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In Nutley, New Jersey, the enchanting world of Disney is coming to life at Lincoln Elementary School as students gear up for special performances this week.
The school has joined a novel initiative designed to assist public elementary schools in staging their own Disney musicals.
This week, students are excitedly preparing to present their version of “The Lion King KIDS.”
The program aims to make musicals and the magic of Disney more accessible in public schools nationwide.
Through the Disney Musicals in Schools’ Stage Connect initiative, educators receive complimentary resources, including show scripts, music tracks, and training, to help them confidently produce a school musical.
Director and third-grade teacher Laura Wiesner said when they started, they thought they might get 30 to 40 children interested, but ended up getting 90 students interested.
“The amount of students who found themselves in this space is astounding to me,” Wiesner said.
“Some of the students I thought were going to be shy…they are just superstars,” musical director and special education teacher Amalia DaCosta said.
DaCosta said 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,” Wiesner said.
All public elementary schools are eligible to apply from now until March 9. Head to disneymusicalsinschools.com/stageconnect to apply.
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