Planning a student trip to Broadway is a great way for educators to introduce young minds to the performing arts. In addition to being fun, Broadway is a valuable learning tool that goes beyond traditional classroom lessons.
Through theatre, students can explore various subjects like history, literature, and social issues. Watching performers on stage can generate a life-long love for the arts, boosting students’ self-esteem and inspiring them to pursue a career in the arts.
In this blog post, we explore the journeys of Broadway stars who began as aspiring artists. This can help you inspire and guide students interested in pursuing a career in the arts.
Maleah Joi Moon: A Rising Star’s First Steps
Maleah Joi Moon’s path to Broadway began with a deep-rooted passion for the performing arts that was evident from a young age. Growing up in Franklin Township, New Jersey, Moon discovered their love for the performing arts early on. Moon was fortunate to have supportive teachers like Timothy Walton and Terri Seggio. In sixth grade, they played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, and her middle school theatre director, Seggio, taught her how to sing with emotion.
Their passion for theatre continued into later life. Though they left Pace University to pursue television acting, they were approached to audition for the lead role in Hell’s Kitchen, a new Alicia Keys musical on Broadway. Initially hesitant, it was their high school theatre teacher, Timothy Walton, who encouraged them to audition and coached her through the process.
“It’s surreal and it’s ridiculous and crazy and insane and all the things,” shared Moon in an interview with The Times. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t meant [to be],” Moon said, acknowledging the role of their supportive community and teachers in helping them realize their dreams.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy.
Brody Grant: Navigating the Path to the Stage
Brody Grant’s journey into the world of musical theatre began in an unexpected yet transformative way. After moving to Georgia, Grant found himself feeling like a bit of a loner, struggling to connect with new peers and lacking a passion for any particular activity. It was his mother who gently nudged him to explore the arts, taking a cue from his sister’s longstanding interest.
Grant’s big break came with the Broadway show The Outsiders, a major step in his career. In Vanity Teen, Grant described the opportunity as “an absolute dream come true,” expressing his deep love for the show and its company. He added, “I’m very blessed to get to be a part of it.”
Photo courtesy of Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.
Michael Iván Carrier: Cultural Roots and Artistic Growth
Michael Iván Carrier’s journey into the world of theatre began in an unexpected place: the gymnastics mat. Growing up in Lafayette, Louisiana, Carrier found their initial creative expression through tumbling and trampoline. However, their trajectory shifted when he entered college. After ushering at all eight performances of a show at their university, they discovered a profound love for theatre.
Since then, Carrier has played an array of diverse roles. Their regional theatre credits include playing Ambrose Kemper in Hello Dolly!, Paul in A Chorus Line, and Eddie in Mamma Mia. Their performances also extend to productions like West Side Story, La Cage Aux Folles, Grease, and Newsies.
Their breakthrough came in the Broadway production of & Juliet, where they initially joined as a member of the ensemble. Over time, Carrier was given the chance to understudy the main roles of May and Francois Du Bois, as well as swinging other characters. On October 29, 2024, they took on the role of Juliet’s lively friend May.
Planning a student trip to see these shows (and many more) on Broadway is a chance for educators to offer their students an unforgettable experience. Students can witness some of the best live theatre in the world and learn from the journeys of its performers. To enhance this experience, Broadway Inbound offers workshops that provide a deeper look into the theatre world.
Bring your students to a Broadway show and unlock a world of creativity and inspiration. A trip to Broadway can inspire a lifelong passion for the arts and influence their future.
Photos courtesy of Marc J Franklin, Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade and Matthew Murphy.
