NewYork4 PA trip header est

Performing Arts, Drama & Theatre Studies Trips to New York

It's showtime! Excite your students of performing arts in New York; the home of Broadway. 40 theatres in the heart of New York on and off Broadway make up the theatre district in the city, so in terms of performance, you will be spoilt for choice. Students will be able to participate in Broadway life by taking part in a New York theatre workshop of acting and dancing designed around a particular show that they later go on to see, greatly enhancing their appreciation of the performance.

Alongside the performances, seeing the city's famous sites and iconic landmarks will offer a memorable study experience that is difficult to beat.

 

Curriculum Topics Key Stage 4

  • Characteristics of performance texts and dramatic works
  • Roles and responsibilities of theatre makers

Curriculum Topics Key Stage 5

  • The ways in which theatre makers collaborate to create theatre
  • Work of live theatre makers: Performers, Designers, Directors

Explore all of our New York City school trips here. 

Prices start from£979pp

Popular itinerary

Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes.

Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Check in to UK airport for flight to New York Arrive and transfer to your accommodation Visit to Empire State Building
2 Radio City Music Hall Tour Broadway Workshop Tickets to see a Broadway Show
3 New York TV & Movie Tour Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise Evening meal in a local restaurant
4 Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts Guided Tour Free time for sightseeing and shopping Transfer to Airport. Overnight flight back to UK
5 Arrive UK Airport, onward return travel to school
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Morning Check in to UK airport for flight to New York
Afternoon Arrive and transfer to your accommodation
Evening Visit to Empire State Building
Morning Radio City Music Hall Tour
Afternoon Broadway Workshop
Evening Tickets to see a Broadway Show
Morning New York TV & Movie Tour
Afternoon Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
Evening Evening meal in a local restaurant
Morning Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts Guided Tour
Afternoon Free time for sightseeing and shopping
Evening Transfer to Airport. Overnight flight back to UK
Morning Arrive UK Airport, onward return travel to school
Afternoon
Evening

Price Shown includes

  • Return Air Travel
  • 3 nights Room Only Accommodation on a Bedshare basis
  • Specialist Group Travel Insurance
  • Bespoke itinerary planning service
  • Free Place Ratios
  • Live Trip Tracking
  • Online trip organiser & Travel App
  • 24/7 support whilst you are away

Places to Stay


Reasons to Visit

Radio City Music Hall Tour

A tour round the building will explain the history of the building and show the beautiful art deco interiors. You will learn the secrets of the Great Stage, one of the largest indoor performance stages in the world; the stage’s hydraulic system, and their impressive new technological features. For those thinking of a career in theatre they can give an insight into the behind-the-scenes aspects of what it takes to run Radio City Music Hall.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Guided Tour

Students will explore the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera House, Avery Fisher Hall, New York State Theatre, Vivian Beaumont Theatre, and Alice Tully Hall. They will also hear fascinating stories told by engaging tour guides and on occasion, catch a rehearsal in progress.

Manhattan TV & Movie Tours

Take part in a film-making workshop where students get an introduction to each step of the film-making process before breaking into groups to work on each aspect of the film.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Workshop

The Ailey School has been training world-class dancers since Alvin Ailey first opened his school in Brooklyn, New York in 1969. Guided by Mr. Ailey’s mission that dance is for everybody, the School is the ultimate destination for dancers of all ages and levels.  The Ailey Studios offer numerous options for unique group experiences, including private and open classes in a variety of techniques from around the world, as well as class observations and discounted tickets to Ailey performances, and much more.

Broadway Workshops Introduction

This is a great opportunity to experience Broadway not just visit it. Workshops are designed to introduce basic theatre skills through physical and vocal warm-ups, focus/listening exercises and theatre games. More tailored sessions are available in stage combat, improvisation as well as ‘Dance Experience', a dance master class in the style of the show you will be seeing. Students can also get audition tips from a casting director to give them an advantage in this competitive world.

Broadway Workshops - Ensemble Experience

This workshop is one of the most popular with our groups which is taught by Broadway performers. Sheet music will be provided for the group who will then work with a cast member and a pianist. The workshop recreates a true Broadway rehearsal with the participants, who learn the choreography, staging and music from the Broadway production that they are seeing (restrictions may apply).

Broadway Workshops - Dance Experience

This is the perfect workshops for dance specialists as the students experience many different Broadway dance styles. It is possible for the session to be taught by a performer from the show that the group will be seeing and feature the shows choreography. Other options for this workshop include a professional dance audition or a specific type of dance (tap, modern, hip hop, etc). Includes time for questions, pictures and autographs.

Broadway Workshops - The Art of the Quick Change

An essential skill for any theatre performer/actor is to be able change costumes quickly during a scene change. During the workshop students have the opportunity to see this quick change in action before taking part themselves. Participants will learn that it takes many people on and off stage to keep a Broadway show moving. From lights, sound, music, costumes and set changing, a scene can go from a whole different setting in 30 seconds. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about careers, costumes, set pieces, etc. A very exciting, interactive and active workshop! 

Museum of Broadway

The Museum of Broadway is an interactive and experiential museum that celebrates Broadway's rich history, the behind-the-scenes and its game changers.
See hundreds of rare costumes, props and artifacts and experience Broadway like never before.

Behind the Magic Tour at Disney’s New Amsterdam Theatre

The New Amsterdam Theatre is located in the heart of Broadway and this Behind-the-Magic Tour is an amazing experience for your students. Your group will learn about the beautifully restored art and architecture of this landmark Broadway theatre built in 1903, which was once home to the legendary Ziegfeld Follies. Led by a Disney Tour Guide, groups can explore the history of Disney Theatrical Production’s on Broadway, view original props, costumes and set pieces and discover how classic Disney stories are brought to life on stage.
 

Empire State Building Observatory

New York’s famous Empire State building soars more than a quarter of a mile above the heart of Manhattan. Located on the 86th floor, the observatory offers panoramic views from within a glass enclosed pavilion.

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

The newly renovated Observation Deck on the 70th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, in the heart of midtown Manhattan at Rockefeller Center. The view itself is unique and astonishing, unobstructed for 360 degrees and stretching for miles in every direction.

Ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty

The Circle Line to Staten Island offers impressive panoramas of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. The ferry departs from Battery Park every thirty minutes.

Central Park

One of the great pleasures New Yorkers and tourists enjoy is getting away from it all in Central Park. Stretching 51 blocks between 59th and 110th streets, this 843-acre area, green rectangle has served its city well since 1859. From famous statues to castles, there is so much to see within this pastoral landmark.

Ice Skating at Wollman Rink

Wollman Rink provides 26,600 square feet of ice for skaters in the winter. Wollman Rink, located near the Parkside Avenue/Ocean Avenue entrance to Central Park, is open for ice skating from late November through March. The Rink features a snack bar, skate shop, skate rental and free lockers.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty is New York's most symbolic structure. The Auguste Bartholdi statue was given as a gift from the people of France and stands at 111 feet 6 inches from the toe to the crown. In the base of the statue there is an interesting museum devoted to the statue's history.

Circle Line Tour (Boat Cruise)

This cruise circumnavigates Manhattan Island allowing you to see all its highlights (dependant on length of cruise chosen) 3 rivers, 7 major bridges, 5 boroughs, over 25 world renowned landmarks and, of course, a magnificent close-up of the Statue of Liberty. Beverages, food and souvenirs are available on board.

Basketball and Ice Hockey Matches

Tickets to the New York Knicks Basketball and New York Rangers Ice Hockey Games range from $25 and upwards depending upon availability.

New York Yankees Stadium Tour

The tour includes the New York Yankees Museum, Monument Park and the dugout. Guests will pass through the batting cages and Yankees clubhouse area before ending the tour in the Great Hall near the team store.

Madame Tussauds

This attraction holds models of a whole host of celebrities including Brad Pitt, Woody Allen, Whoopi Goldberg and Madonna. Madame Tussauds NY provides visitors with an entertaining educational opportunity to experience the world’s most fascinating celebrities, influential world leaders, historical figures and sports icons.

Ripleys’ Believe It or Not!

Located in the heart of Times Square, the collection of more than 500 astonishing artifacts, displayed in more than 20 distinct, interactive galleries includes the bizarre, incredible, mysterious and fascinating. Including a baseball uniform worn by Babe Ruth to the world’s largest collection of shrunken heads!

Guided Walking Tour of the Theatre District

Feast your eyes on “The Great White Way” or “Theatre Row,” midtown Manhattan’s exciting theatres nestled among a wide assortment of restaurants, movie theatres, hotels and other tourist delights.

Watch a Broadway Show

Examples of current shows on offer are: Aladdin, Wicked, Chicago, Mean Girls, The Phantom of the Opera and Beetlejuice. 

There are other shows/plays on offer not featured. All are subject to availability - so book early for your favourite show!

Wicked

Wicked, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. (Source: www.broadway.com)

NOTE: There are other shows/plays on offer not featured. All are subject to availability.​

Chicago

Set in the legendary city during the roaring “jazz hot” 20s, Chicago tells the story of two rival vaudevillian murderesses locked up in Cook County Jail. (Source: www.broadway.com)

NOTE: There are other shows/plays on offer not featured. All are subject to availability.​

Phantom of the Opera

Based on the 1910 horror novel by Gaston Leroux, which has been adapted into countless films, The Phantom of the Opera follows a deformed composer who haunts the grand Paris Opera House. (Source: www.broadway.com)

NOTE: There are other shows/plays on offer not featured. All are subject to availability.​

Broadway Theatre & Dinner Packages

Make the most of your stay by rounding off the day with a Broadway show. The best value tickets are available for mid-week performances and can be combined with dinner in a nearby restaurant before the performance.

Secrets of Broadway and Times Square Walking Tour

Times Square has been called the Centre of the Universe with its dazzling lights, diverse crowds of people and amazing history. Our tour explores the secrets of Times Square and Broadway, including underground artwork, unique architecture and the world-famous theatres of Broadway.

Discover colourful urban legends that still haunt the theatre area, take in creative secrets concealed in plain sight in Times Square, and understand the tales of the titans who built the “Great White Way” and the harrowingly enormous Broadway flops. Iconic landmarks viewed include One Times Square, the site of the New Year’s Eve ball drop, the legendary New Amsterdam Theatre, Lyceum Theatre and much more. End your tour with an optional visit to Museum of Broadway.

 

Yankee Stadium Tours

This classic tour of Yankee Stadium allows you to absorb the history of one of the most iconic of American sports teams.    The Yankees are 27-time World Series Champions, the tour will take you to famous locations such as Monument Park, get you up close to historic baseball memorabilia as well teach you more about how the stadium is used and the events hosted here which go beyond baseball.   Each tour is led by an expert guide and culminates in the chance to purchase some of its famous merchandise.

RiseNY

RiseNY pairs museum-style galleries with an amusement park-quality ride.

Begin your adventure with an immersive film by an award-winning documentarian that transitions to an interactive self-guided walkthrough tracing tipping points in history that helped shape Music, Fashion, TV, Theater and more in each dedicated gallery:

  • Discover the rise of Wall Street and The New York Stock Exchange in the Finance Gallery.
  • Learn the history of mass media with Telsa’s Coil in the TV/Radio Gallery.
  • Understand the law of physics through the Otis elevator brake in the Skyline Gallery.
  • Visual, language and performing arts come to life in the Fashion, Music, Broadway and Film Galleries.


Then, board an extraordinary elevator experience that transports you to a spectacular virtual soaring ride! Feel the rush of wind in your hair as you “fly” over the world’s most stunning skyline.

Summit OV

Explore three levels of mind-bending multi-sensory immersive experiences. With magnificent views over the Manhattan skyline, Summit takes the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights.

Edge

Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, a marvel of architecture, engineering, and technology with panoramic views of New York City. Edge combines the pulse-quickening excitement of leaning out over a 100-story outdoor balcony with the warm welcome of elevated food & beverage service in a unique social space.

There are free downloadable STEM resources to take students on a virtual adventure into NYC’s newest and most forward-thinking neighbourhood. Get students thinking like community builders and changemakers by harnessing the Design Engineering Process, a simple tool you can use to elevate Reach for the Sky resources and ground student explorations in project-based learning.


Evening activites

  • Empire State Building
  • Top of the Rock
  • Broadway Show
  • Sports Fixture Tickets - choose from basketball, hockey or baseball

We Make Trip Planning Easy

  • Day to day support and advice from our team of travel experts
  • Easy-to-view online tour quotation
  • Market-leading trip organiser portal, My Tour Manager
  • Free Resources and templates to help launch your trip
  • Email reminders to keep you on track
  • Free and completely personalised Travel App to access your information on the go
  • Locate My Trip designed to provide reassurance to parents and teachers
  • Risk Assessment advice so you can make an informed decision on every tour component
  • Teacher Inspection Visits

What you say

Radio City was excellent! A fantastic tour! School of Rock musical went down very well with students and staff! 9/11 museum - was an amazing experience for the staff and students. Portland Place School

The workshops were excellent, and the studios were great. The dancers particularly loved the Alvin Ailey workshop. I was very happy with everything that EST did for us. Gable Hall School

Definitely recommend the empire state at night and Rockefeller in the day!  European Study Tours was a great company to book through and were extremely supportive in the process, booking and whilst on the trip. Brockhill Park Performing Arts College

Everything was fantastic and much appreciated by pupils. The 9/11 memorial hit home particularly hard. Basketball, ice hockey and Matilda were also huge hits. St Columbas RC High School

I have now used European study tours 4 times and I personally wouldn't use anyone else...excellent service! Darlington College

Thank you for your professionalism, flexibility, time and support which made the trip such a success! Cathedral Academy

Really positive and helpful all the way through the booking and planning process - always on hand and really personable.  Melksham Oak Community School