Backstage tours?

[nmlhats]

Posted: 3/5/15 at 1:14pm

Hi, I have clients* who will be traveling with their theater geek teenage son to NY next week and have asked about any theater tours...but specifically, tours that are more than standing in the auditorium and having a docent talk. They are keen to see production/technical/backstage kind of stuff, not so much the front of house. Is anyone aware of any theater that offers such a thing? Thanks!

(*I have a travel business.) Updated On: 3/5/15 at 01:14 PM

[BwayLady999]

Posted: 3/5/15 at 1:42pm

I know some shows (Lion King comes to mind) sometimes offer backstage tours for a donation to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS during their fundraising times. You could call BC/EFA & see if they have up to date info.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 3/5/15 at 1:45pm

Be forewarned no pictures or videos are allowed so a theater geek may have a problem with it.

[JPeterman]

Posted: 3/5/15 at 3:54pm

BwayLady is correct, your best bet is to call Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and ask for a woman named "Cat", telephone is 212.840.0770

Here is another link to look at:

https://www.audiencerewards.com/experiences.cfm



Updated On: 3/5/15 at 03:54 PM

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 3/5/15 at 4:27pm

Wicked has a tour called Behind the Emerald Curtain. Google it.

[eperkins]

Posted: 3/5/15 at 4:28pm

I don't know if this might be of interest, but Radio City Music Hall has backstage tours.

Radio City Tour

[Tag]

Posted: 3/5/15 at 4:31pm

Radio City also has public tour like you described (docent talking in the auditorium type).

To get a true backstage tour, you basically either need go the charity donation route, or know someone on the production.

[atuomala]

Posted: 3/5/15 at 4:39pm

I did a backstage tour of The Lion King twice, but that was specifically when I went to job shadow the stage manager.

[karen24]

Posted: 3/5/15 at 5:22pm

If you look at the New Amsterdam's Web site, they have information on tours for groups of 20 or more. Maybe you could get a group together? (It sounds like it's only available if you all see a show there as a group, though.)

Updated On: 3/5/15 at 05:22 PM

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 3/5/15 at 5:37pm

neonlightsxo - Behind the Emerald Curtain is the exact opposite of what the OP is looking for. BTEC is nothing more than looking at some props/costumes from the show in the lobby, then sitting in the theatre and watching some videos and getting to talk with a couple of ensemble cast members. It can be fun, but it is definitely not what this person is asking for.

[nmlhats]

Posted: 3/5/15 at 8:18pm

Thanks, guys! I will call BC/EFA tomorrow and see if they can be of any help. I don't think these clients would mind providing a nice donation to make their very pleasant and well-behaved son happy In the meantime, I was looking at the BC website and darn it if I wasn't forced--yea, I say to you--FORCED--to buy tickets for Broadway Backwards on Monday. I had been looking for something to do in NY on the "dark" night, and now I have it. Serendipity!

[brdway411]

Posted: 3/5/15 at 8:41pm

yes, try BC/EFA, I have been lucky to get back stage tours of many shows (Tarzan, Book of Mormon, Mary Poppins, Pippin, Godspell, Kinky Boots Ave Q and a few others), But it was because I knew people in the cast or who worked tech on the shows.

Updated On: 3/5/15 at 08:41 PM

[atuomala]

Posted: 3/5/15 at 10:22pm

In my experience, backstage tours usually come about in 1 of 3 ways: through school programs, premium show tickets, or you need to have a personal connection to someone who works in a show. I've managed to get backstage tours of several shows, but only because I had a professor who set me up with a connection. Premium ticket holders (depending on the show) get to go backstage. I remember Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark offered backstage tours to audience members who were willing to pay $300 for a premium seat to the show. The only tour that I'm aware of that is open to the public (and at an expense of only $30) is Wicked's 'Behind the Emerald Curtain' series which is held at 10am on select Saturdays in the Gershwin Theatre. Usually two members of the cast show you costumes and the set model before you go into the theatre itself and sit down for a video presentation.

[BwayLady999]

Posted: 3/6/15 at 10:13am

The tours offered during BC/EFA collections usually are a true backstage tour where you get to see behind the scenes stuff. I remember doing one at Beauty & the Beast the first time I visited NYC. At various points Lion King, Cinderella, ans others have offered them during Gypsy & Easter Bonnets.

[Queen of the Night]

Posted: 3/6/15 at 11:03am

The Metropolitan Opera does a backstage tour that is amazing! You get to see the stage, rehearsal studios, costume and scenery shops, props, sets, lighting, etc

[nmlhats]

Posted: 3/6/15 at 6:22pm

Great idea to tour the Met but the only tour during their NY dates is sold out :'-/