Education
Educational Events at the Hobby Center
The Hobby Center serves as a connector, convenor 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 Districts: Aldine, Alief, Dickinson, Fort Bend, Galena Park, Houston, Humble, Klein, Pasadena, Sheldon, Spring, Texas City, 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 & STAAR aligned series, 5th grade students are introduced to dance, music, theatre and more in ways that are engaging, fun and further their learning and belonging. Committed to “Introducing 5th graders to the World of the Performing Arts,” the Hobby Center launched this initiative in the 2023-2024 school year welcoming over 10,000 5th graders from 118 schools across three school districts. For the 2025-26 school year, the Hobby Center is thrilled to be partnering with 13 school districts to welcome nearly 40,000 5th graders to the Hobby Center. Focused on serving fifth graders 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 & bus transportation are completely free to schools, and each performance includes a Q & A with artists and curriculum guides.
Future Programming
The Hobby Center is committed to providing educational opportunities for learners of all ages, backgrounds and abilities and believes arts education plays a critical role in fostering empathy, creativity and a more connected community. We hope you will join us as we broaden our programs and reach to better serve students, educators, artmakers and the Houston community.
Relaxed and Sensory Inclusive Performances
New dates coming soon!
The ExxonMobil Discovery Educational Series
In the 2025-2026 school year, the Hobby Center is excited to present a diverse range of free educational field trips to Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall with the goal of serving 5th grade students in Houston. Through this TEKS &STAAR-aligned series, 5th grade students are introduced to dance, music and/or theater in ways that are engaging, fun and further their learning and belonging.
Relaxed and Sensory Inclusive Perofrmances
The Hobby Center is committed to deepening understanding of our shared humanity and creating a safe, welcoming experience for all audience members. The 2024-25 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.
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