New York: Broadway Behind the Scenes Experience

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Duration: 2 hours

Overview

Join us on a showstopping journey through the history and highlights of Broadway! Our tour begins in the bustling center of New York City and the theatre world, Times Square. Your local guide will take you on a tour of iconic theaters where some of your favorite shows have been performed over the years. As you stroll under the marquees and dazzling lights of the Great White Way, you'll hear stories of Broadway and these historic theaters. Venture into the neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen to discover the off-Broadway theaters where world-famous shows make their debut before becoming beloved classics. You'll also get the chance to go behind the scenes with a tour of an active rehearsal studio and enjoy an afternoon surrounded by the energy of Manhattan. This tour will have you belting out the hits for the rest of your time in New York!

Highlights

  • Get a glimpse into the daily routine of a musical theater company through a behind-the-scenes tour of a busy Broadway rehearsal studio.
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square, surrounded by iconic lights, billboards, and marquees.
  • Discover the history of the famous theaters that have housed your favorite Broadway shows.
  • Explore the off-Broadway venues in the eclectic neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen, known for its exceptional theater scene.
  • Learn about the journey of a show from its inception to becoming a Broadway hit, through firsthand accounts.

Included

Included
Guided walking tour of Times Square and the Broadway Theater District
Included
Local English-speaking guide
Included
In-depth storytelling on the history of Broadway
Included
Peek inside rehearsal studios, with the chance to hear live rehearsals or classes in session

Excluded

Excluded
Food and Drinks
Excluded
Gratuities for the guide

Important information

Where do we meet?

Father Duffy Square, 200 W. 47th St., New York, NY 10036.

Where does the tour end?

Midtown close to the meeting location, at Open Jar Studios.

What is the duration of the tour?

2 hours

What is the group size of this tour?

The maximum number of people on this tour will be 12 passengers.

What if I can't find my guide?

If you have any issues on the day of your tour, please call +1 857 294 0068

Can I cancel my tour?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity.

Highlights

More information

Your tour begins in Times Square, once known as Longacre Square—a bustling, unruly neighborhood that transformed in the early 20th century into the glittering epicenter of American theatre. Here, you'll learn how Broadway evolved from vaudeville houses and opera theatres to a global entertainment powerhouse. As you walk past historic venues like the New Amsterdam Theatre (once home to the Ziegfeld Follies), the Richard Rodgers Theatre (Hamilton), the Majestic, and the Shubert, you'll trace the timeline of Broadway's greatest triumphs and challenges—from the Golden Age musicals of the 1940s and 50s, through the near-collapse of the district in the 1970s, to its modern-day revival as a cultural and economic cornerstone of New York City. Leaving the bright marquees behind, the tour takes you deeper—into the hidden world that powers the stage. You’ll visit a professional theatre facility in the nearby Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, where the real work of Broadway unfolds. Here, you'll gain insight into the lives of the people who make Broadway possible but are rarely seen by audiences: rehearsal studios, where performers spend countless hours perfecting their roles. You may even hear a rehearsal or class in session—actors warming up, choreography being run, or technical crews setting up for a future show. Throughout the tour, you'll hear personal stories and historical context about the craftspeople, stagehands, understudies, marketers, and creatives whose passion and tireless work keep the industry thriving. The tour ends back in Midtown Manhattan, just steps from where it began—but with an entirely new perspective. You’ll leave not only having seen Broadway’s iconic sights but having felt its heartbeat—powered by generations of people who have dedicated their lives to this extraordinary art form. This isn’t just a tour of theatres. It’s a tribute to the soul of Broadway.