What goes on in the New York theater world beyond the polished performances the public sees? Road Scholar, an exciting new learning-travel program for adults of all ages, offers theater lovers an opportunity to find out.

This June, Boston-based Road Scholar® is sponsoring a four-night theater adventure, New York Theater: Behind the Velvet Curtain, that literally takes participants behind the scenes to meet the people who bring Broadway theater to life.

Guided by Nicole Burdette – actress, author of the original stage play Chelsea Walls, and co-founder of Naked Angels, a NYC-based theater company – theater lovers will get an insider’s perspective from all quarters of the theater world. Presenters include actors who’ll describe the struggle to “make it” on the stage, and production experts who’ll explain the intricacies of costuming and set design. Road Scholars will also learn about the business of theater, what it takes to move a play or musical from concept to reality, and how millions of investor dollars hang on the “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” of the critics.

Participants will also attend two Broadway shows and an off-Broadway matinee, and can opt to take a coach tour of Manhattan and visit one of the city’s great museums – the Whitney, Guggenheim or Frick.

Road Scholar, a division of the not-for-profit Elderhostel lifelong learning organization, is offering two program dates for the New York theater adventure: June 3-7 and June 10-14, 2004. Cost for the complete program package – which includes all lectures and presentations, field trips and activities, performances, accommodations at the New York Marriott (Financial Center), eight meals, taxes and gratuities – is $1,290 per person, double occupancy. Ample free time, including some mealtimes, is included in the program schedule to permit independent exploration and an opportunity to sample the city’s great restaurants.

For more information about Road Scholar or New York Theater: Behind the Velvet Curtain, call toll-free: 1-800-466-7762 or visit www.roadscholar.org.