Broadway Education Alliance (BEA) is a New York–based nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to theater through education and enrichment programs that connect underserved youth, families, and non-traditional audiences to Broadway and the performing arts. Founded in 2008, BEA co-founded the National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (The Jimmy Awards®) and produces The Roger Rees Awards for Excellence in Student Performance, the Greater New York regional program. BEA also manages Camp Broadway® and leads initiatives to bring theater arts to camps and after-school programs. Additionally, the organization publishes authorized StageNotes® study guides and partners with artists and producers to engage schools and families.
We sat down with Susan E. Lee, founder of the Broadway Education Alliance, to learn more about this incredible organization.
What inspired you to found the Broadway Education Alliance?
At age seven, I decided I was going to work on Broadway. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of holding many roles across the industry. In every position I found a way to engage schools and families. While each project was rewarding, they were often short-lived, tied to the lifespan of a single show. That realization led me to create an organization dedicated to furthering the field of arts engagement—one that builds lasting bridges between audiences and producers seeking meaningful connections with youth and lifelong learners. We believe our approach will result in a portfolio of sustainable, branded programs that provide creative ways for many audience segments to experience Broadway as well as foster opportunities for unique partnerships within and beyond the industry.
Why is it so important for students to have access to Broadway (and theatre at large).
Attending a Broadway show can create memories a family will cherish for a lifetime—or spark a moment that changes a student’s life. Beyond the excitement and fun of the performance, students are immersed in world-class artistry from storytellers, performers and designers. Children also gain insight into a historic event, social issues or cultures beyond their own. This firsthand experience inspires empathy, curiosity, creativity and often promotes meaningful conversations. Performing or working on a musical at school or at camp is one of the most impactful ways for a child to develop confidence, understanding of self and fellowship with others. Can you think of a better way for a student of life to develop their character—on and off the stage?
Can you tell us about the youth enrichment programs that BEA offers?
BEA’s signature program is Camp Broadway®, the New York Drama Desk Award–winning initiative recognized for introducing young people to the world of theater and cultivating future audiences. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Camp Broadway is Broadway’s original summer camp and a trusted provider of year-round youth camps, educational workshops, and immersive theatrical experiences. Founded in 2010, the Roger Rees Awards for Excellence in Student Performance presents a portfolio of recognitions that celebrate student achievement across multiple disciplines. With the support of leading theatrical companies, the program serves more than 100 schools, providing students with a clear pathway to explore careers both on and off the stage. BEA also develops study guides and educational workshops that support arts integration in the classroom.
BEA helps others, but since founding it, have there been any moments that have impacted you? (This is an opportunity to tell a memorable story. Since starting Camp Broadway
Over the years there have been many times I’ve been filled with joy watching a child achieve their moment in the spotlight—it’s at once inspiring and a validation of the transformational power of the arts. There have also been many kids with big Broadway dreams attend Camp Broadway who I’ve had the pleasure to knowing as they worked their way through school, studied their craft and blossomed into confident and accomplished artists. My proudest moment was seeing Ali Stoker accepted her Tony Award® for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance as Ado Annie in the Broadway revival of Oklahoma!. She captured my heart when she was a child; she inspired the world with her courage, creativity, advocacy and brilliance.
Do you have any advice for students who may be interested in working in this industry?
Study—and keep studying. Talent may open a door, but sustained learning keeps you in the room. The theater is a collaborative, ever-evolving industry, being shaped by new styles of storytelling, innovating technologies, and changing audience interests. Commit to mastering your craft or skills while staying curious beyond it—learn history, business, and how other disciplines work. Listen to feedback, learn from mentors and peers, and stay open to growth. Careers in theater are rarely linear, and adaptability is essential. The most successful artists, managers and producers remain students for life, using curiosity, humility, and resilience to grow, reinvent themselves, and build meaningful, lasting careers on and off the stage.
To learn more about the Broadway Education Alliance, click HERE.