Education
Educational Events at the Hobby Center
The Hobby Center serves as a connector, convener and incubator for audiences, artists and artmakers. Located in downtown’s Theater District, the Hobby Center is the central hub for artists and audiences and is a driving force in Houston’s performing arts ecosystem. Building on a legacy of presenting the best of Broadway, the Hobby Center reflects the diversity of our city through a wide range of exceptional artistic and educational programming on and off stage. Compelling artists from Houston and around the globe engage audiences through dynamic and innovative artmaking and storytelling
The ExxonMobil Discovery Series
Partnering School Districts: Aldine, Alief, Alvin, Angleton, Channelview, Clear Creek, Crosby, Cypress Fairbanks, Dickinson, Fort Bend, Galena Park, Houston, Humble, KIPP, Klein, Lamar, Pasadena, Sheldon, Spring, Texas City, Tomball, Stafford, and Yes Prep.
The ExxonMobil Discovery Series is the Hobby Center’s cornerstone educational program bringing 5th grade students and teachers to the Hobby Center from the greater Houston area to experience performances by Houston-based artists and touring shows. Through this TEKS- and STAAR-aligned series, 5th-grade students are introduced to dance, music, theater, and more, in ways that are engaging while advancing their learning and sense of belonging. These free cross-curricular arts experiences will serve close to 50,000 5th graders from the 23+ district partners listed above during the 2026-27 school year.
The program serves students during a key developmental stage of life. Performances not only expose students to the arts, but also provide an educational opportunity beyond the classroom. Pre- and post-performance learning materials align with Texas teaching objectives, allowing teachers to create connections and integrate arts experiences into their classroom activities. Performances and bus transportation are completely free to schools, and each performance includes curriculum guides and a Q & A with artists.
The ExxonMobil Discovery Educational Series
In the 2026-2027 school year, the Hobby Center is excited to present a diverse range of free cross-curricular arts experiences for 5th graders. Through this TEKS- and STAAR-aligned series, 5th-grade students are introduced to dance, music, theater, and more, in ways that are engaging while advancing their learning and sense of belonging.
Sep 21 - Sep 24, 2026
Oct 6 - Oct 9, 2026
Oct 20 - Oct 22, 2026
Oct 27 - Oct 30, 2026
Nov 10 - Nov 13, 2026
Dec 15 - Dec 17, 2026
Jan 11 - Jan 14, 2027
Jan 26 - Jan 29, 2027
Feb 2 - Feb 5, 2027
Feb 17 - Feb 19, 2027
Feb 23 - Feb 25, 2027
Relaxed and Sensory Inclusive Performances
The Hobby Center is committed to deepening understanding of our shared humanity and creating a safe, welcoming experience for all audience members. The 2025-2026 Relaxed and Sensory Inclusive Performance Series reinstates the Hobby Center's commitment to ongoing performance offerings outside of our Sensory Inclusive Broadway Productions. Each performance offers a unique opportunity that allows all audience members to engage and experience the production in the way that best meets their needs. Apollo Chamber Players will incorporate audience participation and Ars Lyrica’s percussion and voice program offers a heightened sensory experience with support devices such as noise canceling headphones available. Open Dance Project models a fully inclusive environment incorporating American Sign Language Interpretation and other accessibility tools into their performance. As always, each of the performances will offer the accommodations listed below that the Hobby Center is committed to providing for all Relaxed and Sensory Inclusive Performances.
Jan 30 - Jan 30, 2027
Feb 20 - Feb 20, 2027
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A Special Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
A Special Thank You to Performance Partners
