 mins / 9am &11am shows
Sponsored by FirstBank
A young orphan named Billy discovers magic in a stolen hat. When he places the hat on a snowman’s head, that snowman comes to life! But can Frosty the Snowman help Billy find his real family in time for Christmas? Join Billy and Frosty as they embark on a New York City adventure and discover that the real magic of Christmas is Love.
Curriculum Connections: Science, Language Arts, Geography, Social Skills
DOKTOR KABOOM AND THE WHEEL OF SCIENCE
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Grades 3 - 8th
Runtime: 60 mins / 9am &11am shows
Sponsored by Renfroe Farms and Tippitt Farms.
Doktor Kaboom has built a great big spinning wheel and labeled it with at least a dozen of his favorite science demonstrations- everything from optical illusions to chemical reactions to a homemade hovercraft, and more! Wherever the wheel stops, that’s what’s next! So, step right up, and let’s spin that wheel!
Curriculum Connections: Science: Embedded Technology and Engineering, Earth and Space Science: The Universe, The Atmosphere, Physical Science: Matter, Energy, Motion, Forces of Nature, Theatre: Character Acting, Comedy, Health/Safety: Preventing Injuries, Social Emotional Learning: Self-Awareness , Social Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision Making
SHAKESPEARE IN JAZZ: ALL THE WORLD'S A SONG
Monday, March 9, 2020
Grades 8 - 12th
Runtime: 60 mins / 9am &11am shows
Sponsored by Huntingdon Insurance and S&S Insurance
Shakespeare in Jazz is an engaging, participatory celebration of Shakespeare's work, offering an exciting new way to experience his genius. Throughout the concert, audience members will join in with the jazz group as they sing along to catchy, original songs based on Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, Macbeth, Hamlet and many more!
Curriculum Connections: Music Appreciation, Music Elements, English Literature, Poetry, Vocabulary
LLAMA LLAMA - LIVE!
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Grades PreK - 1st
Runtime: 50 mins / 9am &11am shows
Sponsored by Southern Chiropractic & Acupuncture
Bedtime has never been so exciting! It’s the end of the day for the Llama family and Baby Llama can’t wait to put on his red pajamas. He and his toys are ready to sing and dance their way to sleep... except... they need a bedtime story and a kiss goodnight and a drink of water. But, where’s Mama?
Curriculum Connections: Literacy-Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Rhyme, Values, Decision Making, Emotional Learning
Book, Lyrics and Music by Austin Zumbro