“In addition to its well-known historical attractions, Boston has an incredible performing arts and theater scene that is really starting to swing and get some of the national recognition it deserves,” says Stacy Thornton of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. “During the Jazz Age, Boston’s Washington and Tremont streets were the center of the city’s nightlife, but as the public’s taste changed, these grand venues began to decline.”
Students can learn more about that history and discover other aspects of Boston’s artsy side during visits to its many theaters. Thornton says that in addition to seeing Broadway in Boston, the Blue Man Group and “Shear Madness” at the Charles Playhouse, the city has a number of other amazing venues groups won’t want to miss, including the following four:
The Wang Theatre
Part of the Boch Center, this state-of-the-art venue is a National Historic Landmark that boasts the largest capacity stage in New England. While group tours of the theater have been available for a while, this summer will mark the debut of guided tours for the general public. During a tour of the center’s Music Hall, students can see memorabilia, instruments and photographs of legendary performers such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Joan Baez and B.B. King.
Symphony Hall
The world-famous Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops have called Symphony Hall home for more than a century. There are a number of interactive experiences available for visiting student and adult groups, such as educational workshops and master classes that are part of the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Working With the Masters program. Each of those sessions is led by one of the company’s musicians, artists or staffers.
Emerson Colonial Theatre
Established in 1900, this historical venue has debuted such seminal Broadway shows as “Oklahoma!,” “Porgy and Bess,” “La Cage aux Folles,” and most recently, the pre-Broadway world premiere of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.” During a visit, school groups can tour the majestically restored building, which was reopened last summer by the Ambassador Theatre Group.
American Repertory Theater at Harvard University
A relative newcomer on the Boston theater scene, A.R.T. has been making a name for itself since its 1980 debut. Harvard University is investing $100 million to build a new performance space in Boston across the Charles River from the theater’s current home in Cambridge.
For more information, contact Stacy Thornton of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau or go to bostonusa.com.
Top Educational Attractions
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library
The New England Aquarium
The Museum of Science
Top Recreational Attractions
Boston Duck Tours
Boston Harbor Cruises
Fenway Park
Zoo New England
Top Local Festivals
The Cambridge Science Festival (March 9–22, 2020)
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (July 4)
Top photo: Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Working With the Masters program
Photo by Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
