Learning Comes To Life On Stage - The 2025/2026 Nicklaus Children's Smart Stage Matinee Series At The Broward Center And The Parker

The Smart Stage Matinee Series of school-day performances begins in October with shows that are ideal for charter, private, public and parochial school students and home-school networks. These educational performances are curriculum-driven and align with Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards. Free study guides called “Curriculum Connections” are available to download on the Broward Center’s website. Families with young children looking for a daytime activity are also encouraged to attend.

Many productions offer an optional added Smart Stage Plus interactive learning experience for groups of 20-90 students. These are 30-minute workshops featuring a Broward Center teaching artist that deepen the connection to the content of the show.

“Nicklaus Children’s is thrilled to sponsor the Smart Stage Matinee Series’ upcoming season,” said DeAnn Hazey, CFRE of Government Relations & Community Affairs at Nicklaus Children's Health System. “We strongly believe that supporting curriculum-connected performances is vital to inspiring creativity, deepening classroom learning, and giving students meaningful access to the arts. It plays a powerful role in promoting children’s health, wellness, and emotional wellbeing – fostering confidence, reducing stress and helping build importing skills that last a lifetime.”

The 2025/2026 Nicklaus Children’s Smart Stage Matinee Series at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and The Parker features the following shows. Everyone entering the theater must have a ticket; lap tickets are available for purchase for children 12 months and under at the Broward Center's AutoNation Box Office.

Pinkalicious: The Musical

Wednesday, October 15th & Thursday, October 16th

Join the whimsical adventure of Pinkalicious, a young girl who can’t get enough of the color pink when Pinkalicious: The Musical comes to the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, October 15th and Thursday, October 16th at 10:00 a.m. in a school-day performance. Pinkalicious embarks on a wonderful journey of self-discovery after she eats too many pink cupcakes and turns completely pink! This delightful, family-friendly musical has an important lesson about self-acceptance and the acceptance of others. Perfect for audiences of all ages, Pinkalicious is a sweet treat that will have everyone singing and smiling. Recommended for grades K-3.

Bill Blagg’s The Science of Magic

Monday, October 20th

Renowned Magician Bill Blagg takes audiences on a thrilling journey where physics and magic collide, using cutting-edge technology and awe-inspiring tricks to defy the laws of nature in an electrifying stage show that blends mind-blowing illusions with the principles of science when Bill Blagg’s The Science of Magic comes to The Parker for two shows on Monday, October 20th at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in a school-day performance. Designed to excite, educate, intrigue and promote students to think “outside the box” and spawn their curiosity about how science and the Scientific Method are used by magicians to create the impossible, Blagg takes audiences on a thrilling journey where physics and magic collide, using cutting-edge technology and awe-inspiring tricks to defy the laws of nature. With captivating storytelling, humor and jaw-dropping feats, Blagg demonstrates how science plays a crucial role in the art of magic, leaving viewers in disbelief and wonder. Recommended for grades 3-7.

Seussical

Friday, December 5th

The fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza, Seussical, presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and The Performance Project comes to the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, December 5th at 10:00 a.m. in a school-day performance. Tony winners and legendary writers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, from the likes of “Lucky Stiff,” “My Favorite Year,” “Once on This Island” and “Ragtime,” have lovingly brought to life the most recognizable Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. The colorful characters transport audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. In this exciting tale, The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge – not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphantly. Attendees can also join the cast for a post-show meet and greet. Recommended for grades K-5.

Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: The Nutcracker

Thursday, December 18th

The magic of Tchaikovsky's beloved holiday classic comes to life in this enchanting version of The Nutcracker that follows young Clara as she embarks on a fantastical journey to the Land of Sweets, where she encounters a host of whimsical characters, from the brave Nutcracker Prince to the Sugar Plum Fairy. Filled with stunning dance, vibrant costumes and unforgettable music, this 90-minute rendition captures the heart of the original story on stage in a school-day performance at The Parker on Thursday, December 18th at 10:30 a.m. This performance is recommended for grades 4-12.

The Pout Pout Fish

Sunday, February 1st, 2026

Turn the poutiest of frowns upside down in this musical underwater adventure featuring whimsical puppets and live performers in a sweeping oceanic adventure. When Mr. Fish sets out on a quest to find Miss Clam's missing pearl, he discovers there is more to him than his permanently plastered pout. This vibrant, toe-tapping musical follows Mr. Fish, a pouty fish who believes he's destined to spread gloom and doom. However, with the help of his ocean friends, Mr. Fish discovers that spreading joy and kindness is a much better way to live. Don’t miss this school-day performance of The Pout Pout Fish on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Recommended for grade levels Pre-K-1.

Super Scientific Circus

Tuesday, February 24th, 2026

Step right up to the most fun-filled science show around with a school-day performance of Super Scientific Circus on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at The Parker. In Super Scientific Circus, students and teachers will be amazed as science comes to life through exciting experiments, daring feats and mind-blowing demonstrations. The science ringmaster uses the power of physics, chemistry and amazing circus skills involving boomerangs, bubbles, beachballs, bull whips and magic to introduce the principles of friction, inertia, centripetal force, aerodynamics, sonic booms, air pressure and ultraviolet light. Super Scientific Circus is where science meets the circus for an unforgettable experience. This production is perfect for elementary students in grades K-5.

The Emperor’s New Clothes

Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 & Wednesday, March 11th, 2026

The Emperor's New Clothes from Stages Productions on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 and Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts is a lively and engaging retelling of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. With vibrant costumes, catchy songs and whimsical choreography, this production brings the story of the vain emperor and his tailors to life. The play delivers a humorous and heartwarming message about the dangers of vanity and the importance of honesty, all while captivating audiences of all ages with its fun, colorful and interactive school-day performance. This show is recommended for students in grades 1-4.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical

Monday, March 23rd, 2026

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical comes to The Parker on Monday, March 23rd, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. This beloved children's book springs to life on stage with vibrant songs, energetic dancing and whimsical puppets, ensuring a joyous experience for kids and adults alike. Follow the playfully adored story as the alphabet letters ambitiously climb the coconut tree, only to tumble down in a cascade of color and laughter. With plenty of audience interaction and lively performances, this school-day show is not just entertainment — it's a fantastic way for children to explore sound, rhythm and reading in a fun, engaging spectacle. Recommended for students in grades K-5.

She Persisted: The Musical

Thursday, March 26th, 2026 & Friday, March 27th, 2026

Inspired by the bestselling book, "She Persisted" by Chelsea Clinton, She Persisted: The Musical is a trailblazing production that celebrates the strength and resilience of women who’ve shaped history. Audiences will be captivated as fourth-grader Naomi’s field trip to a Women’s History Museum transforms into a thrilling time-travel adventure, where she meets trailblazing women who broke barriers and shaped the course of U.S. history. With humor, heart and a powerful message, this show encourages kids to embrace their own inner strength and keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles. She Persisted comes to the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, March 26th and Friday, March 27th at 10:00 a.m. This show is recommended for students in grades 3-6.

Elephant & Piggie’s - “We are in a Play!”

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 & Friday, April 24th, 2026

Based on the beloved Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems, the fun-filled, school-day performance of Elephant & Piggie’s “We are in a Play” musical follows the lovable duo, Elephant Gerald and Piggie, as they embark on a hilarious adventure on stage. An elephant named Gerald, and a pig named Piggie are best, best, “bestus” friends. Gerald worries that something could go wrong that would end their friendship, but Piggie isn’t worried at all. She’s happier and more excited than usual because they’re invited to a party hosted by the Squirrelles, three singing squirrels who love to have a good time. So begins a day where anything is possible! Gerald and Piggie will solve problems, sing and dance, make each other laugh, share their favorite things, get mad and sad with each other, and even do a little goofing around the audience. Elephant & Piggie’s “We are in a Play!” comes to life on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 and Friday, April 24th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Recommended for grades Pre-K–1.

The Nicklaus Children’s Smart Stage Matinee Series is not offered by subscription, and new events will be added to the series throughout the 2025/2026 Season. Everyone entering the theater must have a ticket; lap tickets are available for purchase for children 12 months and under at each venue’s box office.

Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com - And: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222; and in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility.

The Broward Center 2025/2026 Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System.