Press Release: GR EDWARDS ELEMENTARY SELECTED FOR DISNEY MUSICALS IN SCHOOLS “STAGE CONNECT” PROGRAM

Contact:
Dr. Allen M. Wilson
Principal
G.R. Edwards Elementary School
(252) 937-9025 | amwilson@ncpschools.net

GR EDWARDS ELEMENTARY SELECTED FOR DISNEY MUSICALS IN SCHOOLS “STAGE CONNECT” PROGRAM

Rocky Mount, N.C., – Oct.  30, 2025: GR Edwards Elementary is excited to announce its selection as one of over 70 elementary schools nationwide participating in the launch of Stage Connect, an innovative online teacher training expansion of the Disney Musicals in Schools program.

Stage Connect is a free online training experience that empowers teachers with the tools and resources to produce a Disney KIDS musical, bringing students together through the magic of theater and beloved Disney stories. Through this unique program, GR Edwards Elementary will receive professional development, educational materials and free performance rights to stage a Disney KIDS musical during the 2025–26 school year.

Participating schools have the opportunity to choose from popular Disney titles including 101 Dalmatians, Aladdin, The Aristocats, Finding Nemo, Frozen, The Jungle Book, The Lion King and Winnie the Pooh.

“Stage Connect expands Disney Musicals in Schools to kids across the country in a whole new way,” shared Lisa Mitchell, Director of Education and Audience Engagement, Disney Theatrical Group. “We can’t wait to see the creativity that unfolds on school stages as educators and students bring beloved Disney stories to life in a way that only they can.”

Stage Connect features demonstration videos, downloadable resources, self-paced online learning and live webinars hosted by artists from Broadway’s The Lion King and Disney Teaching Artists. Participating teachers will build skills that help create lasting musical theater programs at their schools, regardless of prior experience.

“We are honored that G.R. Edwards Elementary has been selected for Disney’s Stage Connect program. This opportunity perfectly aligns with our school’s mission to nurture creativity, confidence, and collaboration in every child. Bringing the arts to life through a Disney musical not only inspires our students to dream big but it reminds them that when we work together, we can make magic happen right here in Thunderbird Country.” - Dr. Allen M. Wilson, Principal 

Launched by Disney Theatrical Group in 2010, Disney Musicals in Schools has reached over 100,000 kids in public elementary schools across the US and UK. In its continued commitment to arts access and inspiring the next generation of storytellers, the Stage Connect online expansion helps to eliminate geographic barriers, expanding opportunity to schools and communities nationwide.

For more information about Disney Musicals in Schools and Stage Connect, visit DisneyMusicalsinSchools.com.

For local media inquiries, please contact:
Dr. Allen M. Wilson
Principal
G.R. Edwards Elementary School
(252) 937-9025 | amwilson@ncpschools.net