griffin theatre’s school time Matinees
frindle
Based on the award-winning novel by Andrew Clements
January 21 - 30, 2026. Performances (Monday-Friday) 9:45am & 11:45am
Performances at Theatre Wit, 1229 West Belmont Ave. Chicago
To book your student matinee contact Bill Massolia at info@griffintheatre.com
The Griffin is a nationally recognized producer of youth touring theatre in the United States. The Griffin’s national audience exceeds 100,000 young people and adults each year. Tours have included such prestigious venues as Cleveland Playhouse Square, Tennessee Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, and off-Broadway at the Tribeca Center in New York City.
We are pleased to be able to offer the Griffin’s award-winning productions to Chicago area young people in 2026. These critically-acclaimed productions will enhance your classroom curriculum, spark creativity and lead to thoughtful discussions. Our plays are also fun! We believe young audiences deserve the same level of artistry and respect as any other—and our productions are built to deliver exactly that.
Immediately following the performance our cast will provide a lively and informative post-performance discussion with your students.
ABOUT FRINDLE
Everyone knows that Mrs. Granger, the language arts teacher, has X-ray vision in her classroom. She’s also a fanatic about the dictionary, which is hopelessly boring to one of her students Nicholas Allen. But when Nick learns an interesting tidbit about words and where they come from, it inspires him to invent a new word. From now on, a pen is no longer a pen—it’s a FRINDLE.
“FRINDLE is … about discovering the true nature of words, language, thought, community, learning. It’s also about great teaching and great teachers, and about the life that surges through corridors and classrooms every school day.”
—Andrew Clements
Running time: 55 minutes (no intermission)
Recommended Grades: 3-6
Curriculum Connections: Reading, Creative writing, Creative thinking, Social Studies, Language Arts
A comprehensive study guide is available to teachers to augment the performance. Workshops with FRINDLE teaching artists are also available.
If you are interested in in scheduling a student matinee for your class or school or have further QUESTIONS, please contact our box office at info@griffintheatre.com
How do I book a matinee? - contact Bill Massolia at info@griffintheatre.com or at (872) 529-0657
What is the cost? - $15 per student. Teachers and chaperones are FREE
How long are the shows? - 55 minutes.