“At this appropriate time we are thankful to the STEP program which has provided students and parents with a chance to see Broadway shows. Our students come from an economically deprived area. They would not otherwise have an opportunity to experience a Broadway production.” “Working with STEP has helped ensure that both arts learning and curricular education reach all of our first and second grade students. The STEP staff has efficiently made it possible for our students to discover Broadway. They have made an ongoing effort to make the arrangements for these theatre events on Saturdays that supplement our arts program and expand students’ learning.” Elizabeth Broadsky, Principal Community Elementary School

Now in its second year, HAI's STEP program is making it possible for school arts coordinators and teachers to purchase tickets to cultural events throughout New York City. As a vendor for the Department of Education, HAI has provided schools with tickets to The Lion King, Oklahoma, Aida, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden and Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera House. Unlike other Department of Education vendors HAI can provide schools with tickets to Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden as well as venues in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. Last spring HAI acquired tickets for schools to attend Hairspray in previews before the show became the biggest hit of the season.

Schools that participate can also receive free HAI violence prevention workshops, as well as in-school presentations of three theatrical in-school presentations written by peers… Respect, Directed and Choreographed by George Faison, Loss & Gain by Playwright and Director Elizabeth Swados and Peace by Peace, a theatrical presentation with follow up facilitated workshops (see p. 8). In addition, schools participating in STEP are invited to attend HAI sponsored music and dance events throughout the year.