I direct a teen community theatre group and want to take them on a trip into NYC to see a show. Can someone answer some questions for me?
1. What do you think that a group of teens would enjoy the most?
2. Is there any way of getting a workshop or a meet and greet or something like that for them?
I'm totally out of the loop now
Thanks!
Wicked,Avenue Q
Broadway Star Joined: 10/6/05
i think you should see sweeney todd and not rent just cuz sweeney todd is the best show ever and i don't like rent.
Hmmm. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels or Avenue Q, I'd say. Wicked tickets are next to impossible to come by for groups unless you're willing to wait until those teens are 20-somethings.
Kay, the Thread-Jacking Jedi
Quando omni flunkus moritati (When all else fails, play dead...)
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(love you, girls! - 6/13/06)
I've seen SWEENEY already and it was fantastic, but because my group starts with 8th graders I'm thinking that some parents wouldn't let them got to that. Hmmm...
Broadway Star Joined: 10/22/05
For WIcked if you have a group of 20 or more you can get the tickets for half price. You'll probably be able to get them for a weekday performance sometime in the next 5 months.
I would say IF you can get tickets "Wicked", otherwise I would go with "Rent" or "Spelling Bee".
Rent, DRS, or Spelling Bee.
As far as workshops go, you can check out www.studentslive.org.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/4/05
Okay as much as I love RENT more than anything and am a huge fan, for kids in their teens on a field trip i would say definitly not a good idea, because of the sexual themes and drug references, which I mean every kid knows, but parents might not like it, so although it is fantastic, I would say no to it unless you are going to explain what it is about to all the parents and get their permission. Lion King is great for teens, depending I guess how old they are but its supossed to be great even for adults, and Wicked is great but you may have trouble getting tickets, especially at a low price, but for groups I may be wrong. Good luck with your trip!
Leading Actor Joined: 12/31/69
I would say Hairspray, because it has mass appeal, would be fine for your age group, and can be used as a spring board to talk about race issueas and such. Truly a great show, and balcony seats are great!
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/12/05
I vote for Spelling Bee or Avenue Q.
I think both of them are very teen-aged oriented, and funny.
Yes, other shows do have these appeals- however, I think these 2 present it the best.
Well if you went to Wicked you could do the "Behind the Emerald Curtain" tour in addition to the show.
Chorus Member Joined: 12/29/05
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels or Spelling Bee.
I would not take them to Avenue Q since there is a pretty sexual scene in it and I wouldn't want to turn on those teens even more to ideas they have already. It's also more an adult play with far more suitale ones available as above. Others have recommended Wicked too.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/6/05
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is downright hysterical. I vote DRS
If you don't think Sweeney Todd would be accepted by their parents I think, then, that that also applies to Avenue Q. I would take them to see Wicked, but tickets are next to impossible to get.
It really depends on how sophisticated you think they are, and what they are ready to appreciate.
If they're level of appreciation is high take them to see The Light In The Piazza.
If they're level of appreciation is not so much, DRS, Spelling Bee, Hairspray, or RENT. I personally would take them to RENT. The show's themes are perfect for teens.
When I bring students to see Bway shows, I go through a company called "Students Live"-- They only work with a couple of shows at a time (we've done Rent and Avenue Q)-- but they provide a really great workshop in which you meet cast members/creators. Check out their website at www.studentslive.org
My high school had both field trips to Rent and Avenue Q. (And, I think Wicked.) And everyone enjoyed them. As to what parents thought about the shows (from what their teen's said and what they heard from others), I don't know.
Whoever said to take a group that involves 8th graders to see Avenue Q is out of their minds. I mean I'm 21 and I've seen the show 26 times and I wouldn't want to be responsible for taking anyone under the age of 15-16 to see that show. Is it fantastic? Yes. Is it one that I love and would always say was one of my favorites? Yes. But there is no way to deem that show appropriate for an group with that large of an age range...unless you can vouch for the maturity level of every one of those kids being far above that of your average 13 year old.
Thank you all for your imput. I am definitely going to look into studentslive.org. That sounds great. I have seen Avenue Q and although I loved it, I would not even think of taking this group....too many parent issues. Anyways, I've seen Spelling Bee, Wicked and Hairsray before and I agree that those would be preferable. Thanks again!
Take them on a trip of a lifetime! Take them to see "Chita Rivera:The Dancers Life" and they will remember YOU and the Show YEARS from now with great thanks that because of you, They saw a part of History! Maybe Chita will see them after the show for a quick meet & greet too, you could ask.
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