It Starts With a Dream: Disney Musicals in Schools Students Take the Stage at ASU Gammage

On a warm February evening, ASU Gammage buzzed with excitement. Proud parents, family members, and community supporters filled the seats, while dedicated school staff lined the sides of the auditorium. Teaching artists waited in the wings as a slideshow highlighted the participating schools and the students who had spent months bringing their productions to life.

More than 160 elementary students from across the Phoenix area took the stage at ASU Gammage for the 2026 Disney Musicals in Schools Student Share, a joyful evening celebrating creativity, collaboration, and the power of arts education.

The showcase featured students from five schools who spent the past 17 weeks rehearsing their musicals as part of the Disney Musicals in Schools (DMIS) program, presented locally through a partnership between ASU Gammage and Disney Theatrical Group.

“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Vice President for Cultural Affairs at Arizona State University and Executive Director of ASU Gammage. “Disney Musicals in Schools connects communities and gives students the opportunity to discover their creativity and confidence on stage.”

Since launching the program in Phoenix four years ago, ASU Gammage has partnered with 17 elementary schools and introduced more than 700 students to musical theatre.

For educators, the impact reaches far beyond rehearsals and performances.

At The Creighton Academy in central Phoenix, principal Katie Cartier shared a moment that captured the spirit of the program.

“Just the other day our assistant principal and I were called to the playground because a whole bunch of Frozen kids were performing,” Cartier said. “They had hired security guards, brought a microphone from home, organized a seating area, and created their own performance. The confidence and leadership these kids have learned from this program is like watching a dream come true.”

Cartier also described how families rallied around the production, volunteering their time to build sets and costumes.

“Last Saturday, an entire group of our parents got together to build sets, paint doors, and make costumes,” she said. “Disney Musicals in Schools has become a full family affair.”

At Emerson Elementary in the Mesa Public Schools district, principal Danielle Kidd said the program quickly began changing how students see themselves.

“Our school applied for the Disney Musicals in Schools program because we wanted to give our students access to performing arts experiences they might not otherwise have,” Kidd said. “The impact on our students and staff has been incredible.”

Students who once hesitated to speak in class are now confidently performing for audiences.

“Students who were once shy are now singing and performing in classrooms and hallways,” Kidd said. “They encourage one another, celebrate each other’s success, and feel a real sense of belonging.”

At Hohokam Elementary in the Scottsdale Unified School District, principal Maggie Finan said the music from the school’s production has become part of daily life on campus.

“I hear students singing ‘The Bare Necessities’ at dismissal, in the hallways, and even to their younger siblings who hope to one day join the program,” Finan said.

For some students, she added, the experience has been especially meaningful.

“For students who have experienced trauma or face challenges at school, this opportunity has truly changed their lives,” Finan said. “Watching rehearsals, seeing students collaborate, support one another, and grow as a team, is a deeply moving experience.”

At Salt River Elementary, located within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the program offered many students their first opportunity to participate in musical theatre.

Principal’s representative Jennifer Tom said the experience helped students imagine new possibilities for themselves.

“Many of our students have never seen a musical before,” Tom said. “But they know Disney. When they see stories like Marvel’s Echo, where the main character is Indigenous like them, it helps them think, ‘I can be up there too.’”

The program has helped students discover new confidence.

“Students who started out scared are now proudly projecting their lines,” Tom said. “Shy students are more open, and most of all, they are more confident.”

At Whittier Elementary in Mesa, principal Katie Gardner said the program has become a defining moment in the school’s arts culture.

“Being in the first show at Whittier is impressive, and we will hang a banner with all of their names in our multipurpose room for years to come,” Gardner said.

She said the program has strengthened relationships throughout the school community.

“DMIS has become part of our identity,” Gardner said. “It has strengthened relationships, built confidence, and reminded all of us, adults included, that joy belongs in education.”

On stage at ASU Gammage, the students sang and danced with enthusiasm and pride. After each performance, the audience erupted in applause.

Some students peeked excitedly from behind the curtain, hoping for another chance to step into the spotlight.

The audience saw a brave Jasmine, a multitalented Aladdin, a lively Baloo from The Jungle Book, and a group of charming kittens from The Aristocats jr. For many of the students, it was the performance of a lifetime.

During the Student Share, each school presented one musical number from its production before returning to the stage together for a grand finale performance of the Disney Musicals in Schools theme song, “It Starts With a Dream,” written by composer Alan Menken.

As the final notes rang out, confetti popped across the stage, sending colorful streamers into the air. The students squealed with excitement and reached out to catch the falling pieces, eager to grab a few streamers as souvenirs from their big night.

This magical moment was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Abbett Family Foundation, whose support launched the Disney Musicals in Schools program at ASU Gammage and has funded it through its first five years. Their investment has provided the financial foundation that allows creativity, confidence and community to flourish on stages and in classrooms across the Valley.

For the students performing under the lights at ASU Gammage, the evening marked the culmination of months of dedication and the beginning of new dreams.

As many educators shared throughout the night, the program does more than teach theatre.

It helps students discover their voices.

The program also continues beyond the Student Share. Each participating school receives free licensing and professional development to produce another Disney musical next year. The hope is that the magic of theatre continues to grow in their communities for years to come.