About Us

BACKGROUND

Since 1971, PAYS 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 300,000 students from public schools, private schools, and home schools have participated in these performances since it's beginning in 1971. 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. Performances are generally held at 9:30 and 11:30, lasting from 45 to 60 minutes in length. Tickets are $4.00 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, hearing or visual impairment  or other seating concerns.

After reservations are received and scheduled, PAYS confirms your reservation and invoices you for the year..  A week before the performance you will receive instructions about which door your students will enter to be seated. 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.