Discover top performing arts workshops and educational tours designed for student groups, from acting masterclasses to behind-the-scenes tours.
Imagine your students stepping onto a historic New York theater, learning directly from seasoned performers, and experiencing the magic of performing live from an insider’s perspective.
Broadway workshops for students in one of the nation’s most culturally and economically influential hubs offer invaluable opportunities to grow artistically and personally. Broadway, a beacon of cultural storytelling, also fuels significant economic growth through tourism and global talent attraction.
Looking for tools to streamline your next trip? Explore our planning guide today.
Why Performing Arts Field Trips Matter
Known as the Great White Way, the iconic stretch of Manhattan is more than a tourist destination—it’s a cultural epicenter that reflects our evolving society and continues to shape modern storytelling. For educators, it’s a powerful platform to engage students through interactive performance, history and creative expression.
Take your class on an unforgettable field trip to the New Amsterdam Theatre and engage in a Q&A with professionals. Photo credit: Inside Broadway
Broadway Workshops & Educational Programs
Performing arts field trips to Manhattan’s theater mecca expose students to the artistry, discipline and teamwork behind world-class productions. Workshops and programs include:
Inside Broadway shows students behind the scenes of Wicked. Photo credit: Inside Broadway Facebook
- Dance and Choreography Workshops: Learn signature choreography from hit musicals, while building confidence, movement, and stage presence.
- Vocal and Musical Theatre Workshops: Improve pitch, ensemble singing, and audition prep through Broadway-style coaching.
- Acting and Improv Sessions: Strengthen performance skills with interactive exercises led by theater professionals.
- Technical and Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Explore lighting, stage management, set design, and costume creation to see what goes into each show beyond the spotlight.
Educational Tour Opportunities
Educators and pupils can expect a comprehensive and immersive experience during a Broadway educational tour. These tours will provide insights into Broadway’s operation, combining live performances, professional-led workshops and educational sessions, while giving students context, inspiration and practical skills.
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Gain expert insights from theater professionals. Photo credit: Inside Broadway Facebook
Highlights include:
- Guided tours of historic theaters and venues.
- Behind-the-scenes insights into casting, rehearsals, production processes, costumes, set design, and more.
- Q&A sessions with cast members and crew from renowned Broadway shows.
- Opportunities to attend acclaimed live performances.
Benefits of Broadway Experiences
A trip to New York’s performing arts capital to participate in Broadway workshops for students allows individuals to enhance their skills and grow both on and off stage. Key takeaways include:
- Skill Development: Through active participation, students will gain confidence, collaboration, and communication abilities.
- Cultural Insight: Better understand Broadway’s historical and social significance in American culture.
- Career Exploration: Students can discover potential career paths in performance, technical production, arts education, and other facets of theater.
Broadway Inbound brings students behind the curtain during Disney’s Behind the Magic Tour. Photo credit: Broadway Inbound
Things to Consider When Planning a Broadway Workshop Tour
Planning a workshop tour of Broadway can be tricky, but we’ve simplified the process into four categories.
#1 Budget and Logistics
Trips like this can get expensive. Luckily, there are options to make your journey easier and more affordable for your group.
- Group pricing & Discounts: Many Broadway workshops, tours and shows offer discounts for bigger groups, 10+ participants, and school and student discounts. You should book 3-6 months in advance to get the most affordable experience.
- Accommodation: Many hotels near the theater district offer discounts for student groups, usually booking 10 or more rooms.
The easiest way to access these deals is to work with tour companies who do all the work for you! We have listed the top three companies we recommend at the end of this article.
#2 Scheduling
Scheduling can be difficult, especially for a large group of students. When planning a Broadway workshop tour, make sure to consider the following:
- Best Travel Seasons: Plan for fall or spring to avoid heavy crowds and enjoy mild weather.
- Check Show Availabilities: Theater lineups rotate—be sure to look ahead and coordinate your group’s interests and availability.
#3 Pre-Arrival Prep
Introduce your students to the workshop and program materials, including scripts, songs, or relevant readings they may encounter during their experience. This ensures confident participation from your class.
#4 Post Trip Engagement
Encourage students to reflect on their experiences by journaling or performing based on what they learned to reinforce educational aspects of the trip. This will also help students retain and carry the knowledge into their future endeavors.
Field trips to Broadway captivate student groups with vibrant and lively shows. Photo credit: Inside Broadway Facebook
Recommended Workshop Providers & Tour Companies
The easiest way to plan your Broadway trip is through workshop providers and tour companies. There are many great options, and not knowing which company to pick can often be overwhelming. Below we have laid out three of our top recommendations!
- Broadway Classroom: Broadway Classroom is an education program that offers workshops for all ages, from middle school to university-level student groups. They provide a variety of workshops with a focus on acting, singing, and dancing, led by stage professionals.
- Inside Broadway: Inside Broadway is a non-profit that works to bring Broadway educational experiences to students in NYC. Many programs are free or offered at a low cost, providing accessible performing arts education to everyone.
- Broadway Inbound: Broadway Inbound provides interactive theater opportunities with multifaceted customizable workshops for students. Check out Beyond the Curtain: Interactive Broadway Experiences for Students and more Broadway Workshops for Students to get more from your Broadway experience.
Be sure to explore our comprehensive Group Guide to Broadway and start planning an extraordinary field trip today.
Final Curtain Call
These performing arts field trips to Manhattan’s theater district give your students more than just a glimpse behind the scenes—they provide lifelong memories, professional insights and confidence-building experiences that can shape their future.
Students can uncover the vibrant culture of Broadway and the diverse performing arts institutions that comprise the district for exceptional learning experiences. Groups will learn by doing when participating in educational workshops and interactive experiences, allowing them to immerse themselves in their passions. Field trips to Broadway can open doors to worlds of creative expression and future career goals.
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By Ruby Emmitt, Contributing Writer
