Constellation Schools Westside Community School of the Arts has been accepted into a 4-year program with The Cleveland Playhouse, as a Disney Musical School!
The program, which focuses on building confidence and creativity through musical theater, kicked off after the school’s new academic coach encouraged staff to apply. Following a competitive process that included interviews and a tour of the school, Westside was thrilled to be chosen.
In the first two years, the program is offered at no cost to the school and includes hands-on support from The Cleveland Play House team and professional actors from Playhouse Square. For 19 weeks, theater professionals visit the school every Tuesday to collaborate with a team of teachers, while rehearsals are led by school staff on Thursdays.
This year, Westside students will bring “Frozen” to life on stage. Students in grades 3–5 will perform, while grades 6–8 will form the stage crew. Every student has the opportunity to participate.
“Disney puts the focus on the students,” said Julie Clark, Principal of Westside Community School of the Arts. “It’s incredible to see kids coming out of their shells.”
The cast, chosen through auditions, is already in week eight of rehearsals. Students rehearse for 90 minutes twice a week, with their hard work set to be shown off in performances at both the school and Playhouse Square. Opening night is scheduled for March 8, with an additional performance on March 9.
Beyond building confidence, the program supports literacy and enhances students’ skills in reading and comprehension. “The students are doing really well; this program is building on their literacy skills and the science of reading,” shared Clark.
Congratulations on this incredible opportunity to inspire creativity, teamwork, and a love of the arts among students!