New York prepares for another school year with a cultural proposal that promises to make a difference in the lives of thousands of young people. The non-profit organization Inside Broadway, with more than 40 years of experience, announced its shocking theater programming 2025-2026 aimed at students of public schools of all levels, from primary to high school, in the five counties of the city.
The program will reach about 100,000 students, bringing them closer to the world of musical theater and offering unique experiences that go from attending a Broadway function to become protagonists of a show. Many of these activities are part of the Cultural NYC AFTER-School Adventures Program (House), an initiative created and financed by the New York Municipal Council with support from the city’s cultural affairs department.
Michael Presser, founder, president and executive director of Inside Broadway, highlighted the mission of the organization: “For more than four decades, our mission has been to present Broadway’s magic to public school students in New York, many of whom do not have the opportunity to live live theater or see a Broadway show in person.
He added that the experience goes beyond the stage, because young people learn directly from medium professionals: “whether students interact with current Broadway stars to learn about their acting careers, see the most recent show on Times Square or have a time to shine under the lights, New York young people will finally have the opportunity to learn from the best in the business.”
The programs of the 2025-2026 season
The programming is diverse and is designed to show students both the art of acting and the multiple professions that make a Broadway show possible:
Kids Take Center Stage!
This cultural workshop after classes brings together about 1,500 students in almost 50 public schools. For 12 weeks they learn choreography, performance, song, direction, scenery, costumes, lighting and sound, all in a collaborative environment. The program culminates with the presentation of an original musical in front of their families and communities. This year the theme will be “Hats off to Broadway”, a story that combines mystery with the music and iconic dance of Broadway.
There’s no Business Like Show Business
This biannual program, known as “Broadway Day in the Schools”, offers students an internal look at professional careers in the theater. The guest actors report how their first auditions were, what studies they did and what are the industry challenges. In addition, they interpret live songs and answer questions from young people. The first edition in Spring was attended by Thayne Jasperson, a member of the original Hamilton cast, and Kayla Davion, protagonist in the most recent version of Elf on Broadway.
Cue The Lights and Go Behind The Curtain!
The expected biannual event “Creating The Magic” will return this winter in association with a current Broadway production in Times Square. Almost 1,000 public school students will have free access to an educational experience that shows them how a musical is built. Actors, musicians, tramoyistas, illuminators and soundists explain live the different professions necessary to bring a show to the stage.
To choreographhed curriculum
From January to March 2026, the Annual Inside Broadway tour will be held, which will visit more than 45 public schools in the five counties. This year’s production will be The Marvelous Wonderettes, a work by Roger Bean that will transport students to the magic of the theater with live music and stories full of humor.
Support from the municipal council
The Broadway Inside programming would not be possible without the support of the Municipal Council of New York. Several councilors have highlighted the importance of bringing young people closer to young people, especially those who do not have the resources to attend a Broadway function.
Amanda Farías, leader of the majority of the council, said: “I have proudly supported Inside Broadway for many years. I have been a direct witness of the difference in our students. For many families, the cost of attending a live function is out of reach. But when these presentations are taken to our schools, they meet students just in the place where they learn and cultivate creativity.”
For her part, Queens Joann Ariola councilor stressed: “Inside Broadway programs open doors for our students and give them experiences that would never have. I am proud to support this work through the Casa program. You can really change lives and give young people their first step towards a love for life for the arts and theater.
Transforming lives through art
Inside Broadway has established itself as one of the most influential educational organizations in the city, not only for the quality of its programs but also because of their ability to generate experiences that inspire students to discover their talent, explore new careers and develop social skills in a creative environment.
In the words of Michael Presser, the goal is clear: use the power of the theater to open paths. And judging by the reactions of councilors, teachers, families and especially students, Inside Broadway continues to write a decisive chapter in the history of artistic education in New York.
For more information about Broadway Inside programs and activities, interested parties can visit Insidebroadway.org.
