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
Using the unique world of musical theater, Disney Musicals in Schools helps foster positive relationships between students, faculty, staff, parents and the community.
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
Selected schools are expected to:
Produce 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
Goals of Disney Musicals in Schools
Expose students and school faculty to the wide spectrum of skills that are developed when producing a piece of musical theater, including critical thinking, problem solving, ensemble building, communication, self-confidence, and interpersonal skills.
Sustainable theater programs
Create sustainable musical theater programs in public elementary schools
Training and tools
Provide school faculty with the training and tools necessary to support student performance and production, and to empower them to do so
Awareness and appreciation
Develop a critical awareness and appreciation of the arts within the school
Build a community
Develop a strong community, including students, parents, faculty, staff and neighbors
2025-2026 School Cohort
Applications for the 2025-2026 School Cohort are open March 1 – September 19! For more information about the program please email disneymusicals@hennepinarts.org.
Disney Musicals in Schools engages with Minnesota public elementary schools in the Twin Cities metro area, prioritizing under-resourced schools.
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
TBD: School performances
5/19/26: Disney Musicals in Schools Student Share Celebration
