Kaleidoscope

The arts are a powerful educational tool that uniquely addresses content knowledge, traditional curriculum and emotional intelligence. Whether a performance introduces a young reader to the creation of relatable characters, teaches math and science concepts or helps an uncertain middle schooler realize they are not alone, the arts are transformative. 

The performing arts entertain, inspire and educate, and provide a broad range of tools for classroom teachers and young learners. Every year the Gallagher Bluedorn serves nearly 40,000 pre-k through 12 Iowa students and we’d like to serve yours.  Gallagher Bluedorn’s various educational programs broaden youth’s understanding and participation in the arts among communities throughout Iowa and serves the Center’s mission, to inspire. The Kaleidoscope Series creates a deeper understanding of classroom subjects, serving as a supplementary tool in teaching core curriculum. In many cases the performances create an entry point for discussion of challenging material.  

The Kaleidoscope Series strives to provide youth multiple opportunities to experience a wide range of the performing arts, to serve underserved rural communities of Eastern Iowa, and to accommodate over 40,000 students each year. To date, we have reached a significant milestone, 750,000 kids experiencing the arts through our program.

We believe in the power of the performing arts to educate, entertain, and demonstrate leadership and empathy for others.

We work with educators across the Cedar Valley to identify programming that aligns with Iowa curriculum and meets the highest artistic and educational standards.  This curriculum centers on literacy, math, science and history.  All curriculum is fact based and accurate.

Resources are available to any educator or parent who has questions about our Kaleidoscope programming. These may include, but are not limited to: conversations with Gallagher Bluedorn leadership, study guides, full length scripts and archival footage of the performance. If there are concerns about programming, we encourage the use of these resources before deciding whether or not to attend.

We also encourage school districts to share the titles for field trips early with families, and to develop and/or share with families their opt-out plan for field trips 

Email kaleidoscope@uni.edu for specific questions about our refund/credit policy. 

An actor wearing a blue tank top with a stars and stripes logo on front

VIRTUAL SERIES

We're excited to bring you the Kaleidoscope Virtual Series offering your favorite Kaleidoscope shows free to watch online.

 

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Two actors, one wearing green and the other in a giraffe costume, holding sandwiches

IN-PERSON KALEIDOSCOPE

We welcome more than 40,000 youth from over half of Iowa's counties into our building each year for fantastic educational experiences. 

 

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SEE THE IMPACT

Kaleidoscope is a leader in the arts. For only a Buck A Kid, the program has spent 20+ years bringing the arts to kids of all backgrounds and walks of life. Learn more about the impact of the arts on our area’s youth.
 

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