Next Stop Broadway — Attraction in Coral Springs

Waste of a summer. My daughter spent all three sessions at the summer camp and it took me less then one session to completely regret this decision. NSB is the most expensive theatrical camp in the area compared to the Broward Center for the performing arts and Florida Childrens theater and underperforms its peers at every level. The camp limits capacity per session to 175-200 students from ages 7-13 and crams them all into a single performance with the older students taking the leads. The younger students are consistently strung along in auditions and led to believe they may have a part, my daughter came home so excited in the first session because she was working really hard and moved on to the next rounds of audition, only to realize that it was never even a remote possibility and it's a theme that carried through in sessions 2 and 3. NSB consistently claims "EVERY STUDENT WILL BE IN THE SHOW" which is true, but really 95% of them will actually be in an activity room somewhere across campus only to be brought out for a 2 minute dance a few times and then go back to the classroom. These dances entail somewhere around 30 kids on the stage at one time in addition to the main cast and at one point my daughter said she had to perform behind the curtain because there wasn't enough room on the stage. The final stage bow is video taped remotely and just played on a projector. NSB attempts to perform two functions simultaneously and fails at both. It tries to create an inclusive performance, and it tries to create a quality performance. Less then 10 students out of the 200 are included in any sort of meaningful way, and while the quality of the production is actually decent at a $5 ticket price, it's subpar at the $25 ticket price compared to shows put on by the florida childrens theater that rehearse for months. The ticket price is not only ridiculous, it's awkward. We attended several performances for my daughters friend at Broward Center at a reasonable $5 per seat ticket, purchasable online via ticketmaster. Their family wanted to return the support and come see our show but it comes out to $100 for a family of four which is more then is reasonable to ask. NSB attempts to justify lack of inclusion in the final performances by putting an emphasis on weekly spirit rally's that the students perform in, which families are strictly prohibited from attending because of....well, reasons. First it was blamed on Covid and pandemic related issues (despite the final performance being completely crammed), then it was blamed on building restrictions, but I suspect it has more to do with them charging you $40 for a video to get to see them. In stark comparison to this trainwreck of a camp, my daughter attended the Broward Center camp last year and every student gets a part with camp splitting up performances into less then 20 students per production, with the prestige that comes with performing at the broward center, they included full performance videos for free in the price(which was cheaper then NSB). Overall, I felt like the purpose of this camp was to cram as many children in to generate as much revenue as possible. My daughter has requested multiple times not to return to this camp and I don't blame her...

I couldn't be more pleased with my daughter's experience at Next Stop Broadway (NSB). Their priority is to keep kids happy and safe throughout the summer and they accomplish this and much MORE. They are upfront at the onset that very few kids will receive a lead in the show, although everyone is in the show. Unlike other theater camps, it isn't all about putting on a show. The campers are given multiple opportunities to showcase their passions and talents - NSB Idol, NSB's Got Talent, weekly spirit rallies, weekly dress up days, and special vocal and dance teams. (They even help coach us parents on how to talk to our kids when they have to deal with disappointment if they do not get the role they wanted. ) The part that impressed us the most is the level of training they receive - dancing, acting and improv, costume making, theater tech, and audition prep. This is done in a supportive, encouraging, and caring environment. The feedback and guidance our daughter has received throughout the audition and training process has helped her grow exponentially in all areas. It is a large camp, which was initially concerning to us. Don't let this deter you, it is run like a well oiled machine. We have been so impressed. They are heavily staffed with trained adults and college students, who quickly get to know each child. Each class is run by a team of professionals with the assistance of an intern as well counselors and CITs who all have a passion for theater. And despite the long days they work, there has never been a time I pulled up to the theater that they weren't all smiling. The office also does a great job communicating with parents through both paper and email reminders and info. On the rare occasion we have had a concern, the office has been very receptive and responsive. It is obvious by this review that we are very pleased with the experience our daughter has had at NSB... She calls it her "Happy Place," If you have a child who loves performing, or is "thinking" about dipping their toes in the theater pool, we highly...

I wanted to take a moment to thank NSB for another wonderful summer. In the eight years that our kids have been attending their summer camp, this year’s Matilda production was hands-down our number one favorite! The talent, dedication, and heart that went into it (and always go into these productions) were so clear, and we loved every moment.

As a parent, it means so much to feel confident sending my kids to a camp where the young counselors are not only passionate but also so thoughtfully hired and well-trained. This summer, Makayla was a shining example of that, and I’m so grateful for the positive impact she had on my son this year. He’s on the spectrum and battles SEVERE ADHD and his counselors created a warm and welcoming environment where he felt seen and significant instead of being pushed aside as he often is. This is the kind of safe environment that brings kids out of their shells to showcase and celebrate their unique qualities and talents. As a Psychoderm provider, I recognize the importance of theatre for everyone’s mental health (ref: The Body Keeps the Score) … and this program really creates that space.

We started with NSB some years ago with my oldest who now excels with any theatrical challenge she’s given. Her first opportunity in middle school, she competed and made it to states where she was recognized for her ability. It was NSB that first brought it out. Thank you from all my kiddos and myself!

Thank you again for creating such a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for our kids year after year. We’re already looking forward to...