New York

It’s Showtime! A Broadway Adventure With Your Grandchild

Program No. 16370RJ
Take center stage with your grandchild on this exhilarating Broadway adventure in NYC! Attend two performances, explore Times Square and have fun in a theater workshop.

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At a Glance

It’s curtains up on this Broadway adventure as you experience “show biz” from all sides with your grandchild. Together, you’ll deepen your understanding of Broadway and learn what it takes to bring a production to life as you visit a historic old theater, enjoy an adventure in Times Square, and feel the thrill of the theater world for yourself at a Broadway musical production!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles per day. Public transportation used throughout program, including flights of New York City subway stairs several times per day.

What You'll Learn

  • Meet a kid actor to learn what the “glamorous” life is really like, along with other key people who work to make it happen on stage and off.
  • Practice your Broadway moves with expert-led workshops on stage direction and dance.
  • Watch what you’ve learned about show business come to life as you attend a Broadway musical!

General Notes

Program is for grandchildren ages 9-12. We announce performances at least six weeks prior to program.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Daniel Egan
Daniel Egan has degrees in music theory from St. Olaf, the Eastman School of Music and Yale, where he is on faculty. He has appeared as soloist or ensemble singer with the New York Philharmonic, Opera Orchestra of New York, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and was in the permanent ensemble at New York City Opera. His recordings include “Sweeney Todd” with the New York Philharmonic and backup vocals for Patti Page’s "Live at Carnegie Hall: The 50th Anniversary Concert.” Both earned Grammy nominations.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Daniel Egan
Daniel Egan View biography
Daniel Egan has degrees in music theory from St. Olaf, the Eastman School of Music and Yale, where he is on faculty. He has appeared as soloist or ensemble singer with the New York Philharmonic, Opera Orchestra of New York, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and was in the permanent ensemble at New York City Opera. His recordings include “Sweeney Todd” with the New York Philharmonic and backup vocals for Patti Page’s "Live at Carnegie Hall: The 50th Anniversary Concert.” Both earned Grammy nominations.
Profile Image of Angela Christensen
Angela Christensen View biography
Angela Christensen is a licensed New York City excursion leader who has extensive experience in event planning and hospitality. She worked with the Wildlife Conservation Society managing events in the Bronx Zoo, Central Park, Prospect Park, the Queens Zoo and the New York Aquarium. Now, she loves showing off her city with lifelong learners from around the world!
Profile Image of Karl Baudendistel
Karl Baudendistel View biography
A New York City resident for more than 25 years, Karl Baudendistel loves sharing his knowledge of the city with visitors from around the world. Having spent 20 years overseeing ‘the business of show business’ for numerous Broadway and touring productions, chances are he’s been to a city near you. Karl is a member of The Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, is a trained sommelier and was educated at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Profile Image of Stephanie Bittner
Stephanie Lang Bittner View biography
Stephanie Lang Bittner is a director-choreographer with credits in musicals, TV production, corporate galas, and industry benefits. New York credits include “Sweeney Todd,” “Light in the Piazza,” “Candide,” and “Street Scene” at NYU, galas at 2nd Stage Theatre, the ABC Upfronts featuring the cast of “Ugly Betty” (Associate Choreographer), the James Beard Foodie Awards, “Broadway Bares” XX and XXI, and “ReWrite” at Urban Stages. Regional and international director-choreographer credits include multiple productions of “CATS,” “42nd Street,” “Oliver,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Chicago,” and “Broadway Rhythm.”
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
11 meals
5 B 2 L 4 D
DAY
1
Check-In, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
New York
D
New Yorker Hotel

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:00-4:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, take your bags to your room. At 4:00 p.m., come to the designated hotel meeting room (location will be posted) to register with the program staff and get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 4:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID protocols and will adhere to applicable requirements and guidelines throughout the program. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren at all times. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. This program features an Academic Coordinator to help facilitate and guide our understanding of the theatrical world; Broadway professionals who will share their expertise; and a Group Leader who is an NYC expert to coordinate logistics and teach us about New York beyond The Great White Way. This active program involves extensive walking and use of public transportation including the New York subway system with many stairs up and down. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: 6:00 p.m.: In the Tick Tock Diner just off the hotel lobby.

Evening: We will walk three blocks with our Group Leader to the Empire State Building for a bird’s eye view of the city. You may stay as long as you like and return to the hotel at your leisure.

DAY
2
Times Square, Visit a Broadway Theatre, Singing Waiters
New York
B,L,D
New Yorker Hotel

Activity note: Use of New York City subway. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day.

Breakfast: In the Tick Tock Diner.

Morning: We’ll take a field trip to the New Amsterdam Theatre for a Road Scholar exclusive exploration. We’ll also see props from some of the most popular Disney shows. Next, we’ll walk through the Theatre District with a local expert to learn about and become familiar with the area. We’ll then return to the hotel.

Lunch: In the hotel meeting room.

Afternoon: We’ll gather in our hotel meeting room for the first of our theatre workshops for both kids and adults. We’ll be joined by an educator in movement who will teach us singing and dance moves and routines.

Dinner: At a Theater District restaurant that features a singing wait staff who aspire to be future stars of stage and screen.

Evening: NYC isn’t all about theater. We’ll take a stroll and learn about some of the city’s iconic sites. Our Group Leader will announce the route and destination.

DAY
3
Workshop, Meet a Young Actor, Performance
New York
B,D
New Yorker Hotel

Activity note: Use of New York City subway. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day.

Breakfast: In the meeting room.

Morning: We’ll review what we learned in our previous workshop and meet with our educator in stage movement who will take us through more moves.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: As a special highlight, we’ll meet a young performer on their way up and learn how they got started. Grandkids will then rehearse their theater workshop moves and grandparents can watch or take a break.

Dinner: At a neighborhood restaurant.

Evening: We’ll attend a theater performance. (Depending on the location, we will either walk or take the subway.) Generally, this is a casual, off-Broadway offering. Our program was planned far in advance when performance details were not confirmed. When available, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment.

DAY
4
Theatre District, Free Time
New York
B,L
New Yorker Hotel

Activity note: Use of New York City subway. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day.

Breakfast: In the meeting room.

Morning: We'll head back to the Times Square Theater district for another adventure.

Lunch: In the meeting room.

Afternoon: Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. If you want to attend a specific Broadway show, you may want to order tickets in advance. Same-day tickets for many performances are available at 20% to 50% off regular prices at the TKTS Discount Booth in Times Square. The Group Leader will be happy to give advice on how to use this outlet. See www.tdf.org for details. The app TODAYTIX is also helpful, and one can purchase future performances at a discount. The fee is modest and well below those paid on Ticketmaster or Telecharge.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. If you have something special in mind, we recommend making reservations in advance.

Evening: At leisure. Experience more of what New York has to offer to see and do what interests you most.

DAY
5
Meet an Actor, Wardrobe, Workshop, Broadway Show
New York
B,D
New Yorker Hotel

Activity note: Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day.

Breakfast: In the hotel meeting room.

Morning: Another special highlight, we’ll meet a theatre professional who works behind the scenes in wardrobe. We’ll hear how those quick changes work to support the performers on stage. Next, we’ll be joined by a seasoned Broadway actor who will tell us about life of a performer and what it takes to be successful — meaning, employed!

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: For our third and final theatre workshop, kids and adults will join together again to learn more about movement in Broadway musicals. Our educator will take us through the moves we’re perfecting.

Dinner: At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: We will attend a Broadway musical. Our program was planned far in advance when details were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment. Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and departure after our closing session in the morning.

DAY
6
Wrap-up Session, Program Concludes
New York
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: In the meeting room.

Morning: We’ll have a lively wrap-up session and discuss the performances included in the program and any you may have attended on your own. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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