A great performing arts school trip should do more than take students to see a show. It should give them opportunities to perform, learn from professionals, experience live theatre and develop skills they can take back into the classroom.
For Drama, Dance, Music and Performing Arts departments, the right itinerary can combine practical learning with cultural experiences while giving students an insight into the professional performing arts industry.
So, what should teachers look for when planning a performing arts school trip?
A well-planned performing arts school trip should include professional workshops, opportunities to experience live performance, curriculum-linked learning, cultural visits and an itinerary tailored to the interests and abilities of the group.
Here are some of the key elements to consider.
Practical workshops should be at the heart of a performing arts trip.
Rather than simply observing professionals, students have the opportunity to take part, develop their technique and explore new approaches to performance.
Depending on your group's subject and objectives, workshops could focus on:
At Activ4, performing arts programmes can be designed around the needs of your students, with workshops led by experienced tutors and professionals.
The most valuable workshop isn't necessarily the one that sounds the most impressive. It should complement what students are studying and provide an experience that develops their existing skills.
Watching a professional performance gives students the opportunity to experience the techniques they study in the classroom being used on stage.
For a London performing arts trip, this might mean seeing a West End production after taking part in a related professional workshop. Activ4's London programmes can combine West End theatre with workshops at venues such as Pineapple Studios.
In New York, students can experience Broadway alongside professional creative workshops and other performing arts experiences.
Seeing professional work can encourage students to think about:
For GCSE and A-Level students, these experiences can also provide useful material for discussion, evaluation and reflection when they return to school.
Watching and learning are important, but giving students an opportunity to perform themselves can take a trip to another level.
A performance gives students something to work towards throughout their workshops and encourages them to apply what they've learned.
It can also help develop confidence, teamwork, communication and stage presence.
On Activ4's Spain Performing Arts programme, for example, professional workshops and rehearsal time can culminate in a performance opportunity, allowing students to showcase what they have developed during the trip.
For some groups, a formal performance may be a major objective of the tour. For others, an informal showcase or sharing session may be more appropriate.
The itinerary should reflect the experience and confidence of your students.
A performing arts trip should be enjoyable, but it should also have a clear educational purpose.
For GCSE and A-Level Drama, Theatre Studies and Performing Arts students, seeing live performance and participating in practical workshops can provide valuable context for classroom learning.
Students can explore areas such as:
The destination can influence these learning opportunities too.
London can introduce students to contemporary West End theatre and professional workshops, while Athens can explore the origins of Western theatre, Greek tragedy and comedy.
The strongest performing arts trips connect these experiences back to what students are learning at school rather than treating the educational and recreational parts of the trip separately.
Students usually see the finished performance. A school trip can give them the opportunity to understand what happens behind the curtain too.
Depending on the destination and programme, this could include:
These experiences are particularly useful for showing students that performing arts careers extend far beyond acting, singing and dancing.
A professional production relies on technicians, designers, directors, choreographers, musicians, stage managers and many other specialists.
Introducing students to these roles can help broaden their understanding of the creative industries and potential future career pathways.
Not every moment of a performing arts trip needs to take place inside a theatre or rehearsal studio.
Travelling gives students the opportunity to experience the culture of their destination, and these experiences can become an important part of the overall trip.
A performing arts tour to Spain, for example, can combine workshops and performances with time in Barcelona, while a trip to London can include Covent Garden, Shakespeare's Globe or the National Theatre.
For long-haul destinations such as New York, sightseeing can be incorporated alongside Broadway and performing arts experiences.
The key is balance. Cultural excursions should complement the main purpose of the trip without leaving students with an itinerary that feels rushed.
There isn't one performing arts itinerary that works for every school.
A group of GCSE Drama students will have different objectives from a dance academy, school choir or mixed Performing Arts department.
Before choosing your programme, consider:
A bespoke programme allows workshops, performances and excursions to be selected around these objectives.
At Activ4, itineraries are tailored to the individual school rather than using the same programme for every group.
A successful performing arts trip isn't only about what students do when they arrive.
Teachers also need to consider the practicalities of organising an overseas or UK residential visit.
A school tour operator should be able to help coordinate the different elements of the trip, which may include:
Activ4's performing arts programmes typically include return travel, accommodation and a bespoke programme, with options including show tickets, local transfers, risk assessment guidance and 24/7 support. Exact inclusions depend on the destination and programme selected.
Having these arrangements coordinated through one provider can make the planning process much more manageable for the teacher organising the trip.
The best destination depends on what you want students to experience.
London is ideal for schools looking for West End theatre, professional workshops and an accessible short break.
Spain provides opportunities for professional workshops, rehearsal and student performances alongside cultural excursions.
Athens can be particularly valuable for Drama students exploring the origins of theatre, Greek tragedy and comedy.
New York gives students the opportunity to experience Broadway and the performing arts industry in one of the world's most famous theatre destinations.
Italy offers an exciting three-city performing arts trip combining Venice, Verona and Milan. Students can explore Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in Verona, discover Venice's theatrical heritage and Commedia dell'Arte, and experience Milan's world-famous opera and performing arts culture. The combination of Shakespeare, theatre, music and Italian culture makes it an excellent choice for Drama and Performing Arts students.
The right destination should ultimately be determined by your learning objectives, budget, available time and the experiences you want your students to have.
Yes. Performing arts school trips can be particularly valuable for GCSE and A-Level Drama, Theatre Studies and Performing Arts students because they combine practical workshops with opportunities to observe and analyse professional performance.
Students can experience performance techniques, staging, design and interpretation in a professional context and then apply those observations to their practical and written work.
The most effective trip will be one designed around the course your students are studying and the learning outcomes you want to achieve.
Activ4 creates bespoke performing arts school trips for Drama, Dance, Music and Performing Arts groups.
Programmes can include professional creative workshops, rehearsal space, theatre performances, student performance opportunities and cultural excursions, depending on your chosen destination.
Our team can also organise the practical elements of your trip, from travel and accommodation to activities and on-trip support, helping you create a programme that works for both your students and staff.
Whether you want to experience the West End in London, perform in Spain, discover the origins of theatre in Athens or experience Broadway in New York, we'll work with you to build an itinerary around your group.
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