By now, most people are familiar with the hugely popular musical “Hamilton,” but many don't know about the innovative educational program that has been touring the country in tandem with the show for the past year.
Charlotte was one of 14 cities where the Hamilton Education Program, or HEP, made a stop.
On Thursday, more than 2,000 students and teachers from 22 Title 1 high schools attended a matinee performance of the show at Belk Theater after having spent several weeks in their classrooms studying American history through a special integrated curriculum about Alexander Hamilton and the nation's Founding Fathers.
Students from various schools performed an original work they created based on their classroom studies – including songs, rap, poetry, scenes and monologues – on stage in front of their peers.
The performances were followed by a question-and-answer session with members of the “Hamilton” cast.
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