New program connects schools with Disney's musical magic

"Through Disney Musicals in Schools' Stage Connect, educators are given free resources like show scripts, music tracks and training that give them the confidence they need to produce a school musical. The program makes musicals and bringing the magic of Disney into public schools more accessible for all."

"Some of the students I thought were going to be shy...they are just superstars. A lot of her students struggle socially and academically, so it has been amazing to see them come alive in the production."

"The resilience that's been built, watching their growth and how proud of themselves they are, and the community they've built, is the most amazing thing for me. The amount of students who found themselves in this space is astounding."

Lincoln Elementary School in Nutley, New Jersey is participating in Disney Musicals in Schools' Stage Connect, a program providing free resources to public elementary schools for staging Disney musicals. The school is currently producing "The Lion King KIDS" with 90 participating students. The program supplies educators with scripts, music tracks, and training to facilitate school musical productions. Teachers report significant positive impacts, including students overcoming shyness and social struggles while building resilience and community. The program demonstrates how accessible Disney musicals can transform student engagement and confidence. Public elementary schools can apply through March 9 at disneymusicalsinschools.com/stageconnect.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles