Theater Careers: Broadway

A Kai XR Adventure

Kai XR Adventure Theater Careers

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Write a short response reflecting on a Broadway career, explaining their interest and the skills required.
  • Read an informational passage about Broadway and identify key details about the careers involved.
  • Watch a Broadway performance and reflect on how performers and behind-the-scenes professionals bring a show to life.
Common Core State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.3:
Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.

Introduction

Have you ever dreamed of performing on a big stage, designing amazing costumes, or playing music for a live audience? In this adventure, you’ll explore the world of Broadway, watch a famous musical performance, and discover how you can start building the skills to be part of the magic!

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Reading

Broadway The Lion King

Have you ever watched a play or musical and felt like you were part of the story? That’s the magic of Broadway! Broadway is where actors, singers, dancers, and many talented people work together to bring incredible musical and stage performances to life.

Broadway musicals

Broadway is a famous street in New York City where the biggest and best theater productions take place. People from all over the world come to New York to see these amazing shows. Many actors, musicians, and designers move to the city to follow their dreams of working in theater. 

theater actors on stage

It takes more than just the performers—many people behind the scenes help make plays and musicals happen. There are many roles to play in a theater production: actors, singers, dancers, musicians, set designers, costume designers, and more.  Let’s learn about what some of these roles do.

theater actors on stage

Actors use their voices and body movements to bring characters to life. They memorize scripts, practice their lines, and work with other actors to make the story feel real. If you love reading stories and using your imagination, acting might be for you! In a musical, the actors also sing!

theater actors on stage

Dancers and choreographers help tell the story through movement. In a Broadway show like The Lion King, dancers perform exciting routines that make the animals look like they are running across the stage. It takes lots of practice, teamwork, and patience to get every move just right.

orchestra pit

Musicians play the music that makes each scene exciting. The orchestra sits below the stage and plays live during every performance. If you love music and playing instruments, you might enjoy being part of an orchestra!

theater actors on stage

Costume designers and set designers make sure everything looks amazing. Costume designers create outfits that match each character, while set designers build the backgrounds that make the stage feel like a real jungle, city, or castle. These jobs require creativity, problem-solving, and art skills.

Broadway The Lion King

Working in theater productions takes hard work and persistence. Actors, musicians, and dancers practice for hours to make each show perfect. Designers and stage managers work behind the scenes to make sure every detail is right.

theater actors on stage

If you love storytelling, performing, or creating, you can start practicing these skills now! Drama clubs, music lessons, dance classes, and even school plays are great ways to prepare for a future in theater.

Virtual Field Trip

virtual field trip The Lion King

The Lion King

See musicians, dancers, actors, singers, set designers, and more at work on a Broadway play as you watch the opening scene of Disney’s musical, The Lion King.

Click Explore Now.

Short Answer

Short Answer QuestionShort Answer Question

Recap

theater actors on stage

Great Job! Today, you learned:

  • Broadway performers and theater professionals act, sing, dance, design costumes, and build sets to bring stories to life.
  • To work in theater, you need to be creative, persistent, and work well with others to succeed.
  • If you are interested in Broadway, practice acting, singing, dancing, or designing through school plays, music, or art clubs.
In memory of my sunshine, Ky(ra) G. Frazier. Love you to the moon and back.