To sign up for early notification (about two weeks before our main invitation goes out) please add artsiusb@iu.edu and dwilborn@iu.edu to your safe sender/priority email list and provide the following information:
60 years ago the children’s theatre program was introduced at IU South Bend. Tri-Kappy sorority launched the program in 1966 with a production of Winnie the Pooh. Re-named Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre in 2015 in honor of former Raclin School of the Arts Director of Community Outreach Michele Morgan-Durfour, the program continues a legacy of introducing children to the magic of live theatre.
As the performances are the first two weeks of October, we highly encourage you to sign up for early notification, so you have more time to complete your registration. Early contact will begin the second full week of August with the main registration period opening September 1st and closing September 14th.
Seats are $1 each for students, teachers, and chaperones. Payment is due prior to your scheduled performance. Payment information will be included in the confirmation packet for your registration and can be made via cash or check made out to Indiana University and mailed to Raclin School of the Arts NS101, IU South Bend, 1700 Mishawaka Ave, South Bend, IN 46615.
If your group requires alternate payment arrangements, please contact us to discuss options.
Two weeks before performances start, you will receive a packet with activities, curriculum integration ideas, and suggestions for preparing your students for the experience. Pre-visit discussion and preparation improve engagement in behavior, cognition, and emotion across learning levels and populations. (Glass, Begle, and Miller – Factors that Optimize Engagement for Diverse Learners at Arts Performances for Young Audiences, 2022.)
Refunds are only issued for instances of weather-related delays or closures by either your school or by IU South Bend.
Plan to arrive at the Campus Auditorium in Northside Hall (1825 Northside Blvd) 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the performance. We cannot delay the start of a performance for late groups as it would negatively impact the schedule of the other schools in attendance.
Buses should approach from the East (20th St) for safe unloading. Please remain seated until an usher has has come to get your group. Buses that leave after drop-off should return to Northside Hall 40 minutes after the start of the performance.
If you are carpooling, your group will be assigned a location for parking and be provided with maps.
Note: The small parking lot immediately next to the building is reserved for individuals that require ramp access.
Restroom facilities are located down the hall from the auditorium; a teacher or chaperone MUST accompany students to the restrooms and any other time a student will be apart from the group. In the event of an emergency, ushers will direct you and your students. At the close of the show, please remain in your seats until the ushers collect your group. They will guide you to your bus(ses) or designated eating area if you opted to bring sack lunches. Please note that the restrooms available are low capacity and there may be lines.
Performance to be announced.
