Broadway shows offer a unique educational and cultural experience that can leave a lasting impression on audiences of all ages. These performances not only provide entertainment but also expose attendees to a variety of themes, ideas, and artistic expressions. For school groups, attending a Broadway show can be an excellent opportunity to learn about storytelling, history, and the performing arts in an engaging and interactive way.
When planning a Broadway trip for your school group, it is important to tailor the show selection to the interests and ages of the students. Considering factors such as the show's length, content, and subject matter can help educators and group leaders make the best choice for their class. By picking a production that aligns with the group's needs and preferences yet also refers to your current curriculum, you guarantee that the students will have a fun and productive time seeing a Broadway show.
What to pay attention to while picking a musical/play:
- There are several important criteria to consider when choosing the right show for your class. One of the primary factors to keep in mind is age restrictions. It is essential to select a production that aligns with the maturity level of the students attending. This ensures that the material is suitable and relatable, producing a positive impact on a younger viewer.
- Another crucial aspect when selecting a Broadway production for a school group is specific educational touchpoints. Teachers and educators should look for shows that offer valuable lessons or insights that can be tied to the school curriculum or enhance students' understanding of particular subjects. By integrating informative elements into the theatre visit, students can benefit from an extraordinary learning opportunity outside the classroom that is far more likely to stick in their memory and motivate them to continue their studies.
- Lastly, the entertainment value and appeal of the show to students should not be overlooked. While it's important to choose a production with appropriate academic value, it's also essential to make sure the piece you end up seeing is engaging and speaks to the students.
Selecting a performance that aligns with the students' interests and preferences increases the likelihood of a positive and memorable theatre outing. Try making a selection of several shows you deem fit for your group. It is easy with Broadway Inbound’s educational resources and study guides. Then, organize a voting day where you will decide on the final pick together with the kids.
By combining all of these essential elements, you’ll be able to conduct a truly enriching and, equally important, fun theatre visit for your young audience.
Here is a top list of student-friendly shows we’d like to offer for your next viewing:
One of the top Broadway shows for school groups in 2023 is Hadestown. This award-winning musical is a modern retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. The story revolves around Orpheus, a talented musician who ventures into the underworld to rescue his love, Eurydice, from the clutches of Hades, the fearsome ruler of the underworld.
Hadestown offers various educational themes and relevance for students, such as Greek mythology, which can be tied to literature, philosophy, and history lessons.
Additionally, the musical explores moral dilemmas and the power of love, providing opportunities for thought-provoking discussions among students.
As for age range and suitability, Hadestown is best suited for middle school and high school students due to its complex themes and storyline.
This production will not only entertain the students but will be interesting to their accompanying teachers or guardians, making it an excellent choice for a school group outing.
Hamilton, the iconic Broadway musical, tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States. Through a mix of rap, hip-hop, and traditional musical theatre, the show explores the life and legacy of Hamilton, his family, and colleagues, touching on various historical events, such as his role in the American Revolution, his work on the U.S. Constitution, and personal relationships.
Trust us, your class will explode with excitement if you tell them they’re going to see Hamilton.
The production’s content makes it an excellent choice for school groups studying U.S. History. Students can learn or gain a new perspective on important figures and turning points in U.S. and European history while also engaging with themes of loyalty, hard work, love, friendship, and standing up for what's right.
This show is suitable for a wide age range, but it is generally recommended for middle school students and older due to its frequent mature content and language. Overall, Hamilton offers an inspiring and amusing narrative that will enlighten young minds using language they understand and likely will respond to well.
Kimberly Akimbo is a heartwarming and quirky Broadway musical that revolves around the life of Kimberly, a teenage girl with a rare genetic condition that causes her to age rapidly. The story follows Kimberly's journey as she navigates her unusual circumstances, along with the challenges of her dysfunctional family and the struggles of being a teenager.
Following Kimberly, students can learn about the importance of family and friends, as well as the value of fostering good relationships in your community. Additionally, the musical addresses self-image issues and demonstrates how individuals can deal with them in a healthy and positive manner. Humor is also used as a coping mechanism throughout the story, providing a lighthearted and entertaining approach to serious topics that makes it easy to come close to uncomfortable or intimidating topics and situations.
Kimberly Akimbo is suitable for a wide age range, but it is generally recommended for high school students and older due to some mature themes and language. This musical offers a thought-provoking yet friendly and lighthearted atmosphere for engaging with discomfort and questions about mortality and fear. These will definitely resonate with young audiences and spark meaningful discussions but will also be useful for teachers and guardians to address such topics in the classroom.
Back to the Future
Get ready for an exhilarating journey through time with the Olivier Award-winning musical, Back to the Future, which is making waves on Broadway in 2023. Join Marty McFly as he unexpectedly finds himself transported back to the year 1955 in a remarkable time machine invented by the eccentric scientist, Doc Brown. Unwittingly altering the course of history, Marty must now race against the clock to mend the present, escape the past, and ultimately propel himself... back to the future. Prepare to be captivated by this high-energy comedy, expertly adapted for the stage by the original movie creators Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump), and skillfully directed by Tony AwardⓇ winner John Rando.
Back to the Future The Musical boasts an extraordinary soundtrack, featuring original music by Grammy-winning maestros Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Endgame) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson's “Man in the Mirror”). Audiences will also be treated to beloved hits from the iconic film, including "The Power of Love," "Johnny B. Goode," "Earth Angel," and "Back in Time." Brace yourself as Back to the Future accelerates to 88mph, get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime ride!
Once Upon A One More Time
Welcome to the enchanting world of Once Upon A One More Time on Broadway, where the storybook heroines come alive in a whole new light. When these beloved characters gather for their book club, they engage in lively discussions about the timeless classic, Grimms' Fairy Tales, unaware that it's the only book they've ever known. However, their literary world is turned upside down when a rebellious fairy godmother introduces them to a revolutionary piece of literature, The Feminine Mystique. With this unexpected addition, the concept of "happily ever after" takes on a whole new meaning. This production intertwines the iconic chart-topping hits of Britney Spears, the undisputed Princess of Pop, into a fresh and innovative fairy tale experience.
Planning a Group Trip
When planning a school group trip to Broadway, the first step is to coordinate with the school administration and parents. It is essential to obtain the necessary approvals and permissions from the administration, as well as to communicate with parents about the trip's details, objectives, and costs. Providing parents with a clear itinerary and answering any questions or concerns they may have will ensure a smooth planning process and gain their support.
Securing group tickets and discounts is another important aspect of organizing a successful school trip to Broadway. Broadway Inbound offers special rates and packages for school groups, making it more affordable for students to attend. Reach out to Broadway Inbound to make reservations well in advance. Booking early can also help guarantee the best seating options for the group.
Planning transportation and accommodations is a crucial part of any trip. Depending on the distance from the school to the theatre, you may need to arrange for bus rentals or public transportation options. If the trip requires an overnight stay, research nearby hotels that offer group rates and are conveniently located to the theatre district. Make sure to factor in any special needs or requirements your students may have when making these arrangements.
Broadway Inbound has some helpful tips, tricks, and resources to assist in your research. As well as offers from our partners that will make your planning process much smoother.
Incorporating educational activities and discussions into the trip can enhance the learning aspect of the event. Before attending the show of choice, provide background information about its themes, historical context, characters, and artistic elements. Broadway Inbound has a list of shows that provide study guides for educators, making your preparation for a Broadway visit easier and the entire experience more exciting for the group.
Encourage students to take notes during the performance and organize a post-show quiz, discussion, or other activity where they can share their thoughts, insights, and reflections. This can help reinforce the educational value of the trip and deepen students' understanding and appreciation of the production. Here is where we could add the study guide info
Additional opportunities:
Broadway Inbound workshops offer an incredible enhancement for student groups to immerse themselves in the world of theatre. These interactive and engaging sessions are specifically designed for young audiences, allowing them to learn directly from industry professionals and gain valuable insights into the performing arts.
From acting and singing to dancing and stagecraft, the workshops cover a wide range of topics that cater to various interests and skill levels. By participating in these masterclasses, students not only increase their knowledge and appreciation of theatre but also develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and creativity.
So, when planning a Broadway outing for a student group, be sure to consider incorporating a Broadway Inbound workshop into your itinerary for a well-rounded and insightful theatre visit.
Finally, ensuring student safety and supervision is of utmost importance during a school trip. Establish clear rules and expectations for student behavior and designate chaperones to oversee small groups of students at all times. Make sure that all students have contact information for their chaperones and the trip organizer in case of emergencies.
By taking these steps to prioritize safety and supervision, you can create a smoothly-running Broadway journey for your students and the trip organizer.
Exploring the world of Broadway and attending live performances in general not only exposes students to different forms of storytelling and art but also encourages them to reflect on important themes and issues. So, take the time to plan a school group outing to one of these fantastic shows and create lasting memories for your students while teaching them about the world and what truly matters.