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Disney and Dr. Phillips Center Bring Theater Magic to Central Florida Schools with Disney Musicals in Schools
The spotlight is shining a little brighter in Central Florida elementary schools this year, thanks to a magical collaboration between Walt Disney World and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. As part of the nationwide Disney Musicals in Schools initiative, this powerful partnership is providing local schools with the tools, training, and materials to launch sustainable theater programs—and give young students their first taste of stage stardom.
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At Lake Gem Elementary in Pine Hills, students took center stage as a first-year participant, performing Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS on the grand stage at Dr. Phillips Center. Decked out in vibrant costumes made from donated materials courtesy of Walt Disney World, the performance was a purr-fect celebration of creativity, confidence, and community support.
Building the Next Generation of Storytellers
Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Walt Disney World’s Director of External Affairs, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the program:
“Here at Disney, we believe in the power of storytelling. Introducing arts education programs like this into elementary schools opens doors to new worlds and sparks creativity in future generations of storytellers right here in Central Florida.”
Through Disney Musicals in Schools, participating schools receive completely free performance rights, scripts, production materials, and even hands-on coaching to help teachers and students bring their first school musical to life. But the magic doesn’t stop there.
More Than Just a Show—A Lifelong Impact
Ryan Simpson, Director of Education at the Dr. Phillips Center, shared how theater can transform lives:
“By bringing theater to elementary schools, we’re reaching beyond our walls and giving young students a chance to explore creativity, build confidence and find their voice early on. It’s the kind of experience that can truly shape a lifetime.”
And Disney isn’t just contributing scripts and songs—they’re opening the vault. Literally.
Costumes, Creativity, and Conservation
Walt Disney World invited participating teachers to explore their “Costuming Vault,” allowing them to select materials and fabrics to help design student-made costumes and stage sets. This school year alone, Disney has donated over 6,000 pounds of materials to local schools—helping both the environment and educators. The reused materials stay out of landfills and get a second life through the imagination of young artists.
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Lisa Mitchell, Disney Theatrical Group’s Director of Education and Audience Engagement, summed it up perfectly:
“This collaboration is a shining example of a community coming together to enrich the lives of children through the power of the arts.”
From fabric scraps to full-blown performances, Disney Musicals in Schools proves that with a little support—and a sprinkle of pixie dust—students can discover their voices, build lasting confidence, and maybe even dream up their own magical worlds on stage.
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