We’re proud to embark on our second year of Broadway Bridges on the Road this fall—a Broadway League initiative that gives high school students the chance to experience professional productions by providing discounted tickets to Title 1, under-resourced schools.

This season, students will attend performances of Hell’s Kitchen and Water for Elephants.

For many of them, these evenings will be filled with firsts: their first Broadway show, their first time inside the Benedum Center, and their first visit to the Cultural District.

As this year’s students take their seats, we’re reflecting on the impact of the program last season.

In 2024, the Trust was one of just 24 venues nationwide to participate in the program's inaugural year. During the 2024-2025 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh season, students from McKeesport Area High School and City Charter High School attended a performance of MJ the Musical. A few months later, students from Propel Schools and Seton LaSalle Catholic High School saw Life of Pi.

Reflections from Educators

At McKeesport Area High School, choir and piano teacher Beth Eger saw the power of MJ the Musical in opening her students’ eyes to new experiences.

“Some of our students never get the opportunity to leave McKeesport, let alone see a show. It was a great experience for all of us,” she says.

 

Propel School students enter the Benedum Center auditorium for Life of Pi.

 

With a strong music program at the school, students were especially inspired by the professional-level talent on stage. “The kids are very interested in honing their skills,” Eger notes.

Angela Welch, Chief Academic Officer at City Charter High School, saw a similar reaction from her students. For a school that serves many students from underserved communities, this experience offered far more than just a night out.

“I want students to have access to the theater so they can have experience earlier in life,” Welch explains. “Many students can't afford to go to the theater, so I see this as my job to find ways to get them there.”

She believes this kind of exposure will open doors for students.

“I hope that if students are interested in the theater as a profession, that this is the gateway to opening their eyes into the multiple ways they can engage in the job opportunities that this profession offers.”

 

Alice Lee shows her tickets to a Cultural Trust usher.

 

Alice Lee, a teacher at Propel Schools, brought students to see Life of Pi. She highlighted how these kinds of experiences ripple far beyond the classroom.

“These experiences are so important to our scholars and community. So many people never make it to a professional show, and they lack the understanding of the level of professionalism and talent out there, along with what it means to make a future in the arts,” she says.

She’s already seen the impact these shows have had on her students.

 

Propel School students have fun in the Benedum's Quiet Room before the show.

 

“For my scholars who have had the opportunity to see shows outside of what we do, I have found that they are inspired, more aware, and more excited to be part of a performing arts group.”

Enthusiastic Students

The excitement from students echoed reactions from educators.

The day after the show, students eagerly shared their experiences with her, Welch says.

 

The students take in their surroundings from their seats.

“Every student approached me and told me what they liked about the show and talked about what a great time they had. And when I got to my desk and checked my email, I had thank yous from students who expressed their gratitude for giving them the opportunity to go to the show.”

After seeing MJ the Musical, one student summed up best:

“It was the best thing EVER!”