New Program Helps 'Inspire Change' And Expose Students to Broadway

There's really nothing like seeing a Broadway musical under the lights along The Great White Way. But, unless you've got some disposable income to spare, it can be pretty tough to afford the often hefty ticket prices to most shows.

An innovative program aimed at New York and New Jersey students is aiming to eliminate the financial obstacles associated with Broadway and has teamed with one show — Memphis — to allow students to experience the musical in an entertaining, educational and memorable way.

Inspire Change, an educational program initially funded by authors and producers for Memphis, allows students a chance to get up-close and personal with the stars of the show, and its subject matter, which includes civil rights and music.

According to Broadway World, students from arts-poor schools first experience a unique pre-show workshop led by a Memphis cast member and teaching artists, followed by tickets and round-trip transportation to the show as well as a post-show discussion with the Memphis actors. (It all sounds so cool I'm kinda jealous!)

To date, at least 1,000 students have seen the show thanks to Inspire Change, and the program is now run by educational consultancy group iTheatrics.

Many students from KIPP: STAR School in Harlem have seen the show and can thank English teacher Trenton Price for providing the inspiration to start the program. Price saw the show on his own and was so moved he wrote the producers to see if they could help his students see it, too.

""I know it's rare to see a show with which my student population in Harlem can identify (through music, racial identities, and civil rights history)," he wrote. "While our school runs nicely, we are not, unfortunately, able to financially look at events like Broadway shows for our students. Nevertheless, given the subject matter and the amazingly talented cast and production I was wondering if there were any events you sponsor for New York City public schools."

Thanks to Price and many dedicated arts enthusiasts, there is now. We hope the students enjoy every part of their unique Broadway experience.

Photo by ilovememphis via Flickr.