Theatre Under The Stars receives $150,000 grant to launch local Disney Musicals in Schools Program

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) has announced that it will bring the Disney Musicals in Schools program to the Greater Houston area with funding from a $150,000 grant from Disney. The program will allow local public elementary schools to participate in and produce a Disney musical, with support from TUTS, at no cost.

The Disney grant will cover two years of the Houston program, which is now accepting applications. TUTS will select two schools to participate in the 2025–26 school year, with an additional five to be chosen for the 2026-27 school year. More information, including eligibility, requirements, and application, can be found at www.tuts.org/disney. The deadline to apply is October 6.

“This new partnership expands our relationship with Disney in the best way—through one of their incredible programs that increases access to musical theatre for the youngest students in our public school system,” said Dan Knechtges, TUTS Artistic Director, in a statement.

According to a press release, selected schools will participate in a free 17-week musical theater residency and will receive complimentary “performance rights, educational support materials, and professional development as teachers collaborate with TUTS artists to learn how to direct, choreograph, and music direct a 30-minute Disney KIDS musical.” Each school will also perform a number from their production at the Hobby Center in a culminating Student Share Celebration. Schools will be responsible for their individual production budgets.

Launched in 2009 to address equitable arts access in public elementary schools, Disney Musicals in Schools partners with organizations nationwide. Its goals, according to its website, include creating sustainable musical theater programs; developing a strong community of students, parents, faculty, staff, and neighbors; and exposing students and faculty to the wide spectrum of skills that are developed when producing a piece of musical theater, such as critical thinking, problem solving, ensemble building, communication, self-confidence, and interpersonal skills.

“This program creates an opportunity for students to learn, create, and grow through the art of musical theatre,” said Hillary Hart, TUTS Executive Director, in a statement. “It aligns perfectly with our mission to cultivate the art form and provide access to the community.”