Skip to content

Musicant-Cohen Backstage

Take a field trip to Lyric Stage to explore backstage careers in theatre.

Lyric Stage’s Community Programs create a lifetime of opportunities for those interested in theatrical storytelling. 

Alt Text

Lyric Backstage is FREE for all participating schools

Thanks to generous support from Myra Musicant and Howard Cohen, Backstage programs are available at no cost to school groups in the Greater Boston area. Local middle and high school students experience presentations, workshops, and performances created specifically for their grade level.

2026-27 Program Details

Alt Text

High School Audiences

  • Dates:
    • October 14, 15, and 16, 2026
    • October 20, 21, and 22, 2026
  • Time: 10 am – 12 pm
  • Students will first see a performance of a one-act play, Senior Year Project by Fabiola Decius. Then, students will split into one of two design area workshops for an hour-long hands-on workshop led by a member of our professional design team.
  • By the end of their visit, students will understand that:
    • There is no one “right” path to take to a career in the arts.
    • Design elements make impactful contributions to storytelling onstage.
  • By the end of their visit, students will be able to:
    • Identify 2-5 key principles behind one designer’s work.
    • Describe the impact of at least one of the designer’s creative choices on the storytelling of the play they saw earlier.
    • Apply the design principles to a creative challenge inspired by the play.
  • The total house size per performance for high schools is limited to 50 students plus chaperones.
  • Workshops in Lighting, Sound, Costumes, and Props will be offered. The schedule for which two workshops will be offered on each date will be announced soon.
Alt Text

Middle School Audiences

  • Dates:
    • January 20, 21, and 22, 2027
    • January 26, 27, and 28, 2027
  • Time: 10 – 11:30 am
    • Students will learn about career paths and creative processes in theatrical design by hearing from professional designers about their professional journeys and theatrical work, and may even come onstage to help demonstrate design elements created for the performance they are about to see. Then students will watch a performance of Envy & Hope by Kristen Palmer, which will put the demonstrated design elements into action!
  • By the end of their visit, students will understand that:
    • There is no one “right” path to take to a career in the arts.
    • Design elements make impactful contributions to storytelling onstage.
  • By the end of their visit, students will be able to:
    • Identify 1-3 key principles behind two different designers’ work.
    • Describe the impact of the designers’ creative choices on the storytelling of the play and explain why those choices were made.
  • Presentations will be given on Lighting, Sound, Costumes, and Props. The schedule for which two presentations will be offered on each date will be announced soon.

To sign up or learn more, email Director of Community & Artistic Programs Alexandra Smith.
alex_smith@lyricstage.com 

Contact
Alt Text

Pre- and Post-Show Elements

Teachers receive pre-visit educational materials and the option for post-visit follow-up sessions from the show’s director and a member of the design team. Both pre- and post-visit resources are designed to connect the experience to curricula. 

Lyric Backstage aligns with Boston Public Schools Citywide Arts Standards in Theatre.

  • Learn basic fundamentals of how various aspects of design are used in the theatre.
  • Gain familiarity with the purpose of various areas of theatrical design and how technical theatre communicates, compliments, and frames a theatrical production.
  • Understand the designer’s role and the elements and principles which designers use to establish meaning in the mind of the audience.
Alt Text
Alt Text

High School

Senior Year Project by Fabiola Decius

A teen dramedy in which a sports-focused senior and a valedictorian form an unlikely bond while discovering whether a relationship that starts as tutoring can become genuine.

Alt Text

Middle School

Envy & Hope by 
Kristen Palmer

In a dystopian future ruled by virtual labor and earned credits, two digital workers’ lives are upended when a mysterious box awakens their curiosity and imagination.

High School Testimonials

Stories From 
Our High School Community

Emily Rudra

Theatre Teacher at English High School, Boston Public Schools

“It's paramount that BPS Theatre students have the opportunity to see professional productions and receive presentations from designers in order to really understand how what they are learning in Theatre class is relevant. The majority of BPS students have never seen a professional production before attending Lyric Backstage, and many of them have never even seen school productions.”

Kristen Mazzocchi

Theatre Teacher at Needham High School

“My students enjoyed their trip to Lyric backstage. The program focused on the technical aspects of theater which for many of my students is what they are interested in. It isn't often that the students who are interested in theater tech get the chance to meet professionals who are working in the field. The idea that this is something they can pursue and be successful at is inspiring.”

Sara Goddu

Theatre Teacher at Randolph High School

“This is a fantastic program that opened our students’ eyes to some of the not super obvious jobs in theater! They LOVED it and can’t stop talking about it. We cannot wait for next year!”

Fabiola Decius

Theatre Teacher at Josiah Quincy Upper School, Boston Public Schools

“I have been attending Lyric Backstage with my theater students the last two years or so and I really enjoy it and they do as well […] The level of depth and understanding from students in regards to design elements after attending a Lyric Back Stage production versus other productions is a true testament as to how valuable this program is.”

Middle School Testimonials

Stories From 
Our Middle School Community

Magalie Neff

Theatre Teacher at Henry Grew School, Boston Public Schools

“That was awesome!’ my students shouted at the end of the show. With limited resources, they don’t often get to experience all the different aspects of theater. This opportunity gave them something 
truly special — an experience they wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

Laurie Demarco

Theatre Teacher at Joseph Lee K-8 School, Boston Public Schools

“My 6th graders were thrilled! They really benefited from seeing the technical elements in action and enjoyed every minute of the play that followed.  We had a great debrief and reflection after and they were able to cite many examples from the show.”

Travis Knupp

Arts Teacher at Patrick J. Lyndon Pilot School, Boston Public Schools

“This is a terrific program [...] It is so great for students to see a small theatre in operation and gain understanding of what goes into the process. I highly recommend this program to other theatre and arts teachers looking for an impactful experience for their students”

April Duquette

Director of Performing Arts & Athletics, MATCH Charter Public School

“The educational portion was such a hit! Our kids loved learning about production and exploring the various careers in the arts. Their excitement and curiosity were truly inspiring! The show was absolutely fantastic and seeing everything come together was a magical moment for them.”

Backstage is featured on WBZ/CBS Boston!

See Backstage in Action

Powered by
►
Necessary cookies enable essential site features like secure log-ins and consent preference adjustments. They do not store personal data.
None
►
Functional cookies support features like content sharing on social media, collecting feedback, and enabling third-party tools.
None
►
Analytical cookies track visitor interactions, providing insights on metrics like visitor count, bounce rate, and traffic sources.
None
►
Advertisement cookies deliver personalized ads based on your previous visits and analyze the effectiveness of ad campaigns.
None
Powered by