Jungle Book KIDS.
Brittany Hague, a fourth-grade teacher
at Pleasant Hill Elementary, is directing the
school’s production of The Lion King KIDS
despite lacking any experience in musical
theater. The program’s teaching artists are
so helpful, she says, that even a novice can
stage a successful show.
“This program has caused a resurgence
of the arts at Pleasant Hill,” says Hague. “Kids
because of their involvement. Plus, other artsrelated
activities have come back. It’s been
positive in every way.”
64 artsLife | SUMMER 2018
Disney Musicals in the Schools was introduced
in Central Florida through a two-year
grant awarded to Dr. Phillips Center by the
Disney Theatrical Group, which piloted the
program in New York City in 2010.
Subsequently, the program established
partnerships with performing arts organizations
in 18 cities across the U.S., serving 175
schools and more than 21,000 students. A
London program was launched last year.
Brazil says that teams of faculty members
and between 40 and 60 students per school
usually participate in one form or another.
Although the grant ends this year, she says,
the arts center will seek new funding for the
2018–19 school year.
perfectly,” she notes.
Email Jennifer Russo at jennifer.russo@
drphillipscenter.org or call the arts center
at 407.839.0119 for more information about
Disney Musicals in Schools.
/jennifer.ru
/drphillipscenter.org