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Celebrate with Us—It’s Our 30th Anniversary!

July 26, 2018
This month marks 30 years of doing what we absolutely love to do—getting kids excited about learning! It’s been a wild and memorable ride over the years and we feel truly fulfilled to see the spark that forms in the eyes of children when we’re able to make education fun. Let’s take a little trip down memory lane...

A Brief History of Ultimate School Shows

1990 news clipping of Joe Romano with a group of kids

Motivational performer Joe Romano’s very first school assembly was a drug awareness program called “The Magic In You” that educated students on the dangers of drugs in a unique way that was meaningful to them. The assembly debuted in the school year of 1988-1989 and was performed at hundreds of schools in the Washington, D.C. area. Nancy Reagan had just launched the “Just Say No” campaign, so the assembly was very fitting for the time. The show was sponsored by Verizon Yellow Pages.


In 1998, the magical world of Harry Potter was unleashed on the world. That first book created so much excitement that we decided it was time to produce a reading assembly—“Books! The Magic is Real!” Still to this day, this show ignites a passion for reading by bringing books to life through the art of magic.


Since then, we’ve continued to create shows across four educational categories that are both relevant and relatable for students. Our shows include amazing sets, dynamic music, comedy, audience participation and most importantly, an educational experience that will last long after the assembly is over.

Make Your School Year a Memorable One

Joe Romano performing in a school assembly

To date, our assemblies have been seen by over 5,000 thousand schools and millions of students. We celebrate our 30th anniversary with brand new assemblies that will make your school year a memorable one for both students and teachers.


Ultimate School Shows performs assemblies featuring math, science, reading, and positive character traits in Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. Get an instant quote or book a show today!

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By Joe Romano March 25, 2026
Most schools have a dusty book club that met twice and then withered away. The problem isn't that kids don't care. They do. Students want a place to talk about stories. They want to connect over characters. They want to feel part of something bigger than homework. Teachers want to build a reading culture without piling more work on their plates. Parents love the idea but don't know how to keep it going.
By Joe Romano March 25, 2026
Character education in schools isn't a poster on the wall. It's not a Friday assembly. It's not a worksheet about kindness. It's the invisible thread in every single thing you do with kids.
By Joe Romano February 21, 2026
Many reading spaces look ready for a photo but fail in real life.  Parents and teachers often put real thought into setting up a reading area. Shelves are full. Pillows are placed just right. Books are organized neatly. On the surface, everything looks prepared. Yet the books stay closed, and the space sits unused.
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