Broadway as Classroom: Why We Take Our Students to the Theater

At Shine, we believe that great theater is more than entertainment. It’s education, inspiration, and transformation. That’s why, throughout the year, we organize group outings for Shine Academy students and their families to attend national Broadway tours together. These shared experiences deepen our students’ artistic vision, build community, and expand their understanding of what’s possible on stage.

This month, we had the joy of seeing The Lion King live on stage… and the experience was nothing short of magical.

As the curtain rose and the first notes of “Circle of Life” echoed through the theater, our students were absolutely captivated. The breathtaking scenic design, vibrant costumes, and imaginative puppetry transported them to a world unlike anything they had seen before. Several students shared that they had never realized how much storytelling could happen through visual design alone. It was a powerful reminder that theater is more than lines and lyrics. It’s a full-sensory art form.

At intermission, our group took a little field trip: a visit to the orchestra pit. Students leaned over the rail to get a closer look at the live instruments and peek up onto the stage to see the elaborate percussion setup that brings the show to life. For every student in our group, it was their first time seeing professional musicians in an orchestra pit. It added a whole new layer of wonder to the experience.

More than just a fun night out, this experience gave our students a vision for what’s possible. They saw acting and character work elevated to its highest form, choreography with real storytelling purpose, and ensemble members who held just as much power on stage as the leads. They walked away with a deeper understanding of the art form they are growing to love and a renewed sense of purpose in their own training.

And the learning doesn’t stop when the curtain closes. Our faculty attends the National Tour performances alongside our students, giving everyone a shared artistic experience to reference and unpack together in class. Whether they’re exploring movement, character, or design, students now have a rich, real-world example to draw from. They also gain a deeper connection to their teachers as co-learners and fellow theater lovers.

These outings are just one of the many ways The Academy at Shine goes beyond the classroom. Training young performers isn’t just about technique. It’s about nurturing curiosity, sparking imagination, and helping students see themselves as part of something bigger.

Fall registration for The Academy at Shine is now open. This week, families can save 10% when they enroll in a six-month membership with code FALLSTART. It’s the perfect time to jump in, join our vibrant student community, and say yes to the kind of growth that only live theater and shared experiences can inspire.

At Shine, the theater isn’t just a destination. It’s a classroom.

🎥 Want a peek into the evening? [Watch the video here.]