Spark Series

The Spark Series offers an exciting extension of your classroom work!  

These performances are not only fun, but most are aligned with the Ohio Academic Standards to assist throughout multiple subject areas. Many performances also help to address issue-based topics such as human rights, cultural diversity, self-esteem, and overcoming adversity, as well as introducing students to a variety of performing arts disciplines. By adding a Spark Series experience to your academic calendar, you will be inspiring new pathways for achievement both inside and outside of the classroom.

All seats are $7.

*Seats for groups over 15 people can be reserved by emailing Tyler Jacobs at TJacobs@MCPA.org or call 419.423.2787 x 100. 

*Groups under 15 people can purchase directly through the event listings below. Have payment ready.

*You will NOT receive a ticket for your seat(s). Volunteers will have a list of reserved seats and will help you find your section the day of the performance.

 

2023/2024 Spark Series

Policies and Procedures

Seat Reservations

Seats for groups over 15 people can be reserved by emailing Tyler Jacobs at TJacobs@MCPA.org or call 419.423.2787 x 100. Be sure to include all accompanying adults (interpreters can attend for free).

Groups under 15 people can call, email or go to MCPA.org/Spark. Have payment ready at that time. Reservations for 15 seats or less must be paid at the time of reservation.  

Registration opens August 2023. You will not receive a ticket for your seats. A seating chart is made to ensure large groups are seated together. Volunteers will help you find your assigned section.

Confirmation & Invoices

Groups of 15 seats or less will receive a confirmation email directly from MCPA ticketing system, as well as a reminder 4 weeks before the show. 

For groups over 15, a confirmation will be emailed to you once your reservation is made. An invoice and reminder will also be emailed to you 4 weeks before the show.

Payments

All seats are $7 for Spark Series performances. Reservations for 15 seats or less must be paid at the time of reservation. All other payments must be received at least 2 weeks prior to the performance. Your reservation may be dismissed if payment is not received by this timeline. 

Seat Count Adjustments

We understand that students move in and out of your classroom throughout the year.  You can change your seat count up to 4 weeks before the performance date by contacting Tyler at TJacobs@MCPA.org or 419.423.2787 x 100. We do not guarantee that we can accommodate these changes, but will be as flexible as the space allows.

Classroom Support

Many production companies provide a study guide for the show they are presenting. The guides usually have activities that tie academic standards to the show. If a guide is provided by the production company, it will be available at MCPA.org/Spark under each show in a drop-down tab labeled Related Links.

Unloading/Loading & Parking

Busses should use the Main Cross St entrance. Pull up along the sidewalk to unload students. Once students are unloaded, the bus can then park. Busses will park in the South lot (lot closest to Main Cross St.). Busses and bus drivers must remain on site between unloading and loading the students. For safety purposes, busses CANNOT leave the parking lot until ALL students from every school have been loaded. Thank you for your patience.

All cars and vans must enter from S. West St. Cars and vans will park in the back lot (lot on corner of Cory St. and Front St.). 

Schools and individuals are verbally dismissed to cut down on congestion in the hall, and to have a safe and orderly loading of the busses. 

Arrival

Plan to arrive early. Doors to MCPA will be open an hour before each show.  The theatre doors will open a half hour before the start of the show. Many groups arrive at the same time, and it can take a while to get everyone into their seats. We must start the show on time.

Seating

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts seats 969 people, and we often sell out performances. MCPA creates a seating chart to ensure that each group can fit. Many factors are considered when making a seating chart, so it is important for you to be flexible.  We do not seat on a first come, first served basis. Volunteers will help your group find their assigned seats.

Accessibility

We will do everything in our power to meet all accessibility needs. MCPA is wheelchair accessible with an elevator and several accessible seating options. The theatre also has audio-assisted listening devices which can be requested. Interpreters accompanying hearing-impaired individuals must be included in your seat count. MCPA does not provide an interpreter, however, we may be able to provide a script if requested beforehand. Please, inform MCPA of all accessibility needs at time of registration.

Cancellation

If you are unable to attend your reserved performance due to a school closing or delay, please email TJacobs@MCPA.org immediately or leave a message at 419-423-2787 x100.  The show will continue as scheduled for other schools and individuals to attend. Every effort will be made to accommodate your group for another performance this year. Refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis if rescheduling is not possible.