From Classroom to Center Stage: Celebrating One Year of Disney Musicals in Schools Stage Connect

For over 17 years, Disney Musicals in Schools has helped more than 100,000 students experience the joy of performing, bringing the magic of storytelling to life in public elementary schools across the United States and the United Kingdom. Created by Disney Theatrical Group, the program equips educators with the tools, training, and confidence to produce school musicals, many for the first time.

In 2025, Disney launched Stage Connect, a new online platform designed to expand access to musical theater even further. By delivering the same high-quality teacher training through a virtual platform, Stage Connect removes geographic barriers and makes it possible for public elementary schools anywhere in the United States to stage their own musical. The program provides teachers with step-by-step guidance, demonstration videos, downloadable resources, and ongoing support from Disney teaching artists, along with free show kits and performance rights to iconic Disney stories like The Lion King, Frozen, and Finding Nemo.

71 elementary schools were selected to participate in the inaugural Stage Connect cohort. After months of preparation, these schools have brought their productions to life and celebrated a successful first year of this nationwide program expansion. At Chandler Elementary School in Sherman Oaks, California and Grover Cleveland Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois, Stage Connect has helped transform classrooms into stages for creativity and connection.

Chandler Elementary Roars to Life with The Lion King KIDS

At Chandler Elementary School in Sherman Oaks, California, the sound of music and excitement filled the halls as students prepared for their production of The Lion King KIDS.

“It’s really for people that have never put on a show before and need that guidance,” shared first-grade teacher and director Wendy Mumolo.

Meeting several times a week, Chandler students and teachers came together to rehearse, many stepping onto a stage for their first time.

“I’m a better speaker in front of people, and I’ve made new friends,” shared third grader Tyler A.

For students like Tyler A., the experience allowed them to build confidence, develop new talents, and find their own voices. Teachers saw that growth firsthand, watching students come out of their shells and discover a new creative outlet.

Grover Cleveland Elementary Dives into Finding Nemo

Across the country in Chicago, students at Grover Cleveland Elementary School made a splash with their production of Finding Nemo KIDS.

Young performers dove into the colorful undersea world of their musical. Under the direction of third-grade teacher Maria Xoy, students prepared to perform for their first time.

“You can see how their confidence is slowly but surely building up. It’s really beautiful to see,” reflected Xoy.

For students like Owen M., the experience sparked excitement from the very beginning.

“It was a feeling that something good was going to happen,” said Owen M.

Beyond the performance, the program helped foster a strong sense of community. Xoy outlined her hope that every public school might one day have access to opportunities like this.

Inspiring Future Generations

From Sherman Oaks to Chicago, and schools across the country, year one of Stage Connect has revealed stars on stage and behind the scenes. By empowering teachers and students, Disney Musicals in Schools continues to open doors, bringing the transformative power of the arts into classrooms and communities nationwide. To learn more about how Disney supports future generations, visit Disney.com/FutureGenerations.