MSU Riley Center offers two school shows for area students

MERIDIAN – The Mississippi State University Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts offers unique opportunities for area students to attend national touring productions for a nominal ticket price. All school shows are only $5 per attendee, with scholarship funds available from The Phil Hardin Foundation to cover the costs for those in need.

On Thursday, February 9, Aquila Theatre presents a daytime performance of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, specifically for area high school students. Known for its innovative interpretations, Aquila Theatre is one of the foremost producers of classical theater in the United States. It features African American actors in lead roles in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The daytime school showing for grades ninth through twelfth is at 10 am on Thursday, February 9. There will also be a 7:30 pm evening performance for the public, and those tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students.

On Tuesday, March 21, It's Okay to Be Different: Stories by Todd Parr is presented by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia for kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Todd Parr is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of children's books. His stories come to life with a diverse cast, innovative puppetry, and original music, which has earned Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia worldwide acclaim.

This past fall, thirdthrough ninth-grade students attended a performance about the Wright Brothers at the MSU Riley Center.

"These shows bring literature and other curriculum-based learning to life in a way only live theater can. Students leave inspired by the quality of the performances and the production value. For many, it may be the first time they've experienced live theater," said Dr. Terry Dale Cruse, Associate Vice President and head of Mississippi State University-meridian Campus. "Incorporating the arts into education enhances learning, improves classroom performance, and reduces disciplinary problems and absenteeism. We look forward to area schools taking advantage of these unique opportunities and appreciate The Phil Hardin for their support."

For more information and to make reservations, visit https://www.msurileycenter.com/education/ or call 601.696.2200.