Attention all Kansas high schools! Join us at one of the Fine Arts matinee productions below and be our guest for a morning of top-notch entertainment! Including an on-stage Q&A with the cast and crew and prize giveways…and it’s all free! Matinees are exclusive to high schools and home school students between the ages of 14-18.
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The Giver (Fall Theatre)
Friday, October 24, 10 a.m., Riney Fine Arts Center
A classic dystopian tale by Louis Lowry, adapted for the stage by Eric Cobel. Audiences will follow the story of Jonas as he is chosen to receive memories from a world of choice he has never been introduced to, and as a result is surprised by pain, joy and love. Jonas is ultimately faced with an extremely difficult reality and choice to make for himself and his family. We welcome audiences to come take this hopeful journey with our young hero.
The Pirates of Penzance (Fall Opera)
Thursday, November 20, 9:30 a.m. Sebits Auditorium
Ahoy me hearties! Come and join Friends University Opera students as they perform Gilbert & Sullivan’s classic musical comedy. “The Pirates of Penzance”, featuring sentimental pirates, a blundering policeman and absurd adventures! This performance will be sung in English and will be accompanied by the Friends University Orchestra.
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Spring Musical
Thursday, February 12, 9:30 a.m. Sebits Auditorium
Previous musicals include “Guys & Dolls”, “Footloose”, and “Catch Me If You Can”. Be sure to check friends.edu/fineartstickets and our social media channels for the announcement of this year’s Spring Musical!
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Symphony of Spring
Thursday, April 23, 9:30 a.m. Sebits Auditorium
Known primarily for their choral music, the Singing Quakers perform a variety of show tunes, Broadway hits, pop music, Disney favorites and classics for Symphony of Spring. Accompanied by a live orchestra. dancers, and performing in a wide variety of costumes and outfits, Symphony of Spring is a fun performance for all music and theatre lovers!
Send an email to finearts@friends.edu to reserve your school’s place at any of the matinees above and include the following information: name of your school; how many students and chaperones you intend to bring; and any ADA/seating requirements. Food is not provided, nor permitted in the auditorium, but students are encouraged to bring a snack and/or water to consume during intermission. Download our 2025-2026 matinee poster here!
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All-State Prep Day
Friday, September 19, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Riney Fine Arts Center
Attention all high school choir teachers! Save the date and let us prepare your students for All-State Choir auditions! Not only will they experience mass rehearsals and sectionals, but for those interested in applying for a Fine Arts Scholarship, they may take their audition on the day! Get in touch with Voice Directors, Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore, Angela Perez or Dr. Lydia Bechtel for more information and reservations.
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Middle School Honor Band
Wednesday, October 15, All Day, Riney Fine Arts Center
Get in touch with Band Director, Dr. Shawn Knopp, for more information and how your middle school band can get involved with this workshop.
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The Giver
Friday, October 24, 10 a.m., Riney Fine Arts Center
A classic dystopian tale by Louis Lowry, adapted for the stage by Eric Cobel. Audiences will follow the story of Jonas as he is chosen to receive memories from a world of choice he has never been introduced to, and as a result is surprised by pain, joy and love. Jonas is ultimately faced with an extremely difficult reality and choice to make for himself and his family. We welcome audiences to come take this hopeful journey with our young hero.
Orchestra Invitational Concert
Tuesday, November 4, 7:30 p.m. Sebits Auditorium
Local Kansas high school orchestras will join the Friends University Chamber Orchestra on the Sebits Auditorium stage for a collaborative public performance! Email Dr. Canès Nicolas, Director of Orchestra, for more information and how to get your school orchestra involved.
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Get Trombonafide!
Saturday, November 15, All Day, Riney Fine Arts Center
This all-day workshop is all about the Trombone! Including playing, learning, clinics, concerts and more! Get in touch with Band Director, Dr. Shawn Knopp, for more information and how your trombone students can get involved.
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Sing It! Vocal Music Festival
Thursday, February 5, All Day, Riney Fine Arts Center
Kansas high school choirs will join the Friends University Singing Quakers & Concert Choir in this annual outreach workshop. This educational event culminates into a showcase performance, open to the public at 7:30 p.m. in Sebits Auditorium. Get in touch with Voice Directors, Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore, Angela Perez or Dr. Lydia Bechtel for more information and reservations.
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32nd Annual Jazz Festival
February 19-20, All Day, Riney Fine Arts Center
This educational and experiential-focused event aims to provide jazz band students and directors an opportunity to blend with other middle school and high school programs alongside a variety of jazz professionals and educators. Each evening there will be a public concert at 7:30 p.m. in Sebits Auditorium. For more information, click here, or contact Dr. Nick Schroeder (Program Director of Jazz).
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Orchestra Invitational Concert
Tuesday, March 10, 7:30 p.m. Sebits Auditorium
Local Kansas high school orchestras will join the Friends University Chamber Orchestra on the Sebits Auditorium stage for a collaborative public performance! Email Dr. Canès Nicolas, Director of Orchestra, for more information and how to get your school orchestra involved.
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Festival of Bands
Wednesday, March 25, All Day, Riney Fine Arts Center
Get in touch with Band Director, Dr. Shawn Knopp, for more information and how your school band can get involved with this workshop.
Have questions? Email us at finearts@friends.edu