Disney Musicals in Schools

Disney Musicals in Schools ignites a passion for storytelling by building sustainable theatre programs in elementary schools. In 2025, Disney chose Starlight to collaborate with and implement the program in Kansas City.

GOALS

  • Create sustainable musical theatre programs in under-resourced public elementary schools.
  • Provide school faculty with the training and tools necessary to support student performance and production, and to empower them to do so.
  • Develop a critical awareness and appreciation of the arts within the school.
  • Develop a strong community including students, parents, faculty, staff, and neighbors.
  • Expose students and school faculty to the wide spectrum of skills that are developed when producing a piece of musical theatre, including: critical thinking, problem solving, ensemble building, communication, self-confidence, and interpersonal skills.

2026-2027 PROGRAM DETAILS

Each year, Starlight selects up to five elementary schools in the Kansas City metro area to participate in the Disney Musicals in Schools program. Participation involves a three-year commitment, and selected schools receive free in-school support from Starlight Teaching Artists, free performance rights, and ShowKit materials.

April 13, 2026Applications open
September 25, 2026Applications close
October 2026Finalist candidate site visits
November 9, 2026Selected Schools are notified
Week of November 30, 2026School orientation and training at Starlight (3 hours)
December 2026 – May 2027Disney Musicals in Schools residencies (17 weeks)
May 2027School performances
May 2027Student Share Celebration at Starlight

Learn more about the program.

Teachers and school administrators: If you are a teacher or school administrator interested in applying for the program, apply here. Deadline to apply is September 25, 2026.

Teaching artists: If you are interested in working with this program, apply here.

For questions and more information, contact dmis@kcstarlight.com

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