Private Broadway Studio Tour: Behind-the-Scenes Access
5.0
14 Ratings
New York
Go behind the scenes of Broadway with a private tour of Open Jar Studios. Get exclusive access to rehearsal rooms, rare artifacts, and insider stories from theater professionals.
Duration:
45 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Open Jar Studios - This rare behind-the-scenes private exploration of Broadway’s artistic home, Open Jar Studios, gives a sneak peek of what it takes to write, develop, and produce a Broadway show, right in the location where countless Broadway shows have been rehearsed! This 30-minute experience will be given by a member of the theatrical industry who will give direct insight into the process of how Broadway shows are made. Guests will hear “insider” stories about the development process of some of their favorite shows on their way to Broadway, and they’ll be given a unique look into the process of writing, producing, casting, and more! Plus, the tour will include an opportunity to view rare Broadway artifacts and the possibility of peeking inside actual rehearsal rooms used by Broadway shows (Due to the nature of these working studios, we cannot guarantee any specific studio will be seen during your experience).
What's Included
- Guided tour of the rehearsal studio complex
Additional Information
Participants will have the unique opportunity to privately tour the prestigious rehearsal studio compound, Open Jar Studios, offering a glimpse into the process behind penning, refining, and executing a successful stage musical. They will listen to exclusive tales from theatre industry insiders that offer an in-depth look into the creation of new performances. Attendees of this exceptional journey will observe precious theatrical artifacts like original draft changes of a musical, a set model for a forthcoming Broadway show, initial audition documents, the stage manager’s cue script, and an extensive look into how technology assists in documenting choreography and staging in rehearsals. Moreover, participants may also be lucky enough to peek into the actual rehearsal areas used by famous shows (although, due to the functioning nature of these studios, it’s not promised any given studio will be visited during this experience).
Location
1601 Broadway
Broadway
Meet your tour guide in the lobby on the ground floor of 1601 Broadway (enter on 48th Street, just west of Krispy Kreme)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(14 Ratings)
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Gibbylou
Jan 27, 2024
A fun, sort of behind the scenes look at Broadway - This is a brief tour of the largest rehearsal space in NYC. there are multiple rooms ranging from small to ginormous, and a guide takes you to some of them and explains how shows in development practice before they go to the actual theater stage. Our guide Hugh was knowledgeable, with a dry sense of humor. We could hear a few musical numbers being practiced behind closed doors, but it was unfortunately frustrating not to be able to look in because of the high level of security.
Fun and informative if you’re a Broadway junky, otherwise you might be bored.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Salvatorefx7201kp
Nov 24, 2023
Number ONE Theatre Experience - Hugh is inCREDible. This tour is a MUST must must for anyone who enjoys the theatre and learning about how it all comes together. Hugh is knowledgeable, kind, funny, and makes the entire experience truly unique. I could not believe the value of the ticket price so do NOT hesitate. Book now!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elisabeth
Nov 5, 2023
Informative & entertaining - The Broadway Studios Tour is a must for anyone who loves theatre. Hugh, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and friendly. Taking the tour gives insight into how shows are brought from an idea to the stage through video presentations, tours of rehearsal rooms (depending on what rooms are already booked), and viewing items like set models and an old piano played by music legends such as the Beatles and Elivs. And you never know what show (or performer) you might get to hear rehearsing behind closed doors! We got to see & hear a famous actress rehearse a new production which was really cool!! Would absolutely recommend this tour. Tour is advertised as 30 minutes, but we were there for about 45 (awesome that we got some extra time!).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Valeryl721
Sep 19, 2023
A review for Hugh ;) - Our tour guide, Hugh, was entertaining, fun and informative about the process of creating a play, from conception to rehearsal to fundraising to Broadway release. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michellehs7243mu
Aug 18, 2023
Fun and Informative - This was a wonderful tour! My son and I really enjoyed how in-depth it was and how friendly and knowledgeable our tour guide Hugh was. This was my son’s graduation trip and it gave him and me more insight into how these shows are produced!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathbrooke
Aug 8, 2023
"There's No Business Like Show Business..." - If you have ever wondered how Broadway comes to life, this tour is for you; it provides a quick, fascinating glimpse into how a Broadway play moves through the stages from idea to opening night. It's perfect for anyone who is curious to learn more about the "business of show". Our guide (hi, Hugh!) was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining.
You may be more familiar with the better-advertised Museum of Broadway (don't get me wrong - the MoB is fantastic in a different way) but don't sleep on this lesser known gem...you might like it even better. I liked it so much that I plan to take the tour again.
PS - Be sure to ask the story behind the name "Open Jar"!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E3438efstephanied
Aug 6, 2023
The REAL Behind the Scenes of Broadway - As a Broadway lover, I was excited to find this type of behind-the-scenes tour. Our guide was a performer, producer, and employee of the rehearsal space which added so much color and context to the cool historic artifacts we were able to see. This is a great tour for aspiring performers, designers, crew members and their family and friends. However, the general public would gain greater respect for the cast and crews that perform 8-times per week after this tour. Our guide generously stayed to answer our questions ling after the 30-45min time frame, so leave some time if you can.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danq9
Aug 5, 2023
A Must-Do for Any Theatre Buff - I’m a theatre buff who’s always looking for ways to gain more knowledge and experience the craft in different ways. This tour scratched my itch. Hugh was a wonderful guide, showing us around this impressive rehearsal space, teaching us about the road to mounting a Broadway show, showing off some fun items, and telling enlightening anecdotes. This is a must-do for anyone looking for a way to deepen their love of theatre. It’s well worth the affordable price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edgtravelerman
Jul 18, 2023
Behind the scenes of Broadway from where it’s made - As a theatre lover, this experience was truly entertaining, informative and full of fun anecdotes and artifacts. A definite must for anyone who’s interested in how Broadway shows get made. Plus- the view overlooking Times Square? Well worth it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dboltson
Jul 14, 2023
Open Jar: Behind the Scenes, yet in the Center of it All! - A delightful, informative and interactive cook's tour of what goes on — backstage and beyond — to take plays and musicals from concept to Broadway. Rehearsal spaces, props, photos and video all bring the process to life, under the able direction of a genial, well-spoken, knowledgeable guide — a theater veteran who himself is entertaining, whether scripted, candid, or off-the-cuff. The setting is state-of-the-art, the anecdotes and asides are priceless, and there is much here to benefit theater professionals, insiders and enthusiasts alike. Highly enjoyable, and highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor