Disney Musicals in Schools Launches New Platform to Reach More Elementary Students Nationwide

Disney Launches “Stage Connect” to Bring the Magic of Musicals to Schools Nationwide

It’s showtime—anywhere! Disney Musicals in Schools is turning up the spotlight with the launch of Stage Connect, a groundbreaking new initiative designed to bring the enchantment of musical theater to public elementary schools across the United States, no matter where they’re located. And the best part? It’s completely free.

For 16 years, Disney Musicals in Schools has helped over 100,000 kids find their voices (and their jazz hands) through local partnerships and in-person teaching artist support. Now, thanks to this new online platform, Stage Connect, the magic is going digital—making it easier than ever for teachers and students to bring the curtain up on a Disney musical in their own schools.

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What is Stage Connect?

Stage Connect is an online professional development platform that empowers teachers—regardless of theater experience—with the tools, resources, and confidence to produce a school musical. Through this innovative platform, teachers can access:

• Free performance rights to a 30-minute Disney musical tailored for young performers
• Downloadable ShowKit materials including scripts, music tracks, choreography guides, and more
• Instructional videos featuring guidance from real Broadway pros (yes, even Simba and Shenzi are in on this—shoutout to L. Steven Taylor and Bonita Hamilton from Broadway’s The Lion King)
• On-demand support and step-by-step guidance through every stage of the production

This new program makes it possible for any public elementary school—including charter schools—to apply, with up to 200 schools selected for the 2025-26 school year.

A Tale as Old as Time—Made New

In the traditional program, schools were paired with teaching artists from local arts organizations. But not every community has access to those resources. Stage Connect removes that barrier, delivering the same high-quality training online so more kids can experience the magic of live theater, no matter where they live.

Lisa Mitchell, Director of Education & Audience Engagement at Disney Theatrical Group, shared,

“All kids deserve access to the arts, and we’re hopeful Stage Connect can bring us one step closer to that goal.”

Lisa Haines, Disney’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, added,

“Stage Connect will equip teachers with the resources they need to bring beloved Disney stories and characters to life while teaching students the power of storytelling, collaboration and school theater.”

The Disney Musical Lineup

Schools accepted into the Stage Connect program will choose from a lineup of kid-friendly hits, including:

• 101 Dalmatians
• Aladdin
• The Aristocats
• Finding Nemo
• Frozen
• The Jungle Book
• The Lion King
• Winnie the Pooh

It’s a lineup that’s practically perfect in every way.

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How to Apply

Eligibility: All U.S. public elementary and charter schools
Application window: Now through July 1, 2025
Team Requirement: Schools must commit four teachers or staff to participate
Notification: Selected schools will be announced in August 2025
Production Timeline: Musicals will take place during the 2025-26 school year

Teachers and school administrators ready to turn their classrooms into center stage can head to DisneyMusicalsinSchools.com for more information and to apply.

This isn’t just another school program—it’s a standing ovation waiting to happen.