Dr. Phillips Center honors young performers at Disney musicals in schools

360 elementary students from Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties were welcomed to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on May 12 to show the last 6 months of their work. 

Disney Musicals in Schools, in partnership with Disney Theatrical Group,is led by Dr. Phillips Center for a 17-week musical theater residency made to advice schools to build sustainable theater programs. 

In a press release, the Dr. Phillips Center revealed that the program helps educators at every step as each schools’ musical is directed, including artists from AdventHealth School of the Arts who are trained by Disney Theatrical Group. Since its launch in 2015, the residency reached  more than 6,000 students from over 34 Title 1 elementary schools across Central Florida.

“By bringing theater to elementary schools, we’re reaching beyond our walls and giving young students a chance to explore creativity, build confidence and find their voice early on,” Ryan Simpson, education director at Dr. Phillips Center said. 

“It’s the kind of experience that can truly shape a lifetime and reflects our vision of Art for Every Life.”     

Schools get free scripts, performance materials, and professional advice as part of the residency. Walt Disney World also invites educators to visit the "Costuming Vault," where they select textiles and supplies to make costumes and set pieces. Through the residency, Disney provided primary schools with almost 6,000 pounds of resources this school year.

“It’s inspiring to see Disney Musicals in Schools flourish in Orlando, where the creativity of local students and educators meets the support and enhancement only the Walt Disney World team could provide,” Lisa Mitchell, Director of Education and Audience Engagement for Disney Theatrical Group said. “With the expert guidance of the Dr. Phillips Center education staff, this collaboration is a shining example of a community coming together to enrich the lives of children through the power of the arts."

One scene and a song from their chosen Disney KIDS musical were performed by students from Castle Creek Elementary School, Catalina Elementary School, Highlands Elementary School, Lake Gem Elementary School, Michigan Avenue Elementary School, and Spring Lake Elementary School inside Steinmetz Hall, one of the most acoustically ideal venues in the world.

Disney Musicals in School is supported by Walt Disney World.

Learn more about education programs at drphillipscenter.org.