New York
It’s Showtime! A Broadway Adventure With Your Grandchild
Program No. 1637060MEADV-1116-60
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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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Age 9 - 12
ROOMING OPTION PRICING
The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
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DATES | ||||
Jun 29 - Jul 4, 2025
2,299 1,349 | ||||
Jun 29 - Jul 4, 2025
| 2,299 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| 2,299 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| 2,999 / Adult
1,349 / Child
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Jul 20 - Jul 25, 2025
2,299 1,349 | ||||
Jul 20 - Jul 25, 2025
| 2,299 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| 2,299 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| 2,999 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| |
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
11 meals
5B 2L 4D
2
Times Square, Theater Workshop
New York
4
Theatre District, Free Time
New York
6
Wrap-up Session, Program Concludes
New York
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.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Meet a child 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
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Suggested Reading List
(4 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
It’s Showtime! A Broadway Adventure With Your Grandchild
Program Number: 16370
Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway
Musical Theater: A History
Jack and Louisa
Better Nate Than Ever
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
New York
Program Concludes
New York
Meals
11
| 5B |
2L |
4D |
Activity Level
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!)
Best of all, you'll...
- Meet a child 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
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 the program
Karl Baudendistel
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.
Stephanie Lang Bittner
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.”
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.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(4 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
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.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
11 meals | 5B | 2L | 4D |
5 expert-led lectures
4 expert-led field trips
4 hands-on experiences
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-In, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
New York
Meals:
D
Stay:
New Yorker Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
4:00-4:30 p.m. Program Registration: 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 your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information. If you arrive late, please ask for your envelope when you check in. 4:30 pm Orientation: 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. This is a Road Scholar Intergenerational program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Children are never to be left unsupervised. 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 daily 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/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
In the Tick Tock Diner just off the hotel lobby.
Evening:
The group leader will lead a short introductory neighborhood stroll.
Day
2
Times Square, Theater Workshop
Location:
New York
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
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 start our morning with a walking introduction to New York's Times Square Theater District. Our local expert will give us insight into the history of this storied cross roads and we'll learn about the various theaters.
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 neighborhood restaurant.
Evening:
NYC isn’t all about theater. Tonight, we'll visit the observation deck at one of the city's most famous landmarks: The Empire State Building. We will arrive before sunset; stay as long as you wish and return to the hotel at your leisure.
Day
3
Workshop, Meet a Young Actor, Performance
Location:
New York
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
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 is 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
Location:
New York
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
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:
This morning we will visit the Museum of Broadway. Having opened in late 2022, this still-new museum is, in some ways, two museums in one. The first section offers an in-depth overview of the history of Broadway from its earliest days to the present. The second section focuses on those behind the curtain, from producers and managers to designers and stagehands, these are the unsung contributors to a great night in the theater.
Lunch:
Brown bag lunch in midtown.
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
Location:
New York
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
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 final dinner together.
Evening:
We will attend a Broadway musical. Our program is 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
Location:
New York
Meals:
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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MEALS
11 Meals
5 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
- Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
- Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 20 Reviews
Sort By:
Road Scholar ‘It’s Showtime’ is a thorough lense into theatre, from backstage wardrobe changes, to the real lives of both child and adult Broadway actors. This interactive week is an immersion into broadway.
— Review left July 31, 2024
This was our first Road Scholar Tour and needless to say we will definitely be back! The leaders, trainers, field trips, trainings, guidance, accommodations, etc. were all excellent! Thank you Road Scholar and Angela for an amazing trip to NYC, with “It’s Showtime!”
— Review left July 22, 2024
"On Broadway" (grandparents and grandchild) OUTSTANDING! A real look at behind the curtain as told by actors and theater workers, and then watching plays.
— Review left July 15, 2024
Great program. Lot of fun for kids and grandparents. See musicals, meet theatre professionals and sightsee. Good food and accommodations. Exceptional leaders and instructors for both kids and adults. Highly recommend.
— Review left July 15, 2024
This is an exciting, educational trip for theater lovers and for anyone who is interested in the Arts. It is in a great location and you will feel the energy of NYC.
— Review left July 15, 2024
It's Showtime provides a fun and meaningful immersion experience for you and your grandchild into the world of Broadway musical theater in New York City.
— Review left July 13, 2024
It was a terrific experience with my grandchild - back one day had have already told my friends that an intergenerational trip is an experience they should have based upon their grandchild's interests
— Review left July 13, 2024
"It's Showtime" is an amazing program for grandparents & grandchildren to experience life on Broadway. It is a very active program that gets you to feel how exciting life can be in NYC. Our leaders and educators were so knowledgeable and helpful with how to spend our free time.
Jane & Victoria
— Review left July 13, 2024
PERFECT trip for kids and adults who are interested in theater! We had a great time meeting working actors and seeing shows as well as doing some behind the scenes visiting.
— Review left July 13, 2024
WOW! Just can't say enough about the program "It’s Showtime! A Broadway Adventure With Your Grandchild." The leaders and workshops were outstanding and our granddaughter (10) was thoroughly immersed in all-things theatre in NYC. She and we both were educated while having such fun in experiencing NYC via the streets, subways, field trips (empire state bldg, Radio City music hall, singing waiters, broadway museum), and attending two broadway plays. Our granddaughter quickly made new friends, as did we. The pace of the program was correctly labeled. This was our 2nd intergenerational Road Scholar trip, both were quite different and both thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you, RS, for providing such quality programs that we could enjoy with our grandchildren on their 10-year trips. These trips will be memories for us all for years to come.
— Review left June 25, 2024
Great program for my 11 year old granddaughter and for me. The tour director and program director were outstanding. We met real Broadway actors, the children worked on their own small production, we learned our way around some subways, the neighborhood near the hotel, and saw the Empire State Building, Lincoln Center and Times Square. It was a busy, fun week. Good food and sublime entertainment. Thank you, Road Scholar!
— Review left August 7, 2023
I just returned from “It’s Showtime-A Broadway Adventure” in NYC which was an awesome program. This was my second Road Scholar grandparent program and I plan to do more. The group leader, Angela Christensen is extremely knowledgeable and accomplished along with her photographer and sweep, Joe. Daniel Egan and his organization with Stephanie Lang Bittner, Katie Glasner, and Christel Murdock was phenomenal. And the question and answer sessions with Broadway Actors were superb. It is without hesitation that I recommend all NYC Road Scholar Programs.
— Review left August 5, 2023
Broadway is the focus through a wide variety of activities throughout the week. This is a fabulous program for would-be actors, singers, dancers, designers, and dressers. The leaders are exceptional in keeping the pace going without hitches and with humor. The instructors add a level of individual participation that all of the grandchildren enjoyed. This trip made memories of a lifetime for us and our granddaughter.
— Review left July 25, 2023
This was a spectacular trip. and is the best of the Road Scholar trips I have been on. Both my granddaughter and I loved it. It was fast-paced and engaging for both of us. We learned many new things about Broadway and enjoyed our field trips to Radio City Music Hall, the Empire State Building, and the Broadway Museum -- let alone the two plays that we saw as part of the program. The instructors were great and extremely knowledgeable, and the guest speakers definitely made the experience richer.
Watching my granddaughter interact with the other children and watching her gain confidence as the week went on was the best part of the entire experience.
I am hoping that one of my other granddaughters who will go with me on a grandchild/grandparent Road Scholar trip next summer picks this trip because I would love to take it again!
— Review left July 19, 2023
This is an absolutely wonderful program for both grandparents and grandchildren. I think I enjoyed it as much as my grandson did. Dan Eagan is an excellent instructor who works well with the children and teaches in a very low key, interesting, conversational kind of way. Karl was excellent at keeping the program going as scheduled and keeping everyone together as we navigated the streets on New York City. We met real Broadway actors, choreographers, dancers and musicians. We went behind the scenes are really became immersed in the theater culture in New York. I highly recommend this program.
— Review left July 30, 2022
What an experience! From start to finish, this was a great week for my 11 year old grandchild and me. The leaders were superb----not only experts in their fields, but adept at keeping a roomful of kids engaged (no small task!). Great balance of on-the-go active experiences (i.e. scavenger hunt in Times Square), background activities to enrich the theatre experience (choreographing with the kids, presentations by child actor, and a meet-and-greet with a Broadway performer), varied dining experiences around NYC, iconic sightseeing, skills enrichment (for most of the kids, it was their first time to ride subways and by the end of the week, they were old hats at it!). All the week's experiences and learning activities really enriched the kids' appreciation of the big Broadway show finale! It was a terrific experience and a terrific program, for kids and grandparents alike!
— Review left July 7, 2022
We loved every minute of this exciting New York City trip! Broadway at its finest!
— Review left July 5, 2022
I highly recommend the Grandparent/Grandchild Broadway program for those who already enjoy musical theater. This will take both age groups to an even greater level of appreciation!
— Review left July 2, 2022
Your website thoroughly describes your programs and is well worth the visit
— Review left July 1, 2022
This program could not have been better. It far surpassed my expectations! The group leaders, the guest speakers, the backstage tours, learning about choreography, the how-to of quick changes backstage and the Broadway shows were well-organized and great fun. I recommend it highly!
— Review left July 14, 2019