Inspiring Destinations for Student Performance Tours in the USA
Planning a school performance tour is an exciting way for student groups to showcase their talents while exploring iconic destinations across the United States. From world-famous stages to historic landmarks, each city offers unique venues and performance opportunities that inspire both students and audiences alike. Here are some of the top U.S. destinations for student performance tours.
1. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a premier destination for student performers, offering world-class opportunities at Disney’s performance venues and Universal Studios’ entertainment spaces. With Educational Travel Adventures, students can participate in Disney parades, stage shows, and adjudicated performances, gaining feedback from professional adjudicators. Hands-on workshops at Disney Imagination Campus teach choreography, musicality, and stage presence, while behind-the-scenes experiences show how Disney brings entertainment to life. Learn more about performance tours & workshops at Disney.
2. Washington, D.C.
In our nation’s capital, student performers can combine sightseeing with incredible performance experiences. Groups can perform at historic memorials or at special civic events. Washington, D.C. offers opportunities to connect performances with meaningful educational experiences, such as visits to the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and iconic government landmarks.
3. New York City, New York
New York City is an iconic stop for student performers, especially those who travel with ETA! Musical Theatre, Choir, and Dance groups may apply to make their Broadway debut in ETA’s annual Broadway Benefit Concert, Arts for Autism . Students perform on a Broadway stage alongside Broadway stars in an evening that combines artistic excellence with community outreach and inclusion. Students can also participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, performing alongside other student groups for a live and nationally televised audience. And of course, Carnegie Hall offers many opportunities to perform for bands, orchestras, and choirs at one of the world’s most prestigious venues. Central Park, the Intrepid Museum, and the Statue of Liberty offer fantastic outdoor performance venues while arrangements can be made for performances at St. John the Divine and Riverside Church for bands and orchestras. A performance trip to New York City allows students to refine their skills and experience the performing arts hub of the world.
4. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston offers student groups unique opportunities to perform in historic venues, concert halls, and cultural centers. Performances tours can include educational experiences including visits to the Freedom Trail and renowned institutions such as Berklee College of music and the New England Conservatory of music. Boston’s mix of history and performance opportunities makes it a rewarding destination for music, choir, and theatre groups.
5. Hollywood, California
Hollywood is an iconic destination for student performers, combining entertainment history with hands-on performance experiences. Groups can perform at Universal Studios Hollywood and other professional venues, participate in workshops, and explore behind-the-scenes aspects of film and music production. Performing in Hollywood offers students both inspiration and real-world exposure to the entertainment industry, making it a standout stop on any student performance tour.
6. Dollywood in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s Dollywood is a favorite destination for student performers seeking a mix of stage experience and entertainment park fun. Student groups can perform on Dollywood’s outdoor stages, participate in seasonal events, and receive professional feedback from festival adjudicators. Educational Travel Adventures’ Dollywood performance tours provide structured opportunities for choirs, bands, and theater groups to showcase their talents while exploring the scenic Smoky Mountains. With a combination of performances, workshops, and interactive experiences, Dollywood offers students both skill-building and unforgettable memories.
7. Seattle, Washington
Seattle provides student groups opportunities to perform in cultural centers, music halls, and outdoor spaces. With venues like the Seattle Center and local community theaters, students can showcase music, choir, and theater performances while exploring the Pacific Northwest’s iconic attractions.
8. Branson, Missouri
Branson is a hub for live music performance, making it ideal for student groups and music lovers! Opportunities include performing in concert theaters, festival stages, and community events, with a strong focus bands, orchestras, and choirs. Branson also allows students to witness professional performances, enhancing learning and inspiration.
9. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans offers student performers a unique opportunity to engage with the city’s rich musical heritage. Groups can perform in historic theaters and outdoor festival stages, immersing themselves in the vibrant sounds of jazz, brass bands, and vocal ensembles. Our New Orleans Performance Tour itinerary provides a structured 3-night program, that combines performance opportunities and workshops with sightseeing through the French Quarter and along the Mississippi River. This destination blends performance, history, and hands-on learning, giving students an unforgettable and authentic experience.
10. Dallas, Texas
Dallas offers student performers a dynamic blend of arts, culture, and performance experiences that make it an excellent stop on any performance tour. Students can showcase their talents at iconic venues like Spiral Chapel, Kessler Theatre, Moody Performance Hall, and community stages throughout the Dallas Arts District. The city also hosts student‑centered festivals like The Peak Music Festivals and the Dallas Winds Invitational Windband Festival. Students are evaluated by expert adjudicators and receive valuable feedback. Beyond performance, Dallas provides rich educational experiences with visits to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas Museum of Art. ETA can also arrange workshops with local professionals, masterclasses, and community performances that deepen students’ artistic growth while exploring the vibrant city.
11. Hawaii
Hawaii offers students once-in-a-lifetime live performance opportunities, including performances at the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor and various stages on Oahu. Groups can combine music, theater, or choir performances with cultural workshops and excursions, creating an unforgettable educational and performance experience.
12. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio provides performance opportunities in historic theaters, cultural centers, and outdoor plazas, including the famous Riverwalk area. Student performers can combine sightseeing, learning about Spanish colonial history, and performing in authentic venues that showcase their talents to local audiences.
13. Houston, Texas
Houston offers student groups access to professional concert halls, civic centers, and educational institutions for performance opportunities. Combined with visits to NASA, museums, and cultural attractions, Houston allows students to expand both their artistic and educational experiences on a performance trip.
Plan Your Student Performance Tour
From world-renowned stages to historic landmarks, the U.S. is full of destinations that inspire student performers. Each city offers unique opportunities to develop skills, perform for new audiences, and connect learning with unforgettable travel experiences. Start planning your next school performance tour today and give your students the experience of a lifetime.