Activity & Discussion

Students are prompted to imagine they are producing a Broadway musical that is based on a person, place, or event in NYC that they learned about today. They will then list the sets (scenery on stage), props (objects that actors use), and costumes (what the actor wear) that they would need for their musical.

Encourage your students to think about what they've learned in the other galleries. What stories from NYC history intrigued them? Which artifacts would fit into their musical?

Discussion Questions:

Think of any live theater shows you've seen on Broadway, at school, or at a community theater, for example. What makes theater different from film and TV? How does it feel to watch live theater?

What do you think it would be lke to be a performer on Broadway? Would you rather be on stage or behind the scenes?