A group of students is posed on stage—all dressed in street clothing (like hoodies, dresses, and T-shirts) made to look like different animals—during a Disney Musicals in Schools performance. Their arms are outstretched and they’re all smiling.

Disney Musicals in Schools Expands with New Stage Connect Program

By the D23 Team

For nearly two incredible decades, Disney Musicals in Schools has helped create empowering musical theater programs in public elementary schools in 22 cities across the United States and the United Kingdom—allowing over 100,000 kids to experience performing in their very first school musical! And now, Disney Musicals in Schools is poised to bring that magic to more students than ever before with the launch of Stage Connect…

Normally, recipient schools receive free performance rights and ShowKit materials to a 30-minute Disney musical created specifically for elementary school performers—while also gaining free, in-school support from a pair of Teaching Artists, who guide classroom teachers through producing their first school musical.

Stage Connect, a brand-new teacher training program that expands Disney Musicals in Schools across the U.S., delivers that same, high-quality teacher professional development from the in-person program via online learning. It removes any geographic barriers and extends Disney Musicals in Schools to communities that may not have access to the traditional program.

A group of students is posed on stage—all dressed in street clothing (like hoodies, dresses, and t-shirts) made to look like different animals—during a Disney Musicals in Schools performance. One student is featured toward the front; they are wearing a crown and a cape

From now through July 1, any public elementary school can apply for free access to Stage Connect and free performance rights to a Disney show! Recipient schools can choose from the following titles: 101 Dalmatians, Aladdin, The Aristocats, Finding Nemo, Frozen, The Jungle Book, The Lion King, and Winnie the Pooh. With Stage Connect, educators will get the training they need to successfully produce one of these school musicals, regardless of their prior experience.

“We’re thrilled to expand the transformative power of school theater across the country by providing teachers with quality materials and innovative, accessible training,” says Lisa Mitchell, Director of Education & Audience Engagement at Disney Theatrical Group. “Disney Musicals in Schools is designed to spark creativity, foster a love for the arts, and help kids gain valuable skills such as confidence, empathy, and collaboration—all while experiencing the joy of putting on a show. All kids deserve access to the arts, and we’re hopeful Stage Connect can bring us one step closer to that goal.”

Hosted by L. Steven Taylor and Bonita Hamilton from Broadway’s The Lion King, Stage Connect features demonstration videos and downloadable resources that coach teachers through all facets of putting on a show.

Recipient teachers will take the Stage Connect online courses before beginning their rehearsal process. The platform provides on-demand reference materials, downloadable resources, and instructional videos every step of the way.

A group of students is posed on stage during a Disney Musicals in Schools performance. They are in the middle of a dance number, and many are holding drumsticks or other sticks with ribbons attached to them. They are all dressed in African-inspired clothing.

Up to 200 schools will be selected for the 2025-26 school year, and recipient schools must commit a team of four teachers (or other school staff) to the program. For more information—including how your school can apply!—please visit DisneyMusicalsinSchools.com.