Broadway is the perfect place to take a student group for an unforgettable experience. From the costumes and sets to the acting and singing, the students are guaranteed to be wowed by a Broadway production. A Broadway show is a great way to introduce your students to live theatre. Seeing one live is an entirely different experience than watching a recorded performance or a movie based on a Broadway musical. Broadway is a great way to expose students of all ages to various stories and characters from different walks of life. With such a diverse program, there’s sure to be a production that everyone in your group will enjoy. Broadway musicals are known for their high quality, so you can be sure that you will see an outstanding performance. Pieces staged on Broadway often deal with different cultures and experiences and thus can provide an educational opportunity for a school group or just expose students to a new viewpoint developing their awareness of the world around them. Seeing a show together is also a great way to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Broadway is the mecca for live theatre in the United States. Students across the country, especially theatre kids, dream of coming to New York City to see their favorite stories performed live by world-class professionals. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which one is right for your group?
This article will help you choose a show that everyone will love. From historical dramas to comedies, there's something for everyone on Broadway. So take a look at our list and find the perfect choice for your group.
The Lion King
For the youngest, The Lion King is the first show that comes to mind. This Tony Award®-winning musical is based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name and follows the story of Simba, a young lion who is the heir of the African Pride Lands. The Lion King features Julie Taymor's beautiful costumes and her outstanding direction, Elton John's incredible music, and, of course, fantastic puppetry by Michael Reilly that will transport the students to the African savanna. The Lion King is a perfect choice for a student group because it is an uplifting story that teaches important lessons about family, friendship, and responsibility. The music is catchy and upbeat at times, and then moving and soulful the other moment. The story is funny and adventurous yet deep, and the whole production is absolutely enchanting.
Aladdin
Aladdin is another timeless story that everyone knows and loves. The music in this show is just incredible. From the catchy opening number “Arabian Nights” to the show-stopping “A Whole New World,” your students will be humming the tunes long after the curtain comes down. The sets and costumes are truly stunning. From the bustling marketplaces of Agrabah to the magical Cave of Wonders, your students will be transported to a whole new world. Aladdin is a perfect introduction to Broadway. It’s a family-friendly show that’s appropriate for all ages and a great way to get your students excited about live theatre.
Hadestown
For students that are a bit older (middle/high school), Hadestown would be a great option. It is an uplifting story with a powerful message of the importance of love and hope. The music is beautiful, and the performers are top-notch. This Tony Awards®-winning musical tells the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set to a modern, folk-infused score. Hadestown is the perfect show for students who are interested in Greek mythology, musical theater, history, or simply want to see a great show.
Hamilton
Hamilton is another powerful story that should not be missed. Based on the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, this story will teach your student group about American history while also being a great show in its own right. The cast of Hamilton is incredibly diverse, which is something your students can appreciate and learn from. Hamilton has won many awards, including the prestigious Tony Award® for Best Musical. This is a show that your students will definitely enjoy. It fuses classic Broadway ballads with hip-hop and rap to create an unforgettable mix of emotions and images.
Wicked
Wicked is the perfect Broadway show for a student group as it is a story about two friends who learn to appreciate each other despite their differences. The show is also full of great songs and dancing that will keep everyone entertained. This musical tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and her unlikely friendship with the good witch, Glinda. Wicked is a perfect choice for a school group with its positive messages about acceptance and friendship. And with its stunning visuals and catchy tunes, Wicked will surely be a hit with everyone in your group. Last but not least, it’s a Broadway classic! This is such a great show to begin an introduction to the world of musical theater and the stories it holds.
The Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera is based on another classic story that has been around for over a century. The show itself is fused with the Broadway “hall of fame” for good. It has been one of the most acclaimed and recognizable performances for almost 40 years. The music is captivating, magical, and beautiful, and the costumes are elegant. This long-running musical has everything that older students will love, from a sweeping romantic story to stunning musical numbers.
& Juliet
Broadway’s newest musical, & Juliet, is another terrific choice to see with a student group. The show tells the story of what happens when Shakespeare’s most famous heroine decides she’s not going to die for love. & Juliet is a fun, empowering, and modern take on a classic story, with a killer soundtrack featuring some of pop music’s biggest hits. & Juliet is a show that everyone can enjoy. Whether your group is made up of Shakespeare fans or not, you’ll be able to appreciate the clever writing and talented performances. & Juliet will leave you and your group talking about love, life, and everything in between.
Beetlejuice 
Beetlejuice is a spooky, hilarious musical based on the 1988 Tim Burton film of the same name, and it’s sure to be a hit with students. Beetlejuice tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a goth girl who is haunted by the ghost of Beetlejuice, a mischievous spirit who tries to scare her away. But as Beetlejuice causes more havoc, Lydia realizes that maybe having a ghost around isn’t so bad after all. With its catchy songs, high-energy dance numbers, and laugh-out-loud moments, Beetlejuice is the perfect Broadway show for your students. They’ll be talking about it long after the curtain comes down. The characters are both relatable and entertaining. Beetlejuice is filled with witty one-liners, catchy songs, and outrageous costumes, making it a perfect show for a group of students.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is based on the beloved Harry Potter book series and is perfect for fans of all ages. Your students will be captivated by the story of Harry Potter's son, Albus, as he struggles with the weight of his family's legacy. They'll also be thrilled by the play's spectacular special effects, which bring the wizarding world to life on stage. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a diverse show that celebrates the power of love and friendship. The show features a cast of diverse actors and actresses who bring the story to life with their fantastic acting chops. The story itself is also incredibly diverse, featuring a wide array of characters from different cultures and backgrounds. This makes for a truly unique and magical experience that everyone can enjoy.
KPOP
KPOP is a brand new musical that tells the story of a young group of Korean pop musicians striving for success in the cutthroat world of the music industry. It is their special night - a one-night-only concert in the US. With a mix of high-energy dance numbers and bold, fresh songs, KPOP is sure to please everyone in your group. The audacious, often acrobatic dance routines, catchy tunes, and colorful costumes will dazzle and entertain audiences of all ages.
With the help of these entertaining shows, students will be able to learn more about history, musical theater, culture, and life in general. These shows are also great for students who just want to have a good time and some new tunes to obsess over for quite some time. Be sure to check out all of the options before deciding which show to see. And, with group discounts and special student pricing, seeing a Broadway show is more affordable than ever. Please buy your tickets through Broadway Inbound — an official agent for Broadway group tickets. Treat your student group to a once-in-a-lifetime experience and take them to see a Broadway show!
There’s also a list of behind-the-scenes opportunities to make your visit unforgettable. Broadway workshops for students are a great way to introduce a group to the performing arts, improve their acting, singing, or dancing skills, or just give students an opportunity to step outside the box and try something new. These workshops typically last from 60 to 90 minutes. During that time, students will participate in improv exercises, learn about stagecraft, and receive feedback from their instructors, who are professional Broadway actors currently involved in shows. These workshops can be an invaluable resource for students to build their confidence and learn more about what it takes to be a successful performer. From Let’s Get Technical to Stage Combat and The Audition Workshop, these classes give students the chance to explore their talents or develop their existing skills. Workshops are customizable for any group level, whether you’re a pre-professional performing arts school or an amateur theatre class visiting NYC.