The 92nd Street Y, New York (92NY), in collaboration with the Broadway production of “Hell’s Kitchen,” has announced the launch of Broadway Spotlight, a 10-week educational arts residency. The new program will provide New York City public high school students with in-classroom instruction and direct exposure to professional theater with a goal of expanding students’ knowledge of not just theater practices, but also the variety of possible careers within the industry.
Broadway Spotlight will begin this month, with topics of design, rehearsal processes and production roles integrated into the curriculum of theater and English language arts classes at 13 public high schools, most of which are Title I schools. Up to 900 students are anticipated to participate in this first round of the initiative.
The first residency will have a focus on “Hell’s Kitchen,” as students will study the musical’s narrative form, design and production elements. Teaching artists will guide students in creating original work related to themes in the Alicia Keys tuner. Participants will attend a matinée performance of “Hell’s Kitchen” followed by a talkback with members of the company and production team, moderated by participants of 92NY’s Teen Producers mentorship program.
“We’re thrilled to partner with ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ to launch Broadway Spotlight,” said 92NY’s associate director of school engagement in the arts Lily Mannon in a statement. “Spotlight bridges classroom learning with the energy and inspiration of live performance — empowering students to discover their potential, express themselves creatively and engage with one of the most dynamic art forms in the world. Broadway belongs to everyone, and we want every student to feel its magic and see themselves in this extraordinary community.”
Featuring a Tony Award-nominated book by Kristoffer Diaz and a score of preexisting and original songs by Keys, “Hell’s Kitchen” opened on April 20, 2024, at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre. The production received 13 Tony nominations, including one for Best Musical.
Broadway Spotlight will continue into spring 2026, with a focus on “& Juliet.”
