Performing Arts Experience in NYC – 4 Days

Upon arrival in New York City, you’ll meet your Tour Manager and head into Manhattan! You’ll begin your adventure with a half day bus tour of the most iconic landmarks in New York City. You’ll be dropped in the abounding lights of Times Square with time to explore and experience the true hustle and bustle of this city. Next, you will get a dose of culture as you visit Columbus Circle, Harlem, the Apollo Theatre, and 125th Street. You’ll take a ride down Museum Mile, one of the most culturally saturated places in our country. Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the New York Public Library are next providing another classic NYC experience. The tour will then take us to the quintessential Flatiron Building, once one of the tallest buildings in the city. You will conclude the day exploring Greenwich Village and SoHo, two of the trendiest NYC neighborhoods.

After dinner, you’ll get a chance to appreciate the city on a higher level: from the top floor of the Rockefeller Center. The Top of the Rock observation deck offers a spectacular, unobstructed 360 degree view of the Manhattan skyline at night.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll participate in Believe NYC. Theatre, choral, and dance students will see a forty-five minute one-woman show that tells the story of a young performer’s dream to become a professional actress in New York City. After this inspiring performance, you’ll participate in a workshop of your choice. Topics vary and include mock auditions, musical theatre, dance break, improv, and more! The program also includes a Q&A session with the artists. 

After lunch, it’s time to explore Central Park. You’ll see the Imagine Memorial to John Lennon at Strawberry Fields, the Bethesda Fountain, the Mall, Sheep Meadow and the Wollman Ice Rink. Chances are you’ll see a spot that reminds you of a favorite movie!

Next, you will head down Fifth Avenue to see some of the famous stores and boutiques including the Plaza Hotel (featured in Home Alone), Tiffany’s, and more. You will continue to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This enormous, masterful Gothic structure set amid Midtown’s boutiques is the seat of New York’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese. St. Patrick’s Cathedral has been the city’s focal point of Catholic worship since opening in 1879. 

Before dinner, you will have an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at Radio City Music Hall! Here you will have an insider’s view of New York’s iconic entertainment venue where the biggest names in show business perform.

This evening you will see a Broadway show! After the show concludes, you will head to the front of the theater for an intimate Q&A with some of the cast members. Don’t be shy! This is your chance to ask that burning question about their careers and life.

This morning you will participate in a ninety-minute theatre, dance or choral workshop. You’ll decide the topic before your travel date, and have a true New York City performing arts experience. Workshops are held in some of Broadway’s audition and rehearsal studios and you never know what stars you might run into in the halls!

Next, you’ll visit Little Island, located in Hudson River Park, where you can experience nature and art in a unique urban oasis on the Hudson River. Next you’ll visit High Line Park. This modern, urban park has been built on an unused, elevated railway track between Chelsea and Penn Station. You’ll enter the park in the Meatpacking District, one of New York’s trendiest neighborhoods, and be able to see fantastic views of lower Manhattan and the Hudson River. 

You will visit the Chelsea Market where you can have lunch. This gourmet food market was built inside the former Nabisco factory in Chelsea and is now home to the Food Network and many gourmet food vendors.

Refueled, you will participate in your third workshop of your choice. Take a class at Alvin Ailey Studios, coach your songs with a Broadway music director, or hone your scene work with one of our outstanding acting instructors. Whatever you choose, your students will experience working at the highest level in NYC! 

You will have the opportunity to visit the Drama Bookshop, considered the city’s best source for theatrical works including over 8,000 plays regularly in stock. You will also visit the Museum of Broadway, an interactive experience celebrating Broadway’s rich history. 

This evening you will enjoy dinner with the cast of a Broadway show! They will join you for dinner and converse with everyone in small groups so you can get to know them and hear their stories.

After dinner, you’ll see a Broadway show! 

This morning you’ll board the Ferry for Ellis Island where you’ll have fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty and a chance to visit the Immigration Museum. Ellis Island served as the main port of entry for European immigrants arriving in the United States between 1892 and 1924. Today over 100 million Americans can trace their lineage to a relative that passed through Ellis Island on their way to America!

You will then walk up through the financial district past the famous Charging Bull statue, a symbol of financial prosperity, then past Trinity Church and the New York Stock Exchange. We will continue to the World Trade Center.

The 9/11 Memorial is located in the footprint of the former Twin Towers. The Memorial is a tribute of remembrance and honor to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. Its twin reflecting pools – each nearly an acre in size – sit in the footprints of the former Twin Towers and feature the largest manmade waterfalls in North America. One World Observatory gives a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city skyline from its highest point.  

You will end the day with a visit to Chinatown and Little Italy where you’ll have some free time to explore, shop and eat. 

Your New York City adventure comes to a close as you board the bus for your trip home.