Students lining up outside Richard Rodgers Theatre

Student performers take a selfie backstage

 

Photos/Video by Maya Werner

 

Hamilton‘s celebrated education program continued in New York City, inviting 1,300 students and teachers to the Richard Rodgers theatre, some to perform for the cast of Hamilton. Fourteen schools attended, and some groups from each school performed original songs, poems, and skits inspired by the story of Alexander Hamilton. After, the students were able to participate in a Q&A with some of the cast followed by attending a matinee performance of the show.

Students rehearse backstage

Performers Group photo

 

Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller – who devised the education program in New York in tandem with Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, The Rockefeller Foundation, the NYC Department of Education and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History – said upon it’s inception, “Today, one of our greatest dreams for Hamilton came true – sharing this musical with 1,300 high school students whose participation in the study program and reactions to the performance were unlike anything we’ve experienced before.  We look forward to building on this educational program all over America.”

James G. Basker, President of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, adds, “This project is transformative.  Over the next several years, hundreds of thousands of students in New York City, Chicago and other cities where Hamilton tours will experience American history in a new way and find their own connections to the Founding Fathers, to the performing arts, and to the future of our country.”

Dr. Rajiv Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation said “After the initial success of the partnership in New York City we could not throw away our shot to ensure students across the United States had the opportunity to witness living breathing history. We look forward to seeing the creativity and engagement this program continues to spur.”