A student performs in the Disney Musicals in Schools program.-(Hand-out/Disney Theatrical Group)
The magic of Disney could soon be taking center stage at elementary schools across the country.
Disney Musicals in Schools is accepting applications for its free Stage Connect program, an initiative designed to help public and charter elementary schools build musical theater programs from the ground up.
Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are due by Feb. 9, 2026.
What Stage Connect offers
Stage Connect is an online teacher training program from Disney Theatrical Group that provides schools with the tools needed to produce their own Disney musical, even if educators have no prior theater experience.
Selected schools receive free access to the Stage Connect training platform, free performance rights to a Disney show and a ShowKit of materials that includes student scripts and music tracks.
Schools can choose from titles such as 101 Dalmatians, Aladdin, The Aristocats, Finding Nemo, Frozen, The Jungle Book, The Lion King and Winnie the Pooh.
Expanding access to school theater
For 17 years, Disney Musicals in Schools has partnered with local performing arts organizations in select cities across the United States and the United Kingdom. More than 125,000 students have performed in their first school musical through the program.
Stage Connect was created to expand that reach nationwide. The online program launched during the 2025–2026 school year, with 71 schools currently producing a musical through Stage Connect.
Teachers see student excitement grow
Educators participating in the program say it has helped spark creativity and confidence in students.
‘Stage Connect has helped us bring theater to our school by providing videos, resources, and a wealth of knowledge that has helped our team be able to establish a musical theater program,’ said Alana Gillet, a teacher at Green Valley Elementary in New Albany, Indiana.
Cheyanne Harris, a teacher at Endeavor Elementary in Cocoa, Florida, said the program has given students a creative outlet they did not previously have.
‘For students with no previous experience, this program has opened the door to an entirely new world,’ Harris said.
How to apply
Any public elementary school, including charter schools, is eligible to apply. Participating schools must commit a team of four teachers or district staff members to the program.
Musicals selected through Stage Connect will be rehearsed and performed during the 2026–2027 school year.
More information and the application link are available at DisneyMusicalsinSchools.com/StageConnect.
