There is a special kind of magic that happens when a child steps onto a stage for the first time. As they spend weeks learning choreography, music and remembering lines, they discover sometimes surprising, and often wonderful new versions of themselves.
Parents, community members and educators in Brevard County saw this magic in-person as students from Endeavour Elementary staged a spot-on performance of 101 Dalmatians KIDS on March 19.
Brought to life with hands-on support from Disney Cruise Line and made possible by Disney Musicals in Schools: Stage Connect, an initiative of Disney Theatrical Group, the performance was the grand finale for the young performers who have spent months preparing for their moment in the spotlight at the Rockledge High School auditorium.
As the young cast took their final bows, a sea of Disney VoluntEARS from Disney Cruise Line cheered from the audience. Captain Mickey Mouse made a surprise appearance during the curtain call, inviting the budding stars to visit the Disney Wish for an exclusive performance of Seas the Adventure. In a touching tribute to the hard work of the cast and faculty, performers and educators were presented with handcrafted flowers created by crew members onboard the Disney Destiny.
The Journey to Center Stage
As one of the first schools in the nation to be part of the pilot Disney Musicals in Schools: Stage Connect program, Endeavour Elementary School students, parents, and educators brought the power of Disney storytelling to life with the support of a unique cast of characters: Disney Cruise Line cast and crew members.
To celebrate the launch of the Disney Destiny, the latest vessel in their celebrated Wish-class of ships, Disney Cruise Line introduced “Discover Your Destiny.” Sailing out of Port Everglades on 4- and 5-night Bahamian sailings, the Disney Destiny is a heroes- and villains-themed ship, that celebrates iconic characters and stories of Walt Disney Animation, Pixar, and Marvel.
“Discover Your Destiny” was designed to open doors for students and educators in our port communities by helping them explore the incredible power of storytelling through the creative arts. Through ongoing mentorship and behind-the-scenes access, Disney Cruise Line has been a part of this adventure from the very beginning. Students met with DCL entertainment crew members to hear firsthand what it’s like to turn a passion for performing into a professional career.
Disney VoluntEARS and entertainment experts joined students at Endeavour Elementary to help assemble the props, spots, and tails needed for their canine cast. And before the public curtain rose, students hosted a special preview performance for DCL crew members getting a taste of what it’s like to perform for a global audience.
“It was a really cool opportunity to be able to connect with the kids to emphasize that you can make a career out of the arts,” said Claire, a Disney Cruise Line Costume Production Manager.
Bringing Stories to Life with Disney Musicals in Schools
This collaboration is made possible through Disney Musicals in Schools, a program that ignites a passion for storytelling by building lasting theater programs in public elementary schools. By providing free performance rights, materials, and professional development for teachers, the program helps schools across the country launch brand-new musical theater programs — ensuring the next generation of artists has a place to grow.
“What these students and educators accomplished is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young people are given the opportunity to tell stories through the arts,” said Lisa Mitchell, Director of Education & Audience Engagement at Disney Theatrical Group. “Programs like Disney Musicals in Schools help make arts education accessible and impactful for students across the country, and we’re incredibly grateful to Disney Cruise Line for going above and beyond to make this experience unforgettable for the Endeavour Elementary community.”
Endeavour Elementary was selected as one of over 70 elementary schools nationwide to participate in the inaugural launch of Stage Connect, an innovative online teacher training platform that removes geographic barriers. This expansion of the Disney Musicals in Schools program provides free online training that empowers teachers with the tools and resources to produce a Disney KIDS musical.
“Disney has inspired our students well beyond what we as educators could have ever imagined,” said Catherine Murphy, Principal of Endeavour Elementary School. “The Disney Musicals in Schools’ programing has been incredible. And Disney Cruise Line’s partnership has brought it to the next level.”
Impacting the Region
“Discover Your Destiny” reflects Disney Cruise Line’s deep commitment to the communities we call home. Beyond Brevard County, Disney Cruise Line is challenging students in Broward County, Fla., to think like Walt Disney Imagineers and executives by presenting business-case solutions to panelists from various departments across Disney Cruise Line. In The Bahamas, Disney Cruise Line is working with the Shirley Bass Foundation to help students apply artistic skills to the vibrant traditions of Junkanoo and educators layer the arts into their cultural storytelling.
A Heroic Future
As Disney Cruise Line continues to celebrate the Disney Destiny, a ship inspired by the legacies of heroes and villains, we are reminded that every great story starts with a spark of inspiration. Whether these students eventually find themselves on a Broadway stage or a Disney ship, we are honored to help them navigate toward a bright future.
This is just the beginning of their journey — one that we’re sure will be filled with many more opportunities to shine in the “spotlight”.
Want to Learn More?
For more information about how Disney Cruise Line is making a meaningful impact in the communities we call home, visit DisneyExperiences.com or Disney Cruise Line Crew & Community on Facebook. To learn how to get involved with Disney Musicals in Schools and Stage Connect, visit DisneyMusicalsinSchools.com.