Education

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.

Opening Access to Broadway for High School Students

The Hobby Center is dedicated to ensuring that students of all backgrounds have the chance to witness history in a way that educates, inspires, and empowers. As a proud Broadway League member theater, the Hobby Center partners with Broadway Bridges, an initiative aimed at expanding access to Broadway touring performances for high school students nationwide. This educational opportunity provides students with access to a live Broadway performance while connecting learning across history, culture, music, theatre, language arts, and other curriculum areas. Participating schools will receive a TEKS-aligned curriculum guide designed to support classroom instruction before and after the performance.

In addition to our Free Broadway High School performance, we are excited to offer the opportunity for High School students to participate in workshops and master classes with our touring Broadway productions. Students are able to gain advice, insight and training from Broadway’s best in their classrooms right here in Houston.

2026-2027 Broadway Bridges Calendar:
Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 11 am – Buena Vista Social Club.
More info contact: [email protected]

The Educator Network

The Educator Network is focused on cultivating community, bridging support for peer-to-peer connection, and helping artists and districts access professional resources—ultimately building a stronger, more unified arts community across the Houston industry.

Educator Network evenings include dinner, drinks, networking and performance tickets for a discounted fee.

More info contact: [email protected]