LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (May 6, 2026) – Ten years, dozens of schools and countless first-time theatre debuts later, Disney Musicals in Schools continues to expand access to arts education in Central Florida elementary schools through a unique collaboration between Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Walt Disney World and Disney Theatrical Group. The program provides free scripts, performance materials and coaching to help launch sustainable theater programs and stage schools’ first productions.
As Disney Musicals in Schools celebrates 10 years of theatre programming in Orlando, student participants from Orange and Osceola counties were invited to Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to make their big debut on Walt Disney Theater stage and perform numbers they’ve been working on for months as part of the program. The Student Share event gives participants the opportunity to perform on stage in a professional venue and experience the joy of bringing Disney stories to life for their friends, families and more than 200 Disney VoluntEARS who showed up to support them.
“A decade in, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when students are given the space to create,” said Ryan Simpson, education director at Dr. Phillips Center. “Through our partnership with Disney, we’ve helped schools across Central Florida build lasting theatre programs that go beyond teaching performance – they shape how young people see themselves and the world around them.”
Access to arts education changes lives, and Disney and Dr. Phillips Center help make it possible through the Disney Musicals in Schools program. Dr. Phillips Center delivers the program to Central Florida schools, with financial support from Disney World. Both teams know that behind every performance is a student finding their voice, a teacher gaining confidence and a school discovering new possibilities, all made possible through this 10-year collaboration.
“Disney Musicals in Schools has helped students across Central Florida discover the confidence and creativity that comes from stepping onto a stage,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World. “We’re proud of the lasting impact the program has made on around 6,000 local students in 36 schools throughout our community.”
Disney is proud to support kids and teachers in classrooms across all 50 states as part of our commitment to inspire future generations of storytellers and innovators. Learn more about Disney’s efforts at Disney.com/FutureGenerations.
Learn more about education programs at Dr. Phillips Center at drphillipscenter.org.
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Walt Disney World Resort: Walt Disney World Resort is a world-class entertainment and recreation destination featuring four of the most popular theme parks from around the globe, two thrilling water parks, nearly 29,000 hotel rooms, a sports complex, several golf courses and Disney Springs — a metropolis of shopping, dining and entertainment. Since 1971, Walt Disney World has focused on delivering legendary guest service and one-of-a-kind experiences that make it the number one vacation destination in the world where families create magical memories.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a private nonprofit organization (501(c)(3) in downtown Orlando, Florida. The arts center produces, presents and serves as home to regional, national and international works and co-presents Broadway in Orlando. The 698,312- square-foot venue to date has hosted 7,500+ performances and events, welcoming 6.2 million+ guests and contributing over $29.2 million to purpose and community since opening in November 2014. The arts center features renowned venues such as the Walt Disney Theater, Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, and the acclaimed Steinmetz Hall, recognized among Architectural Digest’s 11 most beautiful theaters worldwide. Judson’s Live, the new live music room, enhances the arts center alongside established venues such as the DeVos Family Room, Rooftop Terrace and Seneff Arts Plaza. Additionally, the AdventHealth School of Arts offers year-round performing arts education. For more information, visit drphillipscenter.org. Follow on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Disney Musicals in Schools: Disney Musicals in Schools, launched in 2009 by Disney Theatrical Group, ignites a passion for storytelling by building sustainable theater programs in public elementary schools. By providing free performance materials and free professional development to participating teachers, Disney Musicals in Schools has helped schools across the US and UK launch new theater programs, inspiring future generations of storytellers, artists and audiences.