The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is revolutionizing arts education with the Hamilton Project, an innovative initiative that merges the magic of live theatre with civic education. Set to launch on March 20, 2025, this groundbreaking program will provide over 2,100 high school students—primarily from Title I schools across Greater Houston—the opportunity to immerse themselves in history through a dynamic curriculum and attend a special Hamilton High School Night performance—completely free of charge.

Backed by a strong network of supporters, including Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook, Ken Bohan and Dean O’Kelley, the HISD Foundation, and Lugano, this initiative is a major step toward equitable arts access. The Hamilton Project is part of Broadway Bridges on the Road, a national program expanding Broadway experiences for high school students.

A Powerful Intersection of Arts & Education

Through a partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Hamilton Education Program Online, students will explore the Founding Era with an engaging, TEKS-aligned curriculum. This initiative promotes creativity, critical thinking, and civic engagement, ensuring that students not only learn history but actively engage with it.

“At the Hobby Center, we believe the arts are a catalyst for learning,” said Deborah Lugo, Vice President of Programming & Education. “We are committed to making live theatre experiences accessible to all students, igniting their imaginations and inspiring their futures.”

The Hamilton Project Experience

The program is structured into two key components:

• Curriculum Integration – Students will engage in a teacher-led curriculum utilizing historical documents and digital resources. The program encourages creative expression, with select students presenting original pieces at Hamilton High School Night.
• Hamilton High School Night – On March 20, 2025, students and educators from across Houston will gather at the Hobby Center to experience Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical, Hamilton, live on stage. Each participating school will bring 50-75 students, offering them an unforgettable encounter with history through theatre.

Educators are already seeing the program’s impact. “Our students are collaborating across subjects like never before, and they’re loving it,” said Dr. Joe Clark, Director of Performing and Visual Arts at Spring ISD. “The Hamilton Project is an experience they’ll carry with them for life.”

Expanding Arts Access in Houston

With a focus on education and community engagement, the Hobby Center continues to break barriers in arts accessibility. “The Hamilton Project is a testament to the transformative power of theatre,” said Mark Folkes, Hobby Center President & CEO. “It’s initiatives like this that fuel a lifelong love for the arts and create the next generation of engaged citizens.”

As Houston’s cultural heartbeat, the Hobby Center is ensuring that students of all backgrounds have the chance to witness history in a way that educates, inspires, and empowers.