Mondavi Center Arts Education is committed to providing the best opportunities for students of all ages to experience and appreciate the performing arts. We have designed culturally intensive educational programs for grades K-12 to meet the California Arts Standards as well as Common Core State Standards, and to open the classroom to the creative and imaginative process. For adults, our goal is to inspire the sensibilities and intellectual curiosity that sustain a fully engaged life. Through exposure to live performance and lively participation, we seek to ensure that the arts remain an integral part of our community’s rich inheritance.
School Matinees
Attending a school matinee at the Mondavi Center might be the first opportunity students have to be part of an audience for live performance. Select school matinee performances are supported by free Pre-Matinee Classroom Talks given by a Friend of Mondavi Center docent.
Virtual Events for Schools
Begun during the pandemic, the Mondavi Center is continuing to offer free Virtual Events to teachers in our service area. Timed to celebrate Cultural Heritage months, these videos are announced throughout the year.
Dance for Parkinson's
The Sacramento and Davis Dance for Parkinson’s program is now being managed by Pamela Trokanski Dance Theatre. For more information on classes, contact Robin Carlson at rcarlson404@yahoo.com.
SHAPE (Science, Humanities and Arts: Process and Engagement)
In 2019, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation awarded the Mondavi Center, UC Davis, a $600,000 multi-year grant to support a new approach to undergraduate education called SHAPE (Science, Humanities and Arts: Process and Engagement). Following a successful pilot period, during which grant-funded resources for faculty to create a unique series of 11 courses over the 2020‐21 and 21‐22 academic years, the Mondavi Center and First Year Seminars are looking for ways to continue SHAPE in coming years.
Sensory-Friendly Performances
The Mondavi Center occasionally offers sensory-friendly experiences for children and adults on the autism spectrum. These special events feature adaptations to make everyone feel comfortable, such as:
- Relaxed arts experience where it is okay to talk and move about during the performance
- Pre-visit story guide
- Softer lighting and music
- Hands-on exploration
- Quiet room
See a sample pre-visit story guide here: February 24, 2018 - FREE Sensory Friendly Curtis Institute Performance - Pre-Visit Guide
We hope to offer Sensory-Friendly Performances again in 2023-24. To receive information about future sensory-friendly offerings, email Arts Education Coordinator Jennifer Mast at jmmast@ucdavis.edu
