Thousands more Houston-area 5th-graders will get to experience the magic of live theater thanks to an expanded partnership between the Hobby Center and ExxonMobil.
The free program, which introduces 5th-grade students to live performances during the school day, will serve up to 40,000 students next season. The growth is possible by utilizing both Sarofim Hall and Zilkha Hall at the Hobby Center.
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The ExxonMobil Discovery Series will partner with 13 local school districts next season: Aldine ISD, Alief ISD, Dickinson ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Galena Park ISD, Houston ISD, Humble ISD, Klein ISD, Pasadena ISD, Sheldon ISD, Spring ISD, Texas City ISD, and YES Prep.
“The generosity of partners like ExxonMobil allows us not only to sustain, but to expand this free, life-changing program for students across our region,” said Hobby Center President and CEO Mark Folkes.
The series allows students from 13 Houston-area districts to experience professional performances, many for the first time.
“The Discovery Series is a vital program for Houston, granting students the opportunity to experience memorable performances they might otherwise miss,” said Alvin Abraham, global manager of corporate giving at ExxonMobil.
The 2025–26 lineup includes productions from Houston-based and touring artists, ranging from dance theater and live music to bilingual storytelling and contemporary circus performances. Highlights include Open Dance Project’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Ars Lyrica Houston’s Orígenes, and Cirque Mechanics’ TILT!
For the full schedule and more on the program, visit TheHobbyCenter.org.