Broadway Classroom
Instead of passively watching a play’s swordfight, grab a sword and engage in stage combat yourself with a Broadway Classroom workshop. The innovative program offers more than 15 kinds of workshops, such as stage combat, improvisation, singing and dancing.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for people to learn more about show business,” said Deliman. “The groups get to meet and work with performers who are in the shows they are going to see. People say it gives them an added connection to the show.”
The workshops range from 90 minutes to two hours and can be customized to the group’s interests. For example, a group headed to see “Kinky Boots” can request that a dancer from the show teach some basic “Kinky Boots” choreography.
During the Broadway 101 class, performers entice participants to tap into their creativity with basic vocal warm-ups, interactive exercises and theater games. The introduction class also educates students on Broadway’s historic significance and the training process of a Broadway actor. Adult groups often enjoy this class’ question-and-answer session with a Broadway performer to gain insight into the craft.
Other hands-on classes allow participants to try various theater roles, such as director, manager and costume designer, so they can put on a show at the end of two hours. During the Stage Combat workshop, professionals walk groups through safe stage fighting techniques for a thrilling experience.
Radio City Music Hall
After the stock market crashed in 1929, John D. Rockefeller Jr. made a bold decision. He built Radio City Music Hall, one of the largest indoor theaters in the world, to stand as a symbol of hope.
This architectural feat has remained virtually unchanged since 1932, even with the original hydraulics powering the stage elevators. Since then numerous stars have entertained from the Art Deco theater’s enormous auditorium, including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Celine Dion.
Groups traveling to the Big Apple can take advantage of the variety of acts that the Radio City Music Hall attracts, such as concerts, live stage shows and the iconic Radio City Rockettes. Each year since 1932, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular stars the famed Rockettes in a production that draws more than 1 million people annually.
Though the Rockettes make dancing look easy, the three-hour Rockette Experience proves the synchronized choreography takes perseverance to master. Participants learn some choreography from the Rockette repertoire, undergo a mock audition and engage in a question-and-answer session with the Rockette instructor.
For groups seeking more of an overview of the famed American theater, the one-hour Stage Door Tour offers an interactive behind-the-scenes experience. Groups that opt for this walking tour learn about the venue’s fascinating history from tour guides, view the celebrity-signed guest book and meet one of the Rockettes.
