Everything You Need to Know Before We Bring the Show to You
Thinking about booking a Childsplay performance at your school? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions schools ask—from pricing and technical setup to audience size and educational impact. If you still need help, we’re just an email or phone call away.
Each season, Childsplay presents productions that travel to schools across the entire state! These plays can be performed in schools, libraries, community centers and other indoor spaces. It is not necessary to have a stage, lighting instruments, or other theatrical requirements.
In the 2025-2026 season we will be touring Imaginators to schools and community venues across the state.
Day Time Shows
Within Maricopa County: $690, 2 shows – $1200, or 3 shows $1,490.
Outside Maricopa County: 1 show $820, 2 shows $1420, or 3 shows $2040.
Evening or Weekend Shows (after 5 pm): $150 additional.
Please note: If an overnight stay or additional travel is required, there will be additional charges.
Discounts available for schools within Tempe City Limits (courtesy of Tempe Municipal Arts Commission) and schools in Mesa Unified School District upon request.
Payment or Purchase Order must be paid no later that the day of the performance. Payments and PO’s should be mailed to our business office at 900 S. Mitchell Dr., Tempe, AZ 85821.
Childsplay In-School Performances are designed to be performed in many different spaces and venues. We will not perform outdoors, however gymnasiums, cafeterias, and multipurpose rooms are often adequate for the production. Read the full list of technical requirements here.
Our Associate Production Manager or Stage Manager will contact you the week prior to the performance to confirm the date and time and to work out any additional details. A member of the cast will call a day or two prior to the performance as a final check in.
The following agencies and organizations offer grants and financial assistance for arts programs.
Arizona Commission on the Arts
Many schools and districts have “social issue” funds or enrichment funds that can be accessed to pay for Childsplay performances. Childsplay’s productions often address a variety of issues (e.g., self-esteem, bullying, creative problem-solving, cooperation) and much of the material is interdisciplinary and cross-curriculum. Tax credit money can often be used since Childsplay is a nonprofit organization. Consider applying for a grant (if there is time) or ask a local business to adopt your school for a performance.
Yes, many schools have successfully used a Childsplay production as a fundraiser for the PTA/PTO. We charge the school a flat fee for the performance, and you may sell tickets to the performance to raise funds. You might consider adding a bake sale, dinner or refreshments.
Most shows are appropriate for a wide age range from Kindergarten through 6th grade and up to middle and high school, in some cases. For specific information about this season’s offerings, check here.
Yes, resource guides are available for all performances and will be sent to you about 6 weeks prior to the performance. This guide lists ways in which the production can help to fulfill the Arizona Arts Standards.
Our performances last one hour including a question and answer session.
Each touring company can do three performances a day.
The company usually consists of 1-4 actors and a stage manager.
We request that no more than 300 people total (students, staff, etc.) attend any one performance. Our sound system is only designed to allow this number of people to hear adequately.
If you will have more than 300 people you will be asked to book a second performance at the discounted rate. If you have more than 300 people on the day of the performance you will be billed for the extra show.
The company needs one hour to set up for the performance and up to an hour to break down the set at the end of the day.
The company needs 20 minutes to reset if they will be doing two performances back-to-back at your school and then they must have a 50-minute meal break before a third performance.
A stage is not required. We can perform in a cafeteria, gymnasium, multipurpose room or auditorium. However, all of our performances must have a performance area no less than 25 feet by 25 feet with a minimum 11-foot ceiling height.
No, we only do indoor performances.
We bring our own sound equipment. We only require access to electrical power for our equipment. We also request nearby parking for our van and a closed dressing area for the actors to change into costume.
We don’t allow photographs to be taken during performances because it may distract the actors. However, if time permits the actors may allow you to take a picture with them after the performance. Videotaping is strictly prohibited due to copyright infringements.
Technical Requirements
We are proud to bring professional-quality sets into your community. Accordingly, the space we perform in needs to meet several requirements.
Questions?
Contact: ceducation@childsplayaz.org or 480-921-5759.