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Disney Musicals in Schools Launches “Stage Connect” Expansion in 71 Schools

Disney Future Storytellers

October 24, 2025

Disney Musicals in Schools proudly announced the first 71 elementary schools selected nation-wide to participate in Stage Connect, a new, innovative online teacher training program that will bring the magic of musical theater to more kids and schools across the United States.

For 16 years, Disney Musicals in Schools has created sustainable and empowering musical theater programs in public elementary schools. To date, the program has been available in 22 cities across the US and UK through collaborations with local performing arts organizations. Over 100,000 kids have performed in their first school musical though the program.

In an effort to make Disney Musicals in Schools more widely available and inspire the next generation of creatives and storytellers, Stage Connect, an online teacher training program expands Disney Musicals in Schools across the United States. By delivering the same, high-quality teacher professional development from the in-person program via online learning, Stage Connect removes geographic barriers and extends Disney Musicals in Schools to communities that don’t have access to the traditional program.

The selected schools will have free access to Stage Connect and free performance rights to a Disney show (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). Stage Connect provides the foundational training for educators to successfully produce a school musical, regardless of their prior experience.

“Stage Connect expands Disney Musicals in Schools to kids across the country in a whole new way. We can’t wait to see the creativity that unfolds on school stages as educators and students bring beloved Disney stories to life in a way that only they can.”

Lisa Mitchell

Director of Education & Audience Engagement, Disney Theatrical Group

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. Participating teachers will also have access to live webinars and direct support through Disney Teaching Artists.

“We're thrilled to inspire the next generation of storytellers by launching Stage Connect in 71 schools across the country. By bringing beloved Disney stories and characters to life, we're excited to help teachers and students experience the power of storytelling, collaboration and theater.” 

Lisa Haines

SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility, The Walt Disney Company

Disney Musicals in Schools and the Stage Connect expansion are all part of Disney’s commitment to inspiring the next generation. To sign up to hear when applications open for next school year’s program, visit DisneyMusicalsinSchools.com.

2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR APPLICATION INFORMATION:

    • Eligibility: Any public elementary school (including charter schools) are eligible to apply. Up to 200 schools will be selected.

    • Commitment: Recipient schools must commit a team of four teachers (or other school staff) to the program.

    • Production timeline: Musicals to be produced during the 2026-27 school year.

Disney Future Storytellers