Background
Since 1971, the performing arts for youth society (pays) inc. Has presented
symphony, opera, theater and dance to the elementary and middle school students
of san mateo county and other nearby bay area communities. More than 28,000
students from public schools, private schools, and home schools participate each
year. Pays was named the outstanding arts organization by the arts council of
san mateo in 1992.
The goal of pays is to instill a love and appreciation of the performing arts in
the students, inspire them to use their own creative abilities and appreciate
those of the performers. By presenting programs of the highest quality, pays
strives to enrich and enhance arts education in the schools and to build future
audiences.
How does it work?
All performances are held at the san mateo performing arts center at 600 north
delaware st. In san mateo, adjacent to san mateo high school (directions).
Performances are generally held at 9:30 and 11:30, lasting from 45 to 60 minutes
in length. Tickets are $3.00 each.
Begin by filling out a reservation form – be sure to supply your contact
information, and let us know what shows you and your students would like to
attend. Make sure you include the chaperones in your ticket count! Pays
recommends a ratio of one chaperone for every twelve students. Also let us know
about any special requests you may have, such as wheelchair accessible seating
or a particular time preference.
After reservations are received and scheduled, pays invoices you for the cost of
the tickets, as well as notifying you of where you will line up at the theatre.
Pays also provides you with a study guide, which contains background information
and activities designed to maximize your student’s experience.
Upon arriving on the day of the performance, pays staff will show you to your
seats, as well as dismiss your group at the conclusion. Following the
performance, we ask that you take a few moments to fill out our on-line
evaluation form, as we welcome the feedback of our patrons.