Paper Mill Playhouse has landed a $150,000 grant from Disney to bring free musical theater residencies to Essex County elementary schools starting in the 2026-27 school year.

The Millburn theater will use the two-year grant to launch the Disney Musicals in Schools program, placing trained teaching artists in public elementary schools for 17-week residencies at no cost to the schools. Up to four schools will participate in the first year, with five more joining the following year, according to New Jersey Stage.

The program is free.

Disney Theatrical Group created the initiative in 2009 out of concern that public elementary schools lacked equitable access to the arts. It started in New York City schools before expanding to partner organizations nationwide. Paper Mill becomes the program's first New Jersey partner, according to the theater's announcement.

The grant targets schools with limited arts access. Eligible districts include Newark Public Schools, Irvington Public School District, East Orange School District and Orange Board of Education, according to a Paper Mill press release issued Aug. 31. Title 1 schools with demonstrated economic need will be prioritized.

During each residency, school teachers partner with Paper Mill's teaching artists to learn how to produce, direct, choreograph and music-direct a 30-minute Disney KIDS musical. The adapted shows draw from films including "The Lion King," "Frozen," "Aladdin," "Finding Nemo," "101 Dalmatians," "The Jungle Book" and "Winnie the Pooh." Each school also receives performance rights and education support materials.

"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, Paper Mill's producing artistic director, said in the theater's Aug. 31 announcement. Michael Stotts serves as executive director.

As a capstone, Paper Mill will host a Student Share Celebration where each school performs one number from its show on the Paper Mill stage for students, teachers, families and community members.

Applications for the 2026-27 school year are open. Interested schools can visit papermill.org/DMIS or email [email protected].

Upcoming community events:

• Tour de Millburn community bike ride: Sunday, Sept. 20. Routes for all ages and abilities. Volunteers needed.