New York City reigns supreme as a top destination for class trips and performance groups.  There’s so much to see and do, it’s hard to squeeze it all in.  Here are just a few highlights…

Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is great for student groups.  It’s a one stop shop for the best of NYC.  The observation deck at Top of the Rock is usually less crowded than the Empire State Building and offers a stunning, unobstructed view of the city.  The NBC Studios tour is popular with students and tons of fun.  If traveling during the winter months, a stop at the ice rink is a must.  If traveling during the holidays, the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center is a spectacular must-see!

One World Observatory

One World Observatory at the Westfield World Trade Center is another favorite stop.  SkyPod elevators climb 102 stories in 42 seconds for a view like none other!

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum offers a rare opportunity for the youth of today to interact with the heroes of the past.  Precious few years remain that will allow younger generations to spend time face to face with those who served on ships like the Intrepid.  Capture these teachable moments before they slip away.

Lower East Side Tenement Museum and Ellis Island

The Lower East Side Tenement Museum is a landmark building that tells the story of immigrants to New York City between the 19^th and 21^st centuries through the personal experiences of those who lived here.  Couple this experience with a trip to Ellis Island to help students understand the role of immigration in our nation’s evolving identity.

Staten Island Ferry

If you want a great harbor view (and photo op!) of the Statue of Liberty, take your students on the Staten Island Ferry.  Leaving approximately every 20 minutes from Battery Park, the free ferry takes you right past the Statue.

Dough and DeKalb Market

NYC has some“sweet” spots.  A favorite is “Dough,” located in Brooklyn and the Flatiron District.  Dough is known for its legendary and mouthwatering doughnuts.  DeKalb Market in Brooklyn is also a great option for all kinds of local flavor – students can taste a little bit of everything!

Manhattan Concert Productions

Your ensemble can perform on stage in famous venues with exceptional guest faculty when you collaborate with Manhattan Concert Productions.  They offer experiences you won’t find anywhere else, including the following: Symphonic Series New York City Jazz Festival Masterwork Series These are just a few of the performance possibilities offered through Manhattan Concert Productions, whose goal is to help your group shine brightly in a professional and supportive setting.

Town Hall

The Town Hall has a 1500 seat theatre and hosts thousands of students each year.  It’s designated a National Historic Landmark because of the important role it played during the women’s suffrage movement – a unique way to combine history and performance in a place where there’s “not a bad seat in the house.”

Broadway Classroom and Disney Theatrical Workshop

If your goal is to make your students more comfortable and confident on stage, you may want to consider a workshop experience like Broadway Classroom or Disney Theatrical Workshop. Broadway Classroom is a series of workshops designed to engage students in the disciplines of theatre.  Popular workshops include Broadway basics, music, choreography and staging, the business of a Broadway career, professional Q & As and an anti-bullying themed class.  Workshops are typically 90 minutes and are held in the Broadway rehearsal studios. If your group wants to dig a little deeper into the art of the theatre, try a Disney Theatrical Workshop.  Running at an itinerary-friendly 90 minutes, these workshops are led by expert Disney Teaching Artists and allow the group to explore the mechanics of a performance – from on stage to behind the scenes.