Both Pearl Studios and Open Jar Studios are in the heart of Times Square/Hell's Kitchen, so we recommend booking a hotel or Airbnb within walking distance of Times Square. Most of Midtown West puts you within 10–15 minutes of either studio, whether you walk or hop on the subway.

If you like convenience, we recommend you book:

HIGH END and very close to the theater. 

VALUE and home to famous Green Room 42.

But many of our campers stay all over the city! The city is easily commutable by subway, and staying in a different neighborhood will only add to your NYC experience. Most Broadway performers do not live within walking distance of Times Square.

Yes — especially for the Winter 3-Day camp. Since Session 3 is our designated storm backup weekend, we strongly encourage booking flexible hotel and flight rates for winter sessions, so a shifted date doesn't cost you anything extra.

NYC hotel prices climb the closer you get to your dates, so we recommend booking as soon as you register, especially for Summer programs, when Times Square hotels fill up fast with tourist season.

Either works. Airbnb can be more affordable, especially for the longer 5-Day camp. A hotel is simpler if this is your first time in the city.

You can fly into JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark (EWR). LaGuardia tends to have the shortest ride into Manhattan, but compare fares across all three before booking.

The easiest options are a taxi, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), or public transit (AirTrain + subway from JFK, or the M60 bus from LaGuardia). 

The train or bus can be good options. Penn Station (train), Grand Central Station (train), and Port Authority (bus), are all within short commutes of the studio and Times Square area. 

We don't recommend it. Parking is expensive and hard to find, and you won't need a car for anything during camp — walking, the subway, and taxis will get you everywhere.

Most campers walk or take a quick subway ride. Both studios are centrally located in Midtown.

Camp starts at 9:30am sharp — plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early, plus extra buffer if you're new to the subway or staying farther out.

Millions of people navigate this city solo every day, and plenty of our campers come by themselves. Stick to well-lit, populated areas - which describes basically all of Midtown - and stay aware of your surroundings.

Plan for meals, local transit, and any extras like souvenirs or additional outings. Of course if you’re planning to see several Broadway shows during your visit or visit NYC’s incredible restaurants, then forget the budget and have the best time!

Comfortable, move-friendly clothing - think what you'd wear to a dance or theater class. Layers are smart regardless of season, since studio spaces can run cold.

Summer camps: NYC summers run hot and humid, so pack light, breathable clothing.
 
Winter camp: NYC winters are cold, and this is your storm-backup season. Pack real warm layers, not just a light jacket.

Anything you like!

If your session gets stormed out, we'll reschedule you for the backup weekend. If you're not able to make the backup weekend, we'll hold your Broadway Weekends credit toward a future in-person program. We do not offer refunds.

Should I get travel insurance?
We recommend booking flexible hotel and flight rates for any Winter session, just in case your dates shift to the backup weekend.

Only the 5 Day Summer Camp program includes a theater ticket. A show will be selected from the current Tony season, and we’ll let you know as it’s been decided! We always try to select a show that we feel will be the most impactful experience, and we research off broadway transfers and out of town try outs to make our selection decision.

All camp bookings are final sale - we don't offer refunds. If your Winter session is affected by a storm, we'll move you to the backup weekend. If you can not attend an event you have signed up for, we will hold your credit towards any future program. Last minute cancellations are allowed for credit.