Kids and the Arts Field Trips
Kids and the Arts transforms the lives of youth by providing free access to live theatre for school-aged youth through field trips to the Bank of America Performing Arts Center.
Field trips are available FOR FREE for any Title I and non-Title I school in Ventura County, and transportation costs can be covered to remove any barriers of access to the shows. For home schoolers, trips are provided for free but you will be responsible for transportation.
Private schools and schools outside of Ventura County are more than welcome to register, but there is a cost of $10 per student and availability will be based on space, with priority given to public schools.
Upcoming Shows for 2024-25
Sammy Miller and the Congregation | October 31st, 2024
Sammy Miller and The Congregation take students through a highly interactive history of jazz, accompanied by an energetic musical backdrop of what they call “joyful jazz”. We stop along the way to meet a young Louis Armstrong in New Orleans, Duke Ellington in DC, and Ella Fitzgerald in Harlem. All aboard!
Show Time: 10am, 12pm (SHOW FILLED)
Recommended Grade Level: 4-8
Twin Flames | January 21, 2025
Twin Flames is an award-winning Indigenous songwriting duo from Canada who inspire youth to dream without limitations. Using Indigenous spirit flutes, traditional drums, and Western instruments, Twin Flames create a sonic soundscape that conveys the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures. Their interactive, thought-provoking musical experience helps students gain an appreciation for life in the Arctic and the traditions of living off the land.
Show Time: 10am, 12pm
Recommended Grade Range: 3-8
Kingsmen Shakespeare: The Tempest | March 6th, 2025
Join Thousand Oaks’ own Kingsmen Shakespeare in an enchanting rendition of Shakespeare’s classic play, The Tempest. The Tempest begins on a boat, tossed about in a storm. Aboard is Alonso the King of Naples and his family, Antonio the usurping Duke of Milan, and a whole cast of characters. Miranda, who has been watching the ship at sea, is distraught at the thought of lost lives. The storm was created by her father, the magical Prospero, who reassures Miranda that all will be well, but only time will tell.
Show Times: 10am, 12pm (BOTH SHOWS FILLED)
Recommended Grade Level: K-5
123 Andrés | April 1st, 2025
Andrés and Christina are the GRAMMY award winning music duo 123 Andrés. Their catchy songs and lively performances get the whole audience dancing, singing, and learning!
Andrés can’t find his friend Juana, and our only clue is that she’s somewhere in the Americas. Travel with song and dance through a lesson in geography that incorporates an introduction to a variety of musical instruments as well as Latin language, culture and music.
Show Times: 10am (SHOW FILLED), 12pm
Recommended Grade Range: PK-3rd
For any inquires, please reach out to ethan@toarts.org
Kids and the Arts Frequently Asked Questions
When should we book transportation?
Transportation should be booked as soon as you receive confirmation of attendance. Due to a shortage of bus drivers in our county, it has been necessary to secure transportation much further in advance than usual.
How will transportation be reimbursed?
TOArts will reimburse the cost of transportation for any Ventura County public school. To secure reimbursement, we will need an invoice addressed to TOArts, and a signed W9. If possible, it is best if the district accounts payable team sends us one invoice for all schools in the district, if that’s not possible we will accept invoices for individual classes or schools.
What is NOT allowed in the theatre?
All students and chaperones will go through security upon arriving at the theatre, no outside food or drink including metal or reusable water bottles will be allowed (small sealed plastic water bottles for students who absolutely need it are acceptable). No oversized backpacks will be allowed unless required for students needing ADA support.
Can you eat at the theatre complex?
Due to the urgency to clear the parking lot and buses in a timely manner before and after the performance, we cannot accommodate students staying at the Civic Arts Plaza to have a sack lunch. If you wish to enjoy a lunch while out, a map to local neighborhood parks is included in your confirmation email.
Where can I find information about show times and performance length?
Details for show start times and length are included in your confirmation email and listed on the registration forms.
Who funds these field trips?
Kids and the Arts field trips are able to be offered for free to Ventura County public schools, and at a significant discount to other schools because of generous donations from our incredible supporters and members. A list of arts education supporters can be found on our Educator Hub.