STUDENTS from Priestley College answered the call of Broadway when they jetted to New York for an inspiring college trip.
They took in two Broadway shows, engaged in stage workshops and met stars Boy George and Darren Criss.
Musical Theatre student Annabelle Whitter said “The shows we watched on Broadway were amazing. One of the greatest things about the trip was seeing the professionals in their craft. It really helped me to see different styles of acting.”
During their trip Priestley’s Musical Theatre, Dance, and Production Arts students visited the iconic Radio City Music Hall at the Rockefeller Center.
As well as a tour they took part in a Stage Combat workshop led by Christian Sordelet, a director renowned for his work with actors such as Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart.
But it was while they were soaking up the magic of Broadway that they encountered Culture Club frontman Boy George and Darren Criss, star of Glee and Netflix’s American Crime Story.
They were there to watch ‘Moulin Rouge’ and ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’ and met the celebrities outside the theaters.
Production Arts student Darcy Bowler said “Meeting boy george was a once in a lifetime experience, I’ve listened to his music all my childhood and it was just incredible!”
During the trip the students immersed themselves in the sights of New York including sightseeing at Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park.
One of the most memorable moments was a visit to the renowned ‘Ellen’s Stardust Diner,’ where they enjoyed a meal accompanied by aspiring Broadway performers who were singing throughout.
“The whole experience was unforgettable,” said Musical Theatre teacher Abbie Ribbon.
“It was a delight to see the students’ reactions to the fantastic sights of NYC. Their awe at Radio City Music Hall, their respect for the 9/11 Memorial and their exuberance at the Broadway Shows was a pleasure to behold.”