Roaring Fork Valley students will have more opportunities than ever to experience theatre and storytelling as The Wheeler Opera House launches its latest initiative to provide local youth with meaningful and accessible arts experiences during the 2025-26 school year.

“We believe live performance is a powerful tool for sparking curiosity, celebrating diversity, and nurturing a lifelong love of learning,” Wheeler Executive Director Mike Harrington said of the Education and Outreach Season.

For the upcoming year, the program’s goal is to reach 3,000 students, surpassing the 1,684 students and teachers who participated in seminars and shows last season. Aspen’s Real Estate Transfer Tax enables the program to offer student matinees and workshops for free.

Lecture highlights will feature Mireya Mayor and Ronan Donovan, storytelling with David Gonzales, Doktor Kaboom’s silly science, and artist Miwa Matreyek.

“When the Wheeler is filled with students for matinee performances, it’s an incredible atmosphere — thick with a very special energy of curiosity and possibility,” Harrington said, mentioning there was a moment earlier this year when a young third-grade student asked to help that made it clear to him these events make a difference and inspire students.

2025-26 Education and Outreach Season with suggested ages

Sept. 5: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., grades 9 to 12, “Mark Twain Shouldn’t Say Such Things” is a bold solo performance exploring Mark Twain’s internal conflict on race and conscience, co-written by Tony nominee Marc Kudisch and director Dick Scanlan — partnering with Theatre Aspen as part of the Solo Flights festival.

Sept. 9: 10-11 a.m., grades 6 to 8, Dr. Mireya Mayor, “King Kong in My Pocket,” a National Geographic Explorer and Emmy-nominated correspondent, speaks about her career from NFL cheerleader to world-renowned primatologist as part of the Changemaker Speaker Series.

Sept. 15: 9-10 a.m., kindergarten to third grade, “Cuentos — Tales from the Latinx World,” David Gonzalez created a storytelling performance with tales from the Caribbean, South America, and the Bronx, sprinkled with the Spanish language.

Nov. 20: 10-11 a.m., grades 3 to 6, “Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure!” is an energetic blend of science, comedy, and empowerment that explores physical and emotional pressure.

Dec. 16: 10-11 a.m., grades 6 to 8, “Ronan Donovan: Exploring Our Wild Nature” is a National Geographic photographer who will share stories of wolves, chimps, and gorillas to reflect on our shared social nature as part of the Changemaker Speaker Series.

Feb. 10: 10-11 a.m., ages 5 to 8, “Finding North” honors Black History Month, this theatrical piece pays tribute to the Underground Railroad through a compelling mix of music, spoken word, and historical insight.

April 21: 10-11 a.m., grades 3 to 6, “Miwa Matreyek: Exploring Climate Change through Experimental Animation and Performance,” with Vancouver-based animator and performer Miwa Matreyek blends shadow play with projected animation to explore themes of nature, humanity, and transformation.

For educators seeking tickets, visit wheeleroperahouse.com/education-outreach-2025-26.