Spotlight Education

"Highlights of the event included watching the amazing student performances, alongside being able to greet excited parents!"
—Teacher from Palmer Lake Elementary
Disney Musicals in Schools offers a unique opportunity to introduce musical theatre while fostering collaboration between students, educators, and the community.
Participating schools receive free resources and training, helping create lasting theatre programs and empowering the next generation of storytellers and performers.

Applications for the 2026 to 2027 school year close September 21.⭐
Learn more and apply: https://www.tfaforms.com/5215523

Congratulations to our 2026 New York Experience Recipients! With the support of our generous sponsors and donors, these 6 young artists are about to embark on a five day trip to New York City, where they will train with industry professionals and see several Broadway shows. We are wishing them an adventure of a lifetime and can't wait to hear all about it!

We'd like to congratulate our Spotlight Showcase 2026 Scholarship and Award Recipients! These students received cash prizes to continue their education in theater, music, dance, and marketing. We are all so proud of you!

We're thrilled to announce that Kiara Angline and Jacob Marckel have been chosen as our 2026 Jimmy Awards® Actor Nominees! These two young artists will be coached by industry professionals through an intensive rehearsal process and ultimately, make their Broadway debuts on June 22, 2026. We're so proud of you both!

We are proud to announce the performing productions for Spotlight Showcase 2026! These schools will each perform a medley of highlights from their 2025-2026 honored productions. Join us at the State Theatre this June 8-9 to experience theatrical magic hailing from every corner of Minnesota. Get tickets at the link in bio or by visiting HennepinArts.Org.

Congratulations to Megan Erickson, our 2026 Theater Educator Award Recipient!

One of her students wrote: "Megan not only cares deeply about theatre, but also about the lives and well-being of each of her students. Because of her, theatre becomes more than just a performance—it becomes a place where people feel valued, inspired, and confident."

Join us at the State Theatre on June 8-9 as we honor the incredible work of Megan Erickson!

We love seeing Spotlight Education alumni making an impact across the Twin Cities theatre community, like Lyric Arts' completely sold-out run of Mamma Mia!

Pictured (L to R): Jack Moorman ('20), Morgan Kempton ('16), Asher Bennett-Hays ('26), JJ Gisselquist ('18), Jonathan Haller ('19), Carly Joseph ('21), Laini Devin (Spotlight Evaluator), and Joshua Burniece ('16).

Supporting students through arts education creates lifelong connections, careers, and a stronger creative community for all. 🌟

September 21 is the deadline to apply for Disney Musicals in Schools. Don’t miss the opportunity to bring musical theater to your school and provide students with the tools, training, and support to grow as storytellers and performers.

Hear from a past participating school:
"Our performances had no seats left! Our parents are always excited to see high quality theater at an inner city elementary school that has no formal program or resources."
—Teacher from Loring Elementary School

Learn more and apply: https://www.tfaforms.com/5215523

We’re proud to announce the 2026 Community Engagement Award Recipients!

Chisago Lakes High School, Hopkins High School, Kennedy High School, Lakeville South High School, Minnetonka High School, PiM Arts High School, Rogers High School, St. Michael-Albertville High School, Westonka High School, VISTA Productions/Theatre Department of Visitation School and Saint Thomas Academy, White Bear Lake Area High School, and Woodbury High School went above and beyond to make a difference in their communities this past season.

Join us in honoring them at the State Theatre this June 8-9!