Teri Nehrenz in her role of Dr. Martha Livingston in Agnes of God a 2016 VVTG production. Nehrenz will be directing the production and set work for Disney Musicals in Schools at Bowler Elementary. Photo by Barbara Ellestad.
Disney Theatrical Group is thrilled to join forces with the Smith Center to bring Disney Musicals in Schools to students at Bowler Elementary School in the 2016-17 school year.
Teri Nehrenz and Susan Schultz have been chosen as the local teaching artists to lead the program in Bunkerville. Nehrenz will be directing the production and set work and Schultz will choreograph and teach the kids basic dance steps.
According to information received by Nehrenz, “Disney Musicals in Schools began at Disney Theatrical Group in New York City in 2009 and was established to create sustainable theater programs in under-resourced public elementary schools.
“Disney Musicals in Schools is a free outreach program offered to a limited number of public elementary schools each year. Through the program schools receive free performance rights and show kit materials for a 30-minute Disney musical written especially for elementary school performers.”
Susan Schultz performs a nautical number in the Mesquite Toes 2016 Dance Spectacular. Schultz will choreograph and teach Bowler Elementary School kids basic dance steps when Disney Musicals in Schools kicks off next school year. Photo by Teri Nehrenz.
Over the course of 17 weeks, Nehrenz and Schultz will guide school teachers through the process of mounting a musical with student performers. The goal of the program is to provide the training necessary for teachers to continue a tradition of theater education for years to come.
Both Nehrenz and Schultz are very excited for this opportunity. Nehrenz says, “Musical theater combines all the performing art forms and provides an exciting and fun opportunity for young people to work onstage or behind the scenes. Beyond the absolute joy of being onstage, musical theater fosters creativity, collaboration and communication. Theatre helps to enhance skills in memorization, speaking, listening and it helps build self-confidence.”
Imagine, in February, your children singing, acting, and dancing onstage, or working behind the scenes to make the magic happen. Disney Musicals in Schools presents a special opportunity for public elementary schools to bring the magic of student performance to their communities and again in April when the children will be able to perform one number from their musical at the Smith Center.
For more information on the Disney Musicals in Schools program and how your child can participate contact Bowler Elementary School during the regular 2016-17 School year.
Bravo! to Teri and Susan and all who help bring this program to Bowler Elementary!
What a rich opportunity for Bowler and all of us who live here. Thank you to the volunteers who will share their time and talents with our young people. Teri and Susan are perfect in their spots. We are blessed. Plan to support and attend the events.