Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn will bring free musical theater residencies to Essex County elementary schools after receiving a $150,000 grant from Disney.
The grant funds two years of the Disney Musicals in Schools program, which places teaching artists in public elementary schools for 17-week residencies at no cost to the schools. Up to four schools will participate in the 2026-2027 school year, with five more joining the following year, New Jersey Stage reported.
The program is free.
It pairs schoolteachers with teaching artists trained by Paper Mill Playhouse and Disney Theatrical Group. Together, they learn to produce, direct, choreograph and music-direct a 30-minute Disney KIDS musical. The professional-development model means teachers gain skills that last beyond the 17-week residency, so schools can sustain theater programming on their own.
Disney KIDS titles, created in partnership with Music Theatre International, are 30-minute musicals adapted from Disney films including "The Lion King," "Frozen," "Aladdin," "Finding Nemo," "101 Dalmatians," "The Aristocats," "The Jungle Book" and "Winnie the Pooh." Each participating school also receives performance rights and education support materials.
Schools in four Essex County districts can apply: Newark Public Schools, Irvington Public School District, East Orange School District and Orange Board of Education. Title 1 schools with demonstrated economic need will be prioritized.
"We are thrilled to deepen that relationship through Disney Musicals in Schools, introducing the joy of musical theater to students and educators across our community," Mark S. Hoebee, producing artistic director of Paper Mill Playhouse, said in a statement Monday, Aug. 31.
The program ends with a Student Share Celebration at Paper Mill Playhouse, where each school performs one number from its show on the Millburn theater's stage for students, teachers, families and community members.
Disney Theatrical Group, led by Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, launched the program in 2009 over concerns that public elementary schools lacked equitable access to the arts. It began in New York City schools before expanding to partner organizations across the country. Paper Mill Playhouse, recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award and based at 22 Brookside Drive, is the New Jersey partner.
Schools can apply or learn more through Paper Mill Playhouse's education page at papermill.org/DMIS or by emailing [email protected]. No application deadline has been announced.
Upcoming community events:
- Student Share Celebration — Participating schools will perform on the Paper Mill Playhouse stage at the end of the 17-week residency. Date to be announced.
- Schools interested in the Disney Musicals in Schools program can contact [email protected] for details.
