“All the world’s a stage,” and what better way to teach students about it than through a Broadway show? Broadway field trips are beneficial for students from middle school to college. These engaging field trips teach students about the world and might motivate them to be more enthusiastic about their overall education. While you can select a show that complements your curriculum, remember to pick one your students will look forward to seeing.
Broadway shows do more than entertain. They showcase universal themes, stir our emotions and stimulate creativity. Exposure to this level of arts and culture can support classroom learning by bringing English studies to life and introducing students to social issues, literature and history in a palatable way. Some organizations, like Broadway Inbound, also offer masterclasses and workshops to student groups. These opportunities complement shows and let students see how professional theatre works, enhancing their appreciation and understanding of this art.
Explore more benefits of Broadway field trips.
Viewing professional performances can foster a deep appreciation for theatre, dance and music. Seeing high-quality professional productions can also inspire your students’ own artistic pursuits. From personal hobbies to participation in school productions and even a future career path, exposure to the arts can fuel students’ creativity.
Students who take field trips that include opportunities to meet with industry professionals will benefit from these networking opportunities. They can garner inspiration and guidance for potential career paths. From acting to stage design and technical support, students interested in pursuing careers in theatre or the entertainment industry will get valuable insight from these trips.
Many Broadway shows are based on historical events or literature. These shows offer a dynamic way to supplement your classroom learning. Analyzing and discussing themes, characters and production elements can enhance your student’s critical thinking and interpretive skills.
Theatre explores diverse perspectives and human experiences. It can evoke strong emotions and provoke thoughtful discussions. Broadway shows can also help students develop empathy by instilling a deeper understanding of different cultures and lifestyles.
Seeing live performances can also encourage students to get involved in the performing arts themselves, which can boost their communication skills and self-confidence. Attending a Broadway show as a group can also strengthen bonds among classmates.
While some shows might be a bit too complex or mature for middle school students, there are still a number of great kid-friendly shows that provide great lessons.
Explore the land of Oz long before Dorothy arrives. “Wicked” explores the themes of friendship and identity and helps younger students learn to appreciate different perspectives. It also promotes understanding and acceptance of differences.
“The Lion King” is a beautiful stage production that uses incredible puppetry techniques to tell a classic story. It emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility and learning from past mistakes while teaching children about the natural world and the interconnectedness of life.
“Aladdin” is an exciting tale that teaches middle schoolers about courage and integrity. It highlights the importance of standing up for what is right and being true to yourself. Educators can also use this show to discuss topics like wealth, poverty and economic systems with students.
“Back to the Future” is an ’80s classic that will give educators a sense of nostalgia. Students can engage with the concept of time travel and learn how actions can impact the future. This musical adaptation of the 1985 film can also spark interest in the sciences, history and technology.
A night out at the theatre can also benefit high schoolers and college students. Here are our top suggestions for this age group.
Give your students a taste of Shakespeare with a modern twist on “Romeo and Juliet.” This musical imagines what would have happened if Juliet had gone on a journey of independence and self-discovery. It hits all the right notes for English and Social Studies classes.
“Hamilton” is a groundbreaking historical musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton, the Founding Father. With themes of power and ambition and a catchy soundtrack, “Hamilton” will keep students and educators entertained long after the curtain falls. Even better, it complements various classes and encourages discussions about representation in the arts.
Engage high school and college students in the Tudor period with a musical about Henry VIII’s wives. This high-energy show explores themes of gender, power and history from a different perspective. It explores these women’s quest to reclaim their identities and rewrite their stories.
“Hadestown” is a retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. It explores Greek mythology, history, philosophy and literature alongside moral dilemmas. Its themes are more intricate, making it more suitable for high school and college students.
Harry Potter fans of all ages will enjoy this play, which is one of the best Broadway shows for kids and kids at heart. It focuses on themes of parental pressures, friendship and coming to terms with the past. “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” has an engaging, intricate plotline and captivating magical displays.
“The Outsiders” is based on the novel by S.E. Hinton. It is a tale of survival with an engaging narrative that explores the socio-economic differences between classes and preserving childhood innocence. This play speaks about how people bond over and deal with their own struggles and how they succeed in spite of them.
Let your English literature students see this F. Scott Fitzgerald classic come to life on stage. It will help them form a deeper connection with the novel as they see the destructive nature of dysfunctional relationships, the pursuit of the American Dream and how lives are impacted by failure to live in the present.
With so many great shows to choose from, how do you decide which is the best show to book for your class’s Broadway field trip? Here are several questions to ask:
Look for shows that have positive reviews from audiences and critics, as these shows are more likely to create a memorable experience. If there is time, boost the experience by visiting popular landmarks in New York City. For example, if you catch a matinee, you can head to Central Park afterward and dive into post-show discussions or activities. You can also consider assigning projects related to the show to allow students time for deeper reflection and analysis. Finally, remember that many Broadway and off-Broadway shows offer special discounts on Broadway student tickets!
Incorporating a Broadway field trip into your curriculum will enrich students’ personal development, academics and cultural exposure. Seeing the right show is a unique, impactful experience that will support their English, social studies or history classes.
Executive Coach has offered affordable bus charters since 1979. Our buses all feature GPS, Wi-Fi and UV lights for advanced cleaning to keep riders safe. We offer day trip transport to New York City from Lancaster County for small or large groups and will help you schedule your day trips to the Big Apple.
Contact us today for more information or to request a free quote for your upcoming Broadway trip.
