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Central Park New York School Group

Performing Arts School Trip to New York

Experience New York's world-famous performing arts scene on an inspiring trip combining practical workshops, unforgettable Broadway shows and a behind-the-scenes look into the worlds of film and television. Students can develop their their chosen disciplines and gain an insight into the creative industries, from acting, dance to screen production.

  • Key stage 4 - 16+
  • Year round

Discover New York's Iconic Performing Arts Scene

New York City is at the heart of the global performing arts scene, where students can develop their performance skills, experience world-class theatre and explore the creative industries in one of the world's most exciting cultural cities.

From musical theatre, acting and dance to stagecraft and screen performance, New York offers students the chance to explore their chosen disciplines in a professional setting. Take part in a practical acting or dance workshop, experience the excitement of a Broadway show and discover the techniques behind live performance, from choreography and characterisation to lighting, sound and set design.

Beyond the stage, visits to NBC Studios and the Museum of the Moving Image introduce students to film and television production, exploring the creative industries and bringing their performing arts studies to life.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in New York

  • Flight from London to New York JFK Airport
  • Transfer to accommodation
  • Visit the Empire State Building and take in the spectacular views across the city and its famous theatre district 
  • Dinner at Bubba Gump, a themed diner inspired by the classic film Forest Gump

Day 2 - Broadway & Performance

  • Guided walking tour of Midtown, including Central Park, Times Square and Broadway, discovering the heart of New York’s theatre district
  • Take part in an Acting or Dance Workshop
  • Dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, famous for its singing waitstaff
  • Watch a Broadway show and experience New York’s world-famous theatre scene

Day 3 - Screen & Stage

  • Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, two of New York’s most iconic landmarks
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum, explore the events of September 11 and their impact on New York
  • Take a tour of NBC Studio and discover how television programmes are made, from production to broadcasting
  • Experience another Broadway show 

Day 4 - Sightseeing & Departure

  • Last-minute shopping and sightseeing
  • Explore the Museum of the Moving Image, discovering the art, technology and history behind film, television and digital media.
  • Transfer to New York JFK Airport
  • Depart New York on an overnight flight

Day 5 - Arrive back in the UK

Excursions
Empire State Building observation deck
Empire State Building
Ellens Stardust Diner
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Wicked on Broadway
Broadway show
Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour
National September 11 Memorial
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Museum of the Moving Image
Museum of the Moving Image
Dance workshop New York
Performing Arts Workshop
Central Park
Central Park
Midtown Manhattan New York
Midtown Walking Tour
NBC Studios New York
NBC Studio Tour
Empire State Building observation deck

Empire State Building

Travel 102 stories up the Art Deco skyscraper. Learn the history of the building from its construction through to its place in modern-day New York. Scatter to the observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors for stunning panoramic views of the city below.

Ellens Stardust Diner

Ellen’s Stardust Diner

The home of the world-famous singing waitresses and waiters and some of the best diner food in the country. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for tour groups and locals alike since 1987!

Wicked on Broadway

Broadway show

The street and district famed for theatre, musicals and glamour, Broadway is the heart of performance in New York. This is your opportunity to experience a live show!

Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour

Take a short ferry ride from Manhattan and visit one of New York's most iconic sights - the Statue of Liberty, located on historic Ellis Island and home to the Immigration Museum.

National September 11 Memorial

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Learn about the events of 9/11 in an exacting timeline & gain insight into the lives of the victims, offering a solemn yet enlightening experience that honours their memory and the resilience of a nation.

Museum of the Moving Image

Museum of the Moving Image

Explore the creative and technical processes behind film, television and digital media. See how stories are brought to life on screen through interactive exhibits, behind-the-scenes displays and iconic objects from the world of entertainment.

Dance workshop New York

Performing Arts Workshop

Take part in a professional acting or dance workshop, giving students the chance to develop their performance skills and explore their chosen discipline in a practical, hands-on workshop, gaining invaluable experience

Central Park

Central Park

Explore Manhattan’s largest urban park, which is nearly 6 times the size of Monaco and has been featured in over 350 films through the years.

Midtown Manhattan New York

Midtown Walking Tour

Explore the highlights of Midtown Manhattan on a guided walking tour, where students will discover the bright lights of Times Square, iconic Central Park and the world-famous theatres of Broadway.

NBC Studios New York

NBC Studio Tour

Go behind the scenes and discover how television programmes are made, exploring the production process from filming and editing to broadcasting, while learning about the technology and teams that bring shows to life.

Included

Our long haul school trips include:

  • Board and lodging as specified in your itinerary
  • Return flights, including Air Passenger Duty (APD)
  • Overseas transfers
  • A detailed itinerary with pre-booked excursions
  • Free teacher to student ratio approx 1:10
  • 24-hour emergency support
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Assistance with inspection visits

Extras to budget for:

  • Any applicable visas
  • School to airport transfers and meals en route 
  • Supplements for small parties, single rooms and additional adults
  • Any local tourist taxes that can only be paid in cash to the hotel
  • Entrances other than those specified in your itinerary
  • Hotel damage deposits
Resources

Ready-made resources to get your trip off the ground

These ready-made trip resources are designed to reduce your admin and help speed up the process of planning, promoting and getting approval for your trip:

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Here's what teachers think

We have enjoyed a thoroughly immersive and memorable week in Washington and New York. Our students have experienced a once in a life time opportunity that they will remember for years to come.
Mark Davies, Teacher at Clevedon School

Frequently Asked Questions About School Trips to New York

Yes, students travelling on a British passport must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) online before travelling to the US. Each student and teacher needs their own ESTA, and we recommend applying at least 72 hours before departure.

Some children and adults may require a visa for their school trip: 

Most countries, including European destinations, also require passports to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. For more information on the 10-year passport rule and new EU border checks read our essential guide to school trips to Europe.

It is the party leader's responsibility to check that all members of the group fulfil the passport, visa, health and immigration requirements for their chosen travel destination. 

A trip to New York supports learning across many subjects. Business and economics students can explore Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, while art and design students can see works by Picasso, Dalí and Warhol at the Met and MoMA. 

Drama and music students can see a Broadway show or go behind the scenes on a theatre tour. For film and media students, there’s NBC Studios and iconic filming locations like Grand Central Terminal and the Empire State Building.

Our New York school trip packages include return flights, board and lodging, overseas transfers, comprehensive travel insurance and a 24-hour support helpline. We also offer approximately one free teacher place for every 10 students and assistance with inspection visits.

Teachers have access to a 24/7 emergency helpline throughout their New York school trip, alongside comprehensive travel insurance and assistance with inspection visits. We’ll also help with planning and practical arrangements. For more advice, visit our Teacher Zone.

October is a great time for a school trip to New York. The weather is mild, and the crowds are more manageable, making the city easier to explore. Students can also see Central Park in its autumn colours. If October doesn’t fit your school calendar, April is another good option, with spring temperatures and cherry blossom season in full swing.