New York English, Drama & Performing Arts School Trips & Tours
A school theatre tour to this dazzling destination will leave your English, drama and performing arts pupils feeling excited and inspired! From the bright lights of Broadway to a range of exiting educational visits, NYC won't disappoint!
An English school trip to New York will provide your group with invaluable educational experiences together with the opportunity to develop vital skills for work in the performing arts industry.Your pupils will be talking about it long after they return to the classroom! Plus, by booking your English trip to New York with NST, you’re guaranteed the perfect mix of shows, school theatre workshops and leisure at fantastic group prices. Of all your chosen visits, a Broadway show is an absolute must!
Prices start from £1149pp
Price includes
- 3 nights’ room only accommodation
- Return flights and overseas airport transfers
- Extensive group travel insurance
- 1 in 10 free place ratio
Price shown is based on 40 paying passengers departing from a London airport and is subject to availability.
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Top shows & productions in New York
Wicked
The untold musical story of The Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good...before Dorothy dropped in. Wicked takes a fantasy journey through the unseen side of Oz, sharing a tale of unexpected friendship and love.
Les Misérables
Cameron Mackintosh’s legendary production is indisputably the world’s most popular musical seen by over 70 million people worldwide. This spectacular adaptation of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece continues to thrill audiences night after night.
The Lion King
The Serengeti comes to life as never before through the extraordinary vision that is The Lion King. More than 75 million people have felt the thrill of this Tony Award® winner for Best Musical, which tells the classic journey of young royal heir, Simba. Giraffes strut, birds swoop and gazelles leap in a dazzling panorama that overwhelms the senses and inspires you with the wonder of life.
Aladdin
The beloved story of Aladdin is brought to thrilling theatrical life in this bold new musical. With just one rub of a magic lamp, Aladdin’s journey sweeps you into an exotic world full of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance. It’s an unforgettable experience that includes all the cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning score and more written especially for Broadway.
Chicago
Chicago is a musical tale of "murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery - all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts". Paint the town red with merry murderesses Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly, their hotshot lawyer, Billy Flynn, and the iconic choreography of Bob Fosse.
The Phantom of the Opera
Far beneath the majesty and splendour of the Paris Opera House, hides the Phantom in a shadowy existence. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the love he holds for his beautiful protégée Christine Daaé is so strong that even her heart cannot resist. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mesmerising score, along with jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects, magically combine to bring this tragic love story to life each night.
Hadestown
This acclaimed musical is the winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and a Grammy Award® for the Best Musical Theatre Album. Hadestown invites you on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back, with the intertwining tales of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Hades and his wife Persephone. This mythical tale tempts you to imagine how the world could be.
On show at: Walter Kerr Theatre, Broadway
Times: 5th July 2022 - 26th February 2023. Evening performances and matinee performances available - days and times vary.
Running time: 2hrs 30mins
School prices available: Contact for info.
Moulin Rouge
Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular spectacular… Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical!
Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and — above all — love, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical; it is a state of mind.
Set in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris at the turn of the century, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a tale of romance that weaves musicals & popular music to delight the audience.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a new play by Jack Thorne. It is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The critically acclaimed production is the most awarded new play in theatre history, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has won 24 major theatre awards in the UK and is the most awarded play in the history of the Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking nine awards including Best New Play.
It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.
While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.
Educational resources available.
On show at: Lyric Theatre, New York
Top visits in New York
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
The new Lincoln Center Tour provides a behind-the-scenes perspective of the past and present of Lincoln Center. During 75-minute, weekday guided tours, guests will learn about Lincoln Center’s history; explore the iconic arts organisations that call Lincoln Center home, and experience the vibrant campus the way only artists and staff do. Every day is unique at Lincoln Center and so are the tours!
Radio City
The largest indoor theatre in the world, this prime spot in Midtown was turned into Radio City Music Hall during the years of the Depression. Radio City is now a leading hall for popular concerts, stage shows, special attractions and media events, including the Grammys, Tonys, and MTV Video Music Awards! More than 700 movies opened here, including the original King Kong.
Here, your group will learn about its history, listen to the ‘mighty Wurlitzer’ and enjoy ‘a masterpiece of American Modernist design’.
Madison Square Garden All Access Tour
Get an insider’s look at the world’s most famous arena with the ‘All Access Tour!’ Explore exclusive VIP areas of the state-of-the-art arena and commemorate over 130 years of legendary Garden history.
Exclusive, behind-the-scenes access:
- Visit the spectacular new Chase Bridges, suspended high above the arena floor
- Step inside the Knicks and Rangers locker rooms
- Relive historic moments with the new ‘Garden 366’ retrospective and ‘Defining Moments’ exhibit
- Get VIP treatment with access to luxury suites, including the Delta Sky360 Club
- Plus much more for THE ultimate insider’s look!
Stage School Theatre Workshop – Stage Combat
Our most popular workshop! A fun and interactive session that culminates in students creating their own combat sequence under the guidance of two teaching artists. Heightens focus, safety, and listening skills.
Stage School Workshops are delivered by qualified teaching artists (so you can get involved too) and can be tailored to your chosen show, as well as your curriculum requirements.
Stage School Theatre Workshop – Dance Experience
Put your group’s dance moves to the test in this spectacular masterclass with a professional Broadway dancer. Your students will interpret choreography and its dramatic meanings, and explore different styles of dance.
Stage School Workshops are delivered by qualified teaching artists (so you can get involved too) and can be tailored to your chosen show, as well as your curriculum requirements.
Stage School Theatre Workshop – Ensemble Experience
Your group will be provided with sheet music and work with a cast member (from a show you see) and a pianist to recreate a true Broadway rehearsal. Students will learn choreography, staging and music directly from the Broadway production they are seeing.
Stage School Workshops are delivered by qualified teaching artists (so you can get involved too) and can be tailored to your chosen show, as well as your curriculum requirements.
Stage School Performing Arts Workshop – The Art of the Quick Change
Learn how Broadway professionals have only seconds to change costumes for a quick scene change. Everyone will have the opportunity to see this quick change happen, and then volunteers will be able to take part.
Stage School Workshops are delivered by qualified teaching artists (so you can get involved too) and can be tailored to your chosen show, as well as your curriculum requirements.
Dance Experiences – Alvin Ailey
The Ailey Studios at The Joan Weill Center for Dance is the ultimate destination for dancers of all ages and levels. Home to the world renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City, the Ailey Studios offer numerous options for unique group experiences, including private and open classes in a variety of techniques from around the world, class observations, building tours, discounted tickets to Ailey performances, and much more.
Stage School English & Drama Workshop – Improvisation
Encourage your students to actively participate and engage in improvisational exercises designed to heighten focus, creativity, quick thinking and sensitivity to others.
Stage School Workshops are delivered by qualified teaching artists (so you can get involved too) and can be tailored to your curriculum requirements.
Stage School English & Drama Workshop – Acting Shakespeare
Through simple script analysis, your students will demystify aspects of classical theatre. Shakespeare’s plays were written in a time when directors were rarely used, so special attention was given to the clues and hints concealed within the writing. These ‘hidden directions’ help performers to select acting beats and character intentions. Students will have the opportunity of participating in group acting exercises as well as volunteering for individual activities that make Shakespeare fun!
New York Film Academy Interactive Sessions
The New York Film Academy offer our groups a fantastic opportunity to learn from exciting sessions designed around an area of film to suit your group’s studies.
Workshop options include:
Director’s Craft
Your group will use equipment to try out film direction, and be taken through the process of creating shots and scenes.
Screenwriting Workshop
Explore good storytelling, screenplay structure, plus character development and dialogue.
Acting for Film Workshop
Uncover the basics of film acting, performance choices and how the camera affects the actor's performance.
Digital Editing
Students get involved in shot selection and manipulation in this overview of film editing.
Digital Cinematography
Your group will create camera and lighting set-ups, then record and screen the footage for analysis and critique.
Filmmaking Workshop
Learn how to use an HD digital camera, and receive an introduction to film writing and shoot a scene.
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.
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.
Top of the Rock™
Experience the best and most complete daytime view of New York City! Bring your sketchbook with you and you’ll be spoilt for choice over what to sketch. The unparalleled views of New York’s landmarks include Central Park, the Chrysler Building, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty – simply the most spectacular view in the city!
Empire State Building
Venture over a quarter of a mile skyward and observe as your group takes in the scale of the immense urban landscape which opens up before them. This is a great way for your students to gain artistic inspiration away from the hustle and bustle of the streets below. A particularly popular evening visit.
Landmark Cruise
Take in a spectacular view of Manhattan from the water, and pick out the many famous landmarks which dominate its skyline.
The Beast! Speedboat
It’s a thrill-a-minute aboard New York’s fastest boat ride. Imagine flying across the waters of New York harbour at 45mph. An exhilarating alternative to our popular Circle Line Cruise, at no extra cost. Seasonal.
The Statue of Liberty Cruise & Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Alongside the ultimate landmark of New York and one of the most universal symbols of political freedom and democracy, the Ellis Island Museum is dedicated to the history of immigration and the important role this island claimed during the mass migration of humanity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A 45-minute audio tour invites students to relive the immigrant experience as if they were the new arrivals and includes artifacts, photos, interactive displays and videos including the award winning ‘Island of Hope, Island of Tears’.
You will visit the island as part of a short boat cruise passing the Statue of Liberty, which was the first sight for the millions of immigrants.
IMAX Cinema
Take some time out to watch a popular recent release or 3D film on one of several huge cinema screens.
Manhattan Guided Walking Tour
Make sure you see all the sights by taking a 4-hour guided tour around the city. A popular and informative way to see all the best and key city sights of your choice.
For English, drama and performing arts groups, why not opt for a literary themed tour?
Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York’s premier cultural attraction is one of the world’s greatest repositories of art. Offers paintings, sculpture, furniture and all manner of precious objects from across the continents and ancient civilisations. An excellent foundation of inspiration for those interested in the work of other cultures.
9/11 Memorial Museum
Opened in 2014, the museum explores the implications of the events of 9/11, documenting the impact of those events and exploring 9/11’s continuing significance. It demonstrates the consequences of terrorism on individual lives and its impact on communities at local, national and international level. The museum is growing a permanent collection of artefacts, stories, photos, video and other materials.
Yankee Stadium Tour
This classic tour of the famous Yankee Stadium includes visits to New York Yankees Museum presented by Bank of America, Monument Park, MasterCard, Batters Eye Café and Press Box. Why not extend your visit by staying for lunch or, during the season, catching a game too!
Guggenheim Museum
A unique museum containing leading examples of Expressionism, Cubism and Abstraction. Offers modern creations associated with major movements. Representations are generally from the latter part of the 19th century. Boasting artists such as Klee, Leger, Mondrian, with a general leaning towards the abstract.
International Center of Photography
As digital photography becomes more popular as a study topic, an increasing number of our groups are taking this visit to create an itinerary which touches upon all forms of media. Take a tailored guided or self-guided tour around this museum which explores the possibilities of the photographic medium through acclaimed exhibitions and education programmes.
Explore New York
As well as the visits listed, we are able to provide fantastic group prices on many other New York attractions. Or why not schedule in some free time for your group to shop ’til they drop at Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, or Century 21!
One World Observatory
The 104 storey building stands on the World Trade Center site in Manhattan - giving amazing views of the city as well as interactive exhibitions on the building and the city. Groups will ascend to the 102nd observation floor in under 60 seconds in one of five sky pod elevators!
RiseNY - Part Museum. Part Ride.
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 One Vanderbilt
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.
The 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.
Need something bespoke?
Our dedicated team are on hand and ready to plan your tailor-made tour.
Try our itinerary planning tool
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Let’s make your trip planning experience even swifter.
On-tour support
On-tour support includes...
- Airport assistance when you arrive back at your UK airport when you book a coach transfer to take you home
Additional on-tour support available...
- Pre-booked meals at great group prices
- Pre-booked and pre-paid subway tickets
Accommodation
Popular options in New York
Cambria Hotel
Experience the best of Chelsea at the Cambria Hotel. An excellent hotel with a gracious hub of hospitality in Manhattan, located in the heart of Chelsea. Groups are assured a comfortable stay.
Courtyard Midtown East
An excellent hotel with a good range of facilities, located in the heart of mid town Manhattan. Groups are assured a comfortable stay.
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
The Manhattan at Times Square is a comfortable hotel offering a good standard of accommodation in an excellent central location. The staff and management team are on hand to ensure that all guests enjoy a warm welcome and a pleasant stay.
West Side YMCA
This large youth hostel offers good value for money and excellent facilities in a nice location. Management staff have comprehensive knowledge of group requirements.
Cambria Hotel
Experience the best of Chelsea at the Cambria Hotel. An excellent hotel with a gracious hub of hospitality in Manhattan, located in the heart of Chelsea. Groups are assured a comfortable stay.
Courtyard Midtown East
An excellent hotel with a good range of facilities, located in the heart of mid town Manhattan. Groups are assured a comfortable stay.
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
The Manhattan at Times Square is a comfortable hotel offering a good standard of accommodation in an excellent central location. The staff and management team are on hand to ensure that all guests enjoy a warm welcome and a pleasant stay.
West Side YMCA
This large youth hostel offers good value for money and excellent facilities in a nice location. Management staff have comprehensive knowledge of group requirements.
FAQs
What makes New York such an exciting destination for theatre students?
New York is the world’s biggest stage, giving students access to Broadway shows, world‑class performers and legendary venues. The city’s fast‑paced creative energy helps students understand how professional theatre works - from performance to production - in a way that no classroom lesson can.
What theatre‑focused learning experiences can students take part in?
NST arranges specialist workshops tailored to your curriculum, backstage tours offering behind‑the‑scenes insight, and, of course, unmissable Broadway shows. These experiences help students build performance skills, understand theatre craft and see professional standards up close.
How does NST support groups navigating such a busy city?
NST provides on‑tour support including pre‑booked meals, pre‑paid subway tickets and airport assistance on return to the UK. With reliable logistics and clear planning, teachers can concentrate on the learning experience while we take care of the practicalities.
Can the trip be tailored to our English, Drama or Performing Arts curriculum?
Yes. Workshops can focus on acting, movement, voice, stage combat or other performance techniques. Broadway productions are carefully selected to complement your group’s interests and themes, helping students apply what they learn directly to their coursework.
Where do student groups usually stay during a theatre trip to New York?
NST works with a selection of group‑friendly accommodation options - from centrally located hotels such as the Cambria Hotel in Chelsea to large, well‑managed youth hostels. All options are chosen for comfort, safety and easy access to key theatre districts.
What’s included when booking an NST theatre trip to New York?
A typical package includes room‑only accommodation, return flights, overseas airport transfers, group travel insurance and a free place ratio of 1 in 10. And don’t forget - every itinerary is created bespoke to your students’ needs and performance goals.
Giving you full support throughout
Before your tour
- Dedicated NST expert from day one
- Responsive, flexible communication - Teams, phone, or email
- Same-day quotes
- Trips tailored to your budget, with transparent pricing
- Straightforward planning - we handle the details
- Step-by-step risk assessment guidance
- Free accommodation for group leader preview visits
- Curriculum-driven, enriching experiences across 100s of locations
- Unrivalled local knowledge & expertise
Whilst you're away
- Our travel app keeps all your info in one place
- On-tour support from our reps on the ground
- Support & assistance from our specialists
- 24/7 helpline and support
- Extensive group travel insurance
- Group-friendly accommodation
- Free educational resources
On your return
- Priority rebooking services
- Loyalty reward scheme for valued customers
- You say, we act - we're committed to continuously improving our tours
Speak to one of our school travel experts
Our team of school travel experts have unrivalled destination knowledge and experience so they can help to bring your tour ideas to life and might even suggest options you hadn’t already thought of too!
So get in touch today and we'll help to create a bespoke, budget-friendly tour itinerary to meet your specific learning requirements.
Browse our most popular English, Drama & Performing Arts School Trips
