New York

Ultimate Performances: Inside NYC’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Program No. 23689RJ
Experience it all — music, dance and theater — both in the audience and behind the scenes at New York City’s iconic Lincoln Center.

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At a Glance

Experience the ultimate deep dive into the performing arts with three performances — one dance, one music and one theater — at the iconic Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Home to the New York Philharmonic and the New York City Ballet, Lincoln Center is your ticket to the arts — not only in New York City, but worldwide. Go behind the scenes with professionals who will share their experiences and perspectives of working with this prestigious campus and the kaleidoscope of artists it brings in from across the globe.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles over the course of a day with extensive use of the subway including up and down stairs.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Meet individuals who have made art their life and learn about their journey to the iconic Lincoln Center.
  • Enjoy three evening performances — music, dance and theater — followed by expert-led discussions that deepen your experience.
  • Learn about the history of Lincoln Center and explore the arts complex with a private educator.

General Notes

Performances will be announced closer to the program date.
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.

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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 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.
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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5 days
4 nights
9 meals
4 B 1 L 4 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Walk
New York
D
Hampton Inn Manhattan/Times Square Central

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. Come to the hotel’s boardroom located on the lower level to register with the program staff, 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. Group Leaders on our programs are highly trained and knowledgeable about many aspects of the city. We will also have the benefit of local experts who will provide information and commentary on areas of particular interest. We will be walking a lot and using the New York City subway system that involves going up and down flights of stairs, long corridors, and often crowded conditions. If you wish to attend a performance in addition to those included in the program, you may want to order tickets in advance. The TODAYTIX app is quite helpful in this regard for Broadway & off-B'way. Also available for theater is the TKTS day-of discount booth in Times Square at 47th Street. Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center have their own dedicated websites through which one can purchase tickets. You might also consider the new Perelman PAC at the World Trade Center. This program includes limited free time. If there are bucket-list sites you wish to visit while in town, please consider arriving earlier or departing later. Road Scholar also offers programs on other themes that focus on learning about the wider city and may run in the weeks adjacent to this program. 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: We will walk to a neighborhood restaurant with our Group Leader.

Evening: We’ll walk back to the hotel with our Group Leader to start becoming familiar with the neighborhood. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Intro to Lincoln Center, Visit Lincoln Center, Performance
New York
B,L,D
Hampton Inn Manhattan/Times Square Central

Activity note: Use of New York City subway system. Walking about 1 mile; city streets and sidewalks.

Breakfast: In the hotel’s dedicated breakfast room.

Morning: We’ll begin our week together by meeting our resident expert who will give us an overview of Lincoln Center and the performances we'll see. Later, we’ll continue our series of dynamic and informative lectures and discussions about the various constituent companies of Lincoln Center and the work they present. Our speakers are professionals in the performing arts world of New York City. A final list of speakers and their CVs will be included with the orientation materials the first evening.

Lunch: At a nearby restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll take the subway up to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts where we will meet an educator for an insider’s look at some of the performance facilities. We’ll also learn about Lincoln Center’s constituent arts organizations.

Dinner: At a neighborhood restaurant.

Evening: We will attend a performance at Lincoln Center. Our program is planned far in advance of the arts organizations announcing their seasons. When available, the performance information will be listed on the Road Scholar website (usually in the spring preceding the program date). This program aims to include performances at Geffen Hall (Philharmonic), The Koch Theater (Dance) and Lincoln Center Theater (Broadway/off-Broadway).

DAY
3
Dance in NYC, Meet a Ballerina, Performance
New York
B,D
Hampton Inn Manhattan/Times Square Central

Activity note: Use of New York City subway; walking approximately 1 mile.

Breakfast: In the hotel's dedicated breakfast room.

Morning: Led by a local expert, we’ll engage in a discussion and review of last night’s performance. With a dance expert, we’ll turn our attention to the world of ballet. Our expert will give us an introductory overview to the art form.

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: Regrouping at the hotel, we’ll meet a ballerina with the New York City Ballet Company and learn what’s involved as she shares insights into the life of a dancer.

Dinner: At a neighborhood restaurant.

Evening: We will attend a performance at Lincoln Center. Our program is planned far in advance of the arts organizations announcing their seasons. When available, the performance information will be listed on the Road Scholar website (usually in the spring preceding the program date.) This program aims to include performances at Geffen Hall (Philharmonic), The Koch Theater (Dance) and Lincoln Center Theater (Broadway/off-Broadway).

DAY
4
Introduction to NY Theater, Free Time
New York
B,D
Hampton Inn Manhattan/Times Square Central

Activity note: Use of New York City subway; walking approximately 1 mile. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.

Breakfast: In the hotel’s dedicated breakfast room.

Morning: We’ll start with a discussion of last night’s performance. Then, an expert will join us to discuss theater in New York City.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Free time. This afternoon has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. It’s matinee day for Broadway shows. Or, you might like to explore one of New York’s many museums. The opportunities are nearly endless.

Dinner: Regrouping at the hotel, we’ll have dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Evening: We will attend our third and final performance at Lincoln Center. Our program is planned far in advance of the arts organizations announcing their seasons. When available the performance information will be listed on the Road Scholar website (usually in the spring preceding the program date.) This program aims to include performances at Geffen Hall (Philharmonic), The Koch Theater (Dance) and Lincoln Center Theater (Broadway/off-Broadway.) Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and departure following our closing session in the morning.

DAY
5
Wrap-up Session, Program Concludes
New York
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll gather with our Group Leader for a wrap-up session and lively discussion about our incredible week with the performing arts in New York City. We expect to end by about 10:00 a.m. 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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