It was a magical day at the Benedum Center as 300 students in grades 3-5 from nine Pittsburgh-area schools took the stage for the Disney Musicals in Schools Student Share Celebration. This event marked the third full year of the program for the Cultural Trust and the first time the students performed at this iconic theater.
While the moment may have been nerve-racking for the students—it is a big stage, after all—you wouldn't know it as they delivered energetic choreography and confident vocals, having fun with every move and note.
Building a Musical Tradition
Their performances at the Benedum Center, along with the full productions in their communities, marked the culmination of an intensive 17-week program. During this time, teaching artists worked alongside students and teachers to craft each school's musical while also training educators to become directors, music directors, choreographers, and stage managers.
The goal? To build sustainable musical theater programs in their schools.
For Disney and the Cultural Trust, it’s also important that this opportunity is as accessible as possible. Elementary schools are selected annually to participate free of charge, and any Title 1 Schoolwide Status public elementary school in Allegheny County is eligible to apply for the Disney Musicals in Schools program.
A Performance to Remember
The celebration kicked off with all students performing "It Starts with a Dream," a song that every Disney Musicals in Schools participant across the nation learns to sing annually.
Afterwards, each school took their turn under the spotlight with songs that transported the audience from Paris to Agrabah, London to Arendelle, across the Pacific Ocean, and into the Hundred Acre Wood.
Throughout the show, Pittsburgh performers and hosts of the event, Alex Manalo and Parag S. Gohel, offered advice to students, reflected on their own artistic journey, and highlighted the themes of friendship, courage, and joy expressed in the medley of songs.
Before each performance, an educator or administrator from the school shared their reflections on how this musical adventure impacted the schools, the staff, and the students. Here’s how the schools described their Disney Musicals in Schools experience:
Pittsburgh Dilworth PreK-5***
Teachers at Pittsburgh Dilworth saw their students grow in so many ways during their Disney Musicals in Schools experience. Participants reported gaining confidence, overcoming their fears, and making new friends in the 17-week period.
Pittsburgh Dilworth PreK-5 performing the “Prologue” from Aristocats KIDS.
Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School**
The impact of Disney Musicals in Schools extended far beyond the theater at the Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter. Teachers observed how the opportunity not only changed their theater program for the better, but it also changed their students—even beyond the stage.
Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh performing the “One Jump Ahead” from Aladdin KIDS.
Clairton Elementary School*
In a community known for athletics, Disney Musicals in Schools allowed Clairton Elementary to try something new. The program allowed students to discover new talents and be recognized in a different way.
Clairton Elementary performing the “Dalmatian Conga” from 101 Dalmatians KIDS.
Pittsburgh Faison K-5***
Entering their third year with Disney Musicals in Schools, Pittsburgh Faison K-5 has begun developing a sustainable theater program that grows stronger each season and continues to welcome new students who have never participated in a musical.
Pittsburgh Faison K-5 performing “For the First Time in Forever” from Frozen KIDS.
Young Scholars of Greater Allegheny Charter School**
For the Young Scholars of Great Allegheny Charter, one of the most rewarding aspects of the program was the opportunity for quieter students to come out of their shell. This year and last year, teachers noticed that students’ reading and speaking skills improved because of the experience. The Young Scholars of Greater Allegheny Charter School performed “Friend Like Me” from Aladdin KIDS.
Penn Hills Elementary School**
Following the huge success of their Lion King production last year, it was clear that the Disney Musicals in Schools tradition needed to continue at Penn Hills. In fact, students asked what the musical would be for this year on an almost daily basis. They brought that incredible energy to each rehearsal, making this production their own.
Penn Hills performing “Big Blue World” from Finding Nemo KIDS.
Turner Intermediate School***
While an educator at Turner Intermediate acknowledged that teaching is hard, he said that Disney Musicals in Schools program is the highlight each year and that makes it all worth it. He described opening night as the proudest moment of his life and reminded students that this is their moment to shine.
Turner Intermediate School performing “The Backson Song” from Winnie the Pooh KIDS.
Environmental Charter School Intermediate*
Aristocats KIDS was the first musical ever at the Environmental Charter School. The experience has filled the school with a special kind of energy that you can hear with students singing the songs at recess and see with their joy during rehearsals.
Environmental Charter School Intermediate performing “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat” from Aristocats KIDS.
United at Twin Rivers Elementary**
Students at the United at Twin Rivers Elementary adventured into the world of theater with Disney Musicals in Schools, with many taking the stage for the first time. The students embraced each challenge with excitement and energy, and some have even continued their musical journey by joining a local theater group.
United at Twin Rivers Elementary performing the “Finale and Bows” from Aladdin KIDS.
***Year 3 School
** Year 2 School
* Year 1 School
Thank you!
Each year, the Disney Musicals in Schools program requires many hours of rehearsals, building sets, making costumes, coordinating schedules, and so much more. Thank you to the teachers, principals, administrators, families, students, and teaching artists who make this program possible!
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