Education Program
Disney Musicals in Schools
Disney Musicals in Schools presented by PNC is a program that develops sustainable musical theater programs in public elementary schools.
Grade: Elementary School
"Building sustainable theater programs in our Twin Cities’ public elementary schools"
Goals of Disney Musicals in Schools
By providing free performance materials and free professional development to participating teachers, the program has helped schools across the US and UK launch new theater programs, inspiring the next generation of storytellers, artists and audiences.
Training and tools
School teams receive three years of tiered support from Hennepin Arts and local theater professionals to support student performance and production
Sustainable theater programs
Public elementary schools graduate the program with their own sustainable musical theater program
Awareness and appreciation
Develop a critical awareness and appreciation of the arts with the school’s community
Build a community
Develop a strong community, including students, parents, faculty, staff and neighbors
Our impact
Disney Musicals in Schools residencies are offered to public elementary schools in the state of Minnesota through Hennepin Arts. Eligible schools are invited to apply to the program through a grant application, with a total of 6 new schools being accepted to the program each year.
Selected schools will receive:
A free performance license to a 30-minute Disney KIDS musical (available shows include: 101 Dalmatians, Aladdin, The Aristocats, Finding Nemo, Frozen, The Jungle Book, The Lion King and Winnie the Pooh)
Free ShowKit® materials, including Director's Guides, Actor Scripts, Guide Vocal & Performance Accompaniment tracks, Choreography videos, a Piano/Vocal Score, and Family Matters: A Parent's Guide to the Theatre booklets.
Free in-school support from Hennepin Arts teaching artists
An opportunity for students to perform a number from their school’s chosen show at one of Hennepin Arts’ historical theatre venues at the annual spring Student Share Celebration
Selected schools are expected to:
Host at least one public and ticketed performance of their school’s chosen musicalProduce a 30-minute Disney KIDS musical involving third through fifth graders
Identify a School Team comprised of at least three teachers and staff members who will oversee and manage the program from beginning to end
Commit to 17 weeks of rehearsal (comprised of a minimum of two 90-minute sessions per week) consistently attended by designated School Team members
Host at least one public and ticketed performance of their school’s chosen musical
Upcoming Disney Musicals in Schools dates
Applications for our new school cohort open in early-spring each year. For more information about the program, please email disneymusicals@hennepinarts.org or follow our Instagram at @spotlight_mn.
Important Dates:
3/1/25: Applications Open
9/19/25: Applications Close
12/9/25: Selected school orientation
1/6/26 – 5/15/26: Rehearsals and onsite support from Teaching Artists
2/27/26: New School Applications Open
5/19/26: Annual Student Share Celebration at the State Theatre
TBD: School performances
