Winners have been revealed for the inaugural Disney on Broadway School of Excellence program, a new initiative from the Educational Theatre Association, Disney Theatrical Group, and Music Theatre International. Winning schools will receive a free license to produce a Disney stage musical—such as The Little Mermaid, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, or Newsies—between fall 2024 and December 2025.
The program was created as part of the celebration of Disney's 30th year on Broadway, calling upon schools to show their creativity, leadership, and student engagement across all theatrical disciplines to be named one of this year's 21 winners.
“We’re thrilled to support these schools as they bring the magic of Disney to life on stage,” says EdTA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Katona in a statement. “Theatre plays such a vital role in fostering creativity and leadership in students, and this program celebrates that by giving schools the opportunity to showcase their talent and passion.”
The winning schools are Adairsville High School in Adairsville, Georgia; Advanced Learning Academy in San Antonio, Texas; Bainbridge High School in Bainbridge, Georgia; Butler Montessori in Darnestown, Maryland; Calvary Christian School in Columbus, Georgia; Davidson Fine Arts School in Augusta, Georgia; East Samford Middle School in Auburn, Alabama; Hahnville High School in Boutte, Louisiana; John Champe High School in Aldie, Virginia; Klein Collins High School in Spring, Texas; Lake Ridge Academy in North Ridgeville, Ohio; Leonardtown High School in Leonardtown, Maryland; Marion Junior High School in Marion, Illinois; New Albany High School in New Albany, Indiana; Park View High School in Sterling, Virginia; Plano Community High School in Plano, Illinois; Ridge View High School in Columbia, South Carolina; Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva, North Carolina; The SEED School of Washington, D.C. in Washington, D.C.; Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School in New York, New York; and Woodhaven High School in Brownstown, Michigan.
For more on the Disney on Broadway School of Excellence program, visit SchoolTheatre.org.