The University of Dubuque Announces Adventurous Live at Heritage Center 2026-2027 SchoolBus Performance Series

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Adventures in science, fairytales, oceans, and space await young audiences at the University of Dubuque's Live at Heritage Center 2026-2027 SchoolBus Performance Series.

Launched in 2014, the SchoolBus Performance Series is a daytime field trip program with professional guest artists open to all public, private, homeschool, and accredited preschool and daycare groups with students ages 4 and older. Classroom curriculum is complemented via live performance experiences with study guides available to integrate into classroom activities.

Performances are approximately one hour and may include a question-and-answer period.

Pricing is $6 to $7 per seat depending on the quantity purchased. An offer of buy 15 seats, get one free is also available. Seats are discounted by $1 if reservations are received by Friday, September 11, 2026. Please note there is a $10 handling fee associated with each order.

Online reservation request forms are available at https://www.dbq.edu/heritagecenter/.

2026-2027 SCHOOLBUS PERFORMANCE SERIES SCHEDULE

All shows will take place in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center, 2255 Bennett Street.

LocoMotion: The Science & Circus Arts Show
Performed by Peter Davison
9:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2026
Recommended Grades: K-8

National juggling champion and kinetic comedian Peter Davison performs amazing juggling, balancing, unicycle riding, clowning, and more - and explains the science behind the artistry. This show is packed with audience participation, education, and entertainment. After over 40 years in the performing arts, Davison continues to enjoy creating enchantments and sharing them with audiences of all ages through live, interactive events.

Cinderella
Performed by the Panto Company USA
9:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Recommended Grades: PreK-3

Bullied by her two mean Stepsisters, Cinderella’s future looks bleak until her Fairy Godmother casts a spell and sends her to the ball. How will the Prince ever find her when she flees at midnight, leaving behind a single glass slipper? True to the story, bringing to life this tale for all time, a slice of amazing Panto Company USA fun full of original modern songs, bursting with more hilarity than one can image and of course a happy ending.

Ocean Blue
Created by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
9:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, February 24, 2027
Recommended Grades: PreK-3

Plunge into a breathtaking theatrical adventure where icebergs drift, waves crash, and life teems above and below the sea. When Charlie, a young crab, dares to stand up to his older brothers and declare his desire for a different life, he is suddenly swept into danger - snatched by a gull searching for its next meal. But a dramatic shark ambush sends Charlie tumbling into "The Gully," a deep-sea trench in the Atlantic Ocean where alien-like creatures glow in the darkness and Northern bottlenose whales dive to extraordinary depths. It is here that Charlie’s true adventure begins. Journeying through the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific oceans, Charlie travels alongside migrating whales and sea turtles. Along the way, he learns to survive and adapt, outsmart predators, and navigate the vast underwater world. Charlie discovers that courage, kindness, and friendship can change the course of even the smallest creature’s life.

Astronaut Group 1: The Story of the Original Mercury Seven Astronauts
Performed by Griffin Theatre Company
9:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Monday, April 5, 2027
Recommended Grades: 3-8

The story of the original Mercury Seven Astronauts chosen from hundreds of crackerjack pilots for their fitness, intelligence, and courage comes to life in an original theatrical production. Share Alan Shepard's exhilaration as he breaks the earth's atmosphere for the first time. Race with John Glenn as he makes the split-second life-or-death maneuvers during re-entry, and feel his relief when he emerges safe but drenched with sweat. Project Mercury was more than the story of individual missions. It defined the manned space flight program to come, from Gemini to Apollo eventually taking mankind from the earth to the moon.

For more information, please contact Heritage Center's Audience Services at 563.589.3432.

Originally Published: May 12, 2026