This year the annual travel study trip to New York City is back on after last year’s trip was cancelled when the travel agency organizing it went bankrupt.
“It was sad all the way around and very disappointing, but we’re going to try again,” said David Crawford, professor of theatre, who designed the trip.
The trip is planned for June 7-12, 2010. It consists of three musicals, one Broadway show, and one Off Broadway show. Shows will be decided as the date gets closer. Also, a tour of the Player’s Club and three professional workshops will be included.
The Player’s Club catered to the rich and famous and was very exclusive. Started in the home of famous Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth, brother of John Wilkes Booth, admittance was by invitation only.
“It is a historic place for not only theatre, but America,” said Crawford.
The trip is open to anyone who is interested and can also count as a theatre appreciation credit. Included in the trip is round-trip airfare from DFW, accommodations for five nights at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, transfers, and a Metro Card.
A payment plan has been set up so that participants don’t have to pay one lump sum. After the participants pay the trip fee, they will be responsible for food and shopping money once hitting the pavement in New York. A maximum of 30 individuals can make the trip, and spots are starting to fill up.
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Christie Poteet, TJC student going on the trip for the first time and receiving her fine arts credit.
Micah Sharman, TJC alumni, has gone on the trip six times.
“I fell in love with it automatically,” he said.
During the daytime, students will attend seminars with TJC alumni who are actually working in the New York theatre scene and experience the different aspects of theatre life, but when night falls, it’s all about seeing the city lights.
“We chase after the best pizza and the best cheesecake in New York. Wherever it is in New York, we will go to it,” said Crawford.
Crawford loves watching student’s mouths drop as they walk straight into Times Square knowing that it is like nothing they have seen before.
“You come away with an entirely different view of life in one week. There is no place on earth like it,” said Crawford.
The whole experience of New York City can be overwhelming, but once getting settled into the rhythm and atmosphere of the city it is unbelievable.
“It’s going to be a wonderful trip and a wonderful week,” said Crawford.
For more details concerning the NYC trip, please contact David Crawford at (903) 510-2211, (903) 510 2678; email dcra@tjc.edu; or visit the TJC Theatre website at http://www.tjc.edu/theatre.
