New York, Broadway, and the World. Three words that bring together people who dream of careers in music, drama, writing, producing, art, fashion, and entertainment. New York is the city and the creative hub where ideas come alive. Broadway is its beating heart, home to 41 iconic theatres in the Theatre District and more than 50 off-Broadway stages scattered across the city. And the world? It’s filled with passionate drama musical fans, artists, and creators who come from every corner of the globe to be part of this vibrant community.

While Broadway is known worldwide as a symbol of excellence in theatre, not everyone understands what it represents or how it works. That’s why Broadway education both in the U.S. and abroad is becoming increasingly important and in high demand. To learn more about Broadway education, I reached out directly to Amy Weinstein who is the Creator/Executive Producer and CEO Artistic Director of StudentsLive, Inc. and Passport to Broadway(®). StudentsLive - Passport to Broadway is an exciting and inspiring program that gives students a real taste of what it’s like to be part of the Broadway world. Designed for students from all over the globe whether they’re local, international, or learning English. The program offers hands-on experience in musical theatre led by real Broadway professionals. Let’s join our conversation!

Q: Hi Amy, what inspired you to start this Broadway Education Company?

A:  Hello. Well... My entire career up to this point has been dedicated to serving and developing my passion for the best live theater, arts-education, multimedia, outstanding storytelling, and creating,writing/producing for broadcast platforms, to reach the widest range of audiences across the globe. As early as High School, I was drawn to both leadership and the arts. Young as I was at the time, I knew that I wanted to share the magic and the power of great theater /multimedia television/ film and musical theater with as many people as possible, and I watched it change the lives of the inner city kids whom I directed in some of my first theater productions. I went on to write and direct for television, film and theater, producing and developing talent, teaching theater, offering my services as a judge and a motivational speaker at various international arts events, while  leading the education department of Tony Randall’s Broadway National Actors Theater for over twenty classical productions over eight years. All with the purpose of sharing my passion for theater and the arts. It was both enriching and gratifying and it all led to my ultimate achievement: the founding of StudentsLive and Passport to Broadway.

Q: What is the mission?

A:  It's a global arts education company created with a single vision to share the power, history and relevance of live musical theater in a larger social, cultural and historical context with performers/students of all levels everywhere, and allowing it to transform their lives and expand their educational knowledge. The company’s core mission is to uphold values and a philosophy that connect art to the human experience. I believe that the best theater and multimedia experiences should ignite passion and inspiration, encourage creative thinking, and enrich and transform people’s lives within a vibrant, diverse, and multidisciplinary environment.

Q:Why should students learn theatrical skills?

 A: The skills of theatre and performance are also the skills used by successful leaders in all aspects of business. The collaborative nature of theatre promotes teamwork and communication among artists and provides opportunities for them to make greater future business relationships/connections and produce confident, knowledge based and competitive results in their unique careers of choice.

Q: A lot of people don’t really know the difference between Broadway and musical theatre, could you explain it in simple terms?

A: Musical theater is a broad genre that includes any show combining music, song, and dance to tell a story, while Broadway is a specific, high-profile designation for productions in New York City’s Theatre District that meet certain criteria, primarily a seating capacity of 500 or more seats. Broadway shows typically have larger budgets, more elaborate productions, and greater mainstream visibility compared to other forms of musical theater. To perform on Broadway, you have to be a member of the actor’s union, Equity. (There are many non-equity productions that are produced in local areas of the world as well as in regional theater as well as tour around the world that are not designated as Broadway.) Musical theater in general is the overarching art form of telling a story through acting, singing, and dancing. It exists worldwide and in various formats, from small community theaters to large professional venues in cities like New York, London, and Production values vary widely, from simple shows with just a piano to grand productions. You do not have to be a member of the Actors Equity Association to perform in musical theater around the world unless it is an Equity production.

Q: What has it been like working with creative people and young artists?

A: Out of my collaborations and work with artistically talented creative teams and gifted young people, I co-wrote with Annette Cardona who played the role of Cha Cha in the musical movie Grease. I directed a musical play entitled Second Chance, which toured as an Equity TYA contract to over 100,000 students in California and surrounding states. National  mental health experts recognized the play as an inspirational art for crisis intervention, and interpersonal issues amongst teenagers at risk throughout the country. WGBH/PBS was so impressed with the play they commissioned it for adaptation to teleplay and I served as a producer on the project. I continue to run both organizations 25 years strong, and serve as a creator, executive producer, writer and consultant on various television and film projects.

Q: In your opinion, what is the best way to study theatre?

A: I believe that the best theater studies, especially for those preparing for a Broadway career, should provide a strong foundation for aspiring artists, whether their future lies on stage or behind the scenes. These studies should equip them to create work that enriches and transforms the human experience for audiences, offering the highest quality live theater in a vibrant, diverse, and multidisciplinary environment.

Q: As a Broadway artistic director and producer, what do you think are the biggest needs in Broadway education now and in the future?

A: It is not an understatement to say that theater education has been one of the most important parts of our individual and collective development across time. The practice of theater music and artistic creative expressions has been used to entertain, heal, bring people together and most importantly educate. At the highest commercial level that is achieved, when the artist and technicians and creative teams work collectively to create outstanding Broadway experiences It is impossible to quantify what it means for every child who needs the spark of creativity in the classroom, to explore in ways unlike before. Theater is an expression of culture and teaches people about the world and provides a window into other cultures. The more we can connect with others, the more we can learn, work and grow together in all fields.

Q: What impressed you most about the students and their passion for theatre?

A:  As someone with a long-term interest in the education of aspiring theatre practitioners I was impressed by the commitment of the entire StudentsLive team, and the energy and enthusiasm of the young people they inspired. It was obvious to me that the intensive, interactive and immersive nature of this programme was unique; young people work through the actual processes of rehearsing and presenting a production, guided and mentored by experienced professionals. They are encouraged to find their own voice, to express themselves both personally and creatively and,through their individual and collective experiences over two weeks, to build confidence and self-esteem. 

A: What can students learn from The StudentsLive Passport to Broadway Program ?

Q:  Our program allows diverse artists the opportunity to experience, first hand, the best live, Broadway interactive theater programs, taught by the best, highly trained Broadway specialists, our country has to offer. The program allows aspiring artists and students of all skill sets to experience the intensive training of a professional, successful and highly disciplined Broadway Artist. The goals are to expand and deepen artists' understanding and familiarity with all areas of Broadway Theater. Both the performance as well as the business aspects of the Industry,  and also to enhance their studies in human behavior, culture, intention and expression. Through challenging music, dance, acting and, most importantly, the unique art form of “putting it all together”, taught by the best professionals and educators on Broadway. We prepare serious students and artists to be highly competitive in whatever career they choose to pursue.

Q: Which countries have your students come from, and how has your teaching reached national and international recognition?

A: Starting literally with just an idea, StudentsLive/Passport to Broadway grew into one of the world’s most significant Broadway theater education programs attracting over 250,000 students worldwide and annual international programs engaging educational organizations and arts advocacy institutions from Brazil, South Korea, Italy, China, Guatemala, Indonesia, Japan and more. After 20 years of growth, it now boasts partnerships with virtually every single hit Broadway show, endorsements from America’s political, cultural, and artistic leaders, alliances with foreign governments and arts education programs. Most importantly, tens of thousands young people and lifelong learners across the globe have been touched by StudentsLive/Passport to Broadway programs. 

Q: Who are your partners in your Broadway education programs?

A: Past and current Broadway partnerships have included a wide range of National Actors Theatre Productions including but not limited to : The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui starring Al Pacino and Judgment at Nuremberg starring Maximillian Schell, Broadway Productions of A Class Act, Annie Get Your Gun, Avenue Q, Chicago, Cirque Du Soleil, The Civil War, Cookin’, Fame, Def Poetry Jam, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (National Tour, Broadway League Grant 2006),The Exonerated, Flower Drum Song, Grease, I Am My Own Wife, John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean, In the Heights, Baz Lurhman’s La Boheme, Little Women: The Musical, Metamorphoses, Motown the Musical, Movin’ Out, Peter Pan (National Tour with Cathy Rigby), The Phantom of the Opera, Rent, Seussical, Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark, Spring Awakening (Broadway League Grant 2007), Sweet Charity Wonderful Town and Wicked.

Q: What do you hope from your students?

A:  in order for students to have access to the highest level educational experience in this intensive and exciting field, my organization works diligently to curate the widest and most challenging range of Broadway material. Our hope is that this experience will inspire them to continue taking risks, grow in this challenging art form (that requires mastery of all three disciplines simultaneously), learn from the best, meet and network with important Broadway Colleagues. Also fulfill their professional challenges and pursue their own unique dreams and goals fearlessly. I can guarantee that the confidence that comes from doing this type of unique theater training, with the passionate rigor and hard work it requires, will ultimately enhance and support whatever career they may decide to go into.

Q: You’ve given Broadway training and coaching in many countries from South America to Asia, why do you think it’s important for musical theatre students and teachers to learn about Broadway theatre?

A: Myself and our creative, education and production teams have traveled to seven countries and hosted even more students from all over the world here on Broadway. The thousands of serious students we have met worldwide generally don’t have the access or opportunities that students and aspiring artists have here in the United States (and in some other select areas of the country like the UK, South Korea, etc) to this authentic and professional type of training. I have found people all over the world who want to be involved in this rigorous process that helps develop a passion and dedication for learning and performing this very challenging art form as well as immersing themselves in the collaboration and individual expression great Musical Theater evokes. 

Q: How do students use their learning experience at your organization in their lives and careers?

A: In our partnership with numerous institutions across multiple countries, many of our global students have used their experience with Passport to Broadway as a springboard to further their studies. This might include attending four-year colleges and universities that offer professional musical theatre training alongside academic support, or enrolling in equally serious and authentic educational conservatories and theatre institutions to receive the most comprehensive training necessary for success. Many have gone on to enjoy rich and rewarding careers in their home countries, while others have chosen to pursue careers in the USA and/or on Broadway.

Q:What’s your opinion about organizations that use the Broadway name even though they aren’t directly connected to the industry?

A: For organizations that use the Broadway name to attract students but lack the Broadway background, legitimate educational credentials, pedagogy, skill sets, or firsthand experience to provide truly professional training, it would be wise not to use the Broadway brand in their programs. Only those who have personally worked within and experienced the rich, comprehensive platform that Broadway represents should claim that connection when teaching musical theatre. My organization has done quite a bit of professional development with faculty and teachers across the world who want to better understand and expand their portfolio and educational knowledge base in order to give accurate and unambiguous guidance to gather local students. Without this serious knowledge and first hand experience, using the brand name Broadway erroneously will only serve to confuse and possibly mislead students who wish to pursue a career in this very competitive field.

Q: What tips would you give to anyone who wants to pursue a career in musical theatre, dance, or stage performance?

A: Take every opportunity you can to research and seek out legitimate local training in classical and contemporary methods in acting vocal and dance studies. Go to audition for local shows and performances to gain experience in collaboration and unique performance pressures and demands in front of live audiences, and read as many musical theater text and course books written by master teachers in the field who have achieved success in their own professional careers. You can also read the business trade papers in the Broadway industry to become familiar with the professional language, names of VIP players, current trends and topics being addressed by hiring professionals working with professional actors. You need to dedicate a certain amount of hours every day to practice and study at home, keep a journal of your progress, and most importantly, practice and dedicate your time to investing in your physical and mental improvement. Be a critical observer of films, television shows, and live theater to analyze what each production, performer and creative team have accomplished to express the story and entertain the audience honestly and authentically. 

Q: What advice do you have for students if they don’t get cast in a role?

A:  Learn not to take it personally if you do not get cast in the show you auditioned for but keep going and never give up. Consistency, discipline, dedication, drive, curiosity and passion will eventually lead to great success. It may not be the path that you envisioned, but stay open to the opportunities that come your way and say yes to all of them if they are healthy opportunities for you to explore your talent and grow. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. Don’t try to be like anyone else or be perfect. Find the core and heart of your own individual expression, and have confidence that the more you believe in the unique interpretation that only you can achieve, eventually other people will recognize and value your unique expression and want to work with you. Build a life outside of your craft and passion for the arts so that you can draw on the required social and cultural experiences that great storytelling derives from.

Q: Any more advice please?

A: Yes. Be kind, be grateful, and be a positive team player so that directors and producers recognize your willingness to support the bigger picture of the story and production you are a part of, not just your role. Most importantly, learn something new every day about this craft, and this uniquely special industry that reflects some of the hardest working and most talented individuals in the performing art arena, who like you, had a dream and pursued it without letting anything stand in their way. 

Q: And lastly, if people want to reach out or learn more about you, where can they find you?

A: If you have any questions, or would like more information on any of the above mentioned programs and opportunities, Please feel free to email me directly at info@studentslive.net or you can DM IG @PassporttoBroadwayWorldwide and @Studentslive_BEP. You can visit our Websites: www.StudentsLive.net and www.PassportToBroadway.com Twitters @StudentsLiveBEP and @PassportToBway, Facebook Page: StudentsLive Passport to Broadway Global Musical Theater Education Company.

Q: Thank you for sharing your Broadway Education, it’s very inspiring!

A: My pleasure. Thank you for having me on your blog, thecreativetalk.com.

Blog written by Naratama (November 2025) / Photo by Amy Weinstein (Collection)