Dr. Phillips Center Celebrates Young Performers at Disney Musicals in Schools Student Share
To date, over 6,000 students have participated in the 17-week residency that brings musical theater to Title 1 elementary schools
Orlando, Fla. – On May 12, 2025, 360 elementary students from Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties were welcomed to Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, to showcase what they’ve been working on for the past 6 months.
Dr. Phillips Center leads Disney Musicals in Schools in partnership with Disney Theatrical Group, a free 17-week musical theater residency designed to help local schools build sustainable theater programs.
The residency supports educators every step of the way, as they direct their schools’ very first musical. This includes teaching artists from AdventHealth School of the Arts who are trained by Disney Theatrical Group. Since launching in Orlando in 2015, the residency has 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,” said Ryan Simpson, education director at Dr. Phillips Center. “It’s the kind of experience that can truly shape a lifetime and reflects our vision of Arts for Every Life®.”
As part of the residency, schools receive free scripts, performance materials and expert guidance. Teachers are also invited by Walt Disney World to explore the “Costuming Vault,” where they pick out fabric and materials to create costumes and set pieces. This school year, Disney donated more than 6,000 pounds of materials to elementary schools through the residency.
“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,” said Lisa Mitchell, Director of Education and Audience Engagement for Disney Theatrical Group, which runs the nationwide program. “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."
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, performed one scene and song from their selected Disney KIDS musical inside Steinmetz Hall, one of the world’s most acoustically perfect spaces.
Disney Musicals in School is supported by Walt Disney World. Learn more about education programs at drphillipscenter.org.
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