Located on the University of Maine campus in Orono, the Collins Center for the Arts is a premier cultural venue that provides students with diverse opportunities to engage with the performing arts. Offering a wide array of performances—from theater and music to dance and visual arts—the center is dedicated to inspiring creativity and fostering a deep appreciation for the arts among young audiences.
The Collins Center offers tailored experiences for educational field trips, including school shows specifically designed for K-12 students, priced at just $3 per ticket. Upcoming performances for school groups include “Sugar Skull: A Dia de los Muertos Musical Adventure” and the Yamato Drummers, among others. These performances allow students to experience cultural and artistic expressions in a live setting
Additionally, the Collins Center provides discounted tickets for most mainstage performances, enabling students to attend various shows at reduced rates. K-12 students can enjoy free admission to chamber music and jazz concerts when accompanied by an adult
The center’s educational outreach extends beyond performances, offering opportunities for interactive discussions, workshops, and guided tours of the facility.
Teachers interested in organizing field trips can collaborate with the Collins Center’s education staff to customize their visit, ensuring alignment with curriculum goals and providing resources such as lesson plans and activity ideas. The center’s commitment to enhancing students’ artistic education makes it an ideal destination for school trips focused on the arts and cultural history.
Educational outreach programs are available to enhance the learning experience. These may include pre-show lectures, post-performance discussions, workshops with artists, and masterclasses. Such programs align with curriculum standards in the arts, language arts, and social studies, providing students with insights into artistic techniques, cultural contexts, and the creative process.
The Collins Center for the Arts also collaborates with schools to offer tailored experiences that meet specific educational objectives. Teachers can coordinate with the center’s education staff to arrange group visits, access study guides, and integrate performances into their curriculum.
Attending a performance at the Collins Center for the Arts allows students to experience the transformative power of live arts, encouraging them to think critically, express themselves creatively, and appreciate diverse forms of artistic expression.