Playbill has partnered with Inspired to create and amplify stories of inspiration that advocate for access to arts and cultural experiences for young people across the country. The following article is written by the team at Situation Project and adapted from their online publication Inspired. Click here to learn more.
“I'm sure each and every one of you, if you came to see the whole show and its full capacity, you see yourself on this stage,” said Khaila Wilcoxon, SIX: The Musical’s current Catherine of Aragon at an exclusive student event March 13. The actor addressed over 1,200 NYC public school students from the stage of the Lena Horne Theatre, “I hope you guys see us onstage and see yourself.”
In an event that captivated hearts and ignited imaginations, Inside Broadway, a non-profit theatre company that brings the magic, pageantry and profession of Broadway to students throughout New York City, offered a once-in-a-lifetime peek at the magic of live theatre. On March 13, the organization orchestrated two exclusive presentations of the hit musical SIX, with accompanying post-show talks.
The event, helmed by Inside Broadway's founder Michael Presser, turned the spotlight not only on the cast but also on the unsung heroes of theatre production—from the meticulous house construction crew to the costume team to the incredible band.
This immersive experience was crafted with a profound vision, as Katie McAllister, the Executive Director of Inside Broadway, shared. "Creating the Magic gives New York City students access to Broadway and provides them with an experience that no one else gets to see," McAllister said.
Their mission, deeply rooted in the belief of arts as a catalyst for personal and community growth, aims to introduce the next generation to the rich tapestry of Broadway. This rare glimpse behind the scenes entertained and educated, revealing the myriad of career paths in the arts.
The heart of the event lay in its commitment to diversity and representation, a value vividly brought to life by Wilcoxon's stirring words on the importance of seeing oneself reflected in the arts, "This show is so special because not only onstage is super diverse, but offstage is super diverse too."
McAllister echoed Wilcoxon’s words, “Our guiding motto is ‘you can’t be it if you can’t see it.’”
But what truly set this event apart was its interactive engagement with the students. Many of them, already participating in Inside Broadway theatre residencies, experienced the thrill of expressing themselves in a Broadway theatre, a testament to the program's emphasis on active participation and the value of live experience. This dynamic interaction between students and the world of theatre highlights the unique power of the arts to engage, educate, and inspire.
Reflecting on the event, McAllister said, “Partnering with SIX the Musical was one of our most successful Creating the Magic events, and we’re excited for the next. Broadway encapsulates so many different genres of musical theatre and it’s our goal to continue offering access to Broadway and everything it has to offer.”
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