Launching Sustainable Theatre Programs in Houston Elementary Schools
Public elementary schools across the Greater Houston Area are encouraged to apply to participate in this new program.
Applications are now closed for the 2025-26 school year. To receive updates about the program and get notified about future opportunities to apply, sign up for our email list.
GET UPDATED ABOUT DISNEY MUSICALS IN SCHOOLS
TUTS Disney Musicals in Schools FAQ
What Are the Goals of Disney Musicals in Schools?
- Create sustainable musical theater programs in public elementary schools.
- Provide school faculty with the training and tools needed to support student performance and production, empowering them to continue.
- Develop a critical awareness and appreciation of the arts in schools.
- Build a strong community—including students, parents, faculty, staff, and neighbors.
- Expose students and faculty to the full range of skills developed through producing musical theater—critical thinking, problem-solving, ensemble building, communication, confidence, and interpersonal skills.
Are There Any Costs for Participating Schools?
Disney Musicals in Schools is free to recipient schools and includes:
- One-year performance rights to a Disney KIDS musical of the school’s choice
- A complimentary ShowKit: Director’s Guides, Student Scripts, and more
Additional expenses—such as production budgets, teacher compensation, and student transportation—are the school’s responsibility and are not included.
How Does the Program Work Toward Sustainability?
The program delivers professional development to school teams so they can sustain theater productions independently in future years. Teachers are equipped with in-depth training and support to maintain and grow their programs year after year.
- Second Year: Graduated schools receive renewed performance rights, a standard ShowKit, and continued professional development.
- Third Year: Graduated schools receive a discounted ShowKit and continued professional development opportunities—even if their next performance isn’t a Disney musical, as long as they continue producing musical theater.
Which Schools Are Eligible?
A limited number of public elementary schools in designated districts are selected each year via an application process.
How Are Schools Chosen?
How Is the Residency Structured?
Disney KIDS musicals are 30-minute stage adaptations of classic Disney stories written specifically for elementary performers.
- Duration: 17 weeks of after-school rehearsal
- Structure:
- One weekly 90-minute rehearsal with a professional Teaching Artist
One weekly 90-minute rehearsal led independently by the school team - Teaching Artists gradually transition rehearsal duties to school teachers
- Culminates in a fully produced 30-minute musical and participation in a Student Share showcase at TUTS
- One weekly 90-minute rehearsal with a professional Teaching Artist
What Are the Requirements of Participating Schools?
Schools must:
- Produce a 30-minute Disney KIDS musical featuring 3rd–5th graders (onstage and backstage)
- Assemble a School Team of 3–5 teachers/staff to manage the production
- Commit to 17 weeks of after-school rehearsal (two 90-minute sessions per week)
- Provide rehearsal space, time, materials, and resources for students and staff
- Involve parents and the broader community in the production
- Stage at least one performance and participate in the program-wide Student Share event
For questions not answered above, please contact TUTS Education at education@tuts.org or call 713-558-8801.
