Segerstrom Center for the Arts recently announced details for the 13th season of its Disney Musicals in Schools program, which will bring free musical theater residencies to four Orange County elementary schools.
The 2026-27 program is set to provide 17-week residencies at Hansen Elementary in the Savanna School District, Taft Elementary in the Orange Unified School District, Parkview Elementary in the Garden Grove Unified School District, and Paul Revere Elementary in the Anaheim Elementary School District, according to the Segerstrom Center.
Since its inception in 2014, the program partners Segerstrom Center teaching artists with Title I elementary schools. The goal is to assist students, teachers, and school staff in producing 30-minute Disney KIDS musicals. Officials stated that teaching artists work weekly with school teams, offering professional development and practical instruction in key areas such as directing, choreography, music direction, and stage management. This comprehensive approach is designed to equip schools with the necessary tools to continue offering musical theater even after the residency concludes.
Lisa Petersen, vice president of education and engagement at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, remarked that “Disney Musicals in Schools reflects the transformative power of the arts in a student’s life.” Petersen also highlighted that beyond introducing students to musical theater, the program supports the development of confidence, creativity, communication, and teamwork — essential skills that benefit students well beyond the stage. The Center expressed pride in partnering with schools to create these experiences and bring together students, families, educators, and communities through the shared enjoyment of the arts.
The 2026-27 season commenced on September 9 with an orientation event. This included hands-on theater-making activities led by teaching artists, the announcement of each school’s chosen musical, and an overall review of the program. The school residencies are scheduled to begin in October and will culminate in a Student Share Celebration at 5 p.m. on March 10, 2027.
Over its 13-year history, the Segerstrom Center stated that the program has served 45 elementary schools across 16 school districts. Annually, it reaches more than 200 new students and 22 new teachers. Alumni schools are also extended invitations to participate in ongoing professional development sessions. The Center noted that most Orange County schools that have participated since the program began in 2014 have successfully sustained musical theater programs on their campuses. The Segerstrom Center is one of 25 organizations in the United States and United Kingdom offering the Disney Musicals in Schools program.
