The Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts has once again activated its Community Giveback program to present local students and their teachers with a chance to enjoy a night of Broadway. This season, students were invited to attend performances of Frozen.
What’s Happening:
- This past weekend, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts welcomed the touring production of Disney’s Frozen with the fan favorite show entertaining hundreds of guests.
- Now the theater is sharing the magical show with 675 regional students so they can experience a night of Broadway with Frozen through the arts center’s Community Giveback program from March 1st-5th.
- The Doctor Phillips Center raised $24 thousand in collaboration with private donors and sponsors to provide this opportunity to youth in the community.
- The students, teachers and guests represent:
- Boys & Girls Club & MVP Strong Families
- Central Avenue Elementary
- Citrus Square Community Center
- Dover Shores Elementary
- Englewood Community Center
- Highlands Elementary
- James R. Smith Community Center
- Lake Como Elementary
- Lovell Elementary
- Michigan Avenue Elementary
- Neptune Elementary
- Partin Settlement Elementary
- Nearly half of the students are also part of the Dr. Phillips Center’s Disney Musicals in Schools (DMIS) program, which is offered to a number of Title I public elementary schools every year.
- Through the program, the schools receive performance rights and ShowKit materials to a Disney musical. This year’s DMIS finale is taking place on May 17th at the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater.
Did You Know:
This is the third time the Dr. Phillips Center has activated its Community Giveback program in the past three seasons. This program has hosted a total of 2,000 students across popular shows:
- Frozen (21/22 season)
- Aladdin (19/20 season)
- Hamilton (19/20 season).
What They’re Saying:
- Kathy Ramsberger, President and Ceo: “A major part of our vision, Arts For Every Life, is giving back and sharing the arts with as many people in the community, especially our students. It’s important for us to expose youth to the arts and show them the remarkable possibilities and resources that exist for them inside their hometown performing arts center.”
- Forest City Elementary fifth grade teacher, JP Royer, III: “I cannot tell you the excitement this event–and, in fact, the show itself–has brought back to our campus. A quick survey of our cast and crew revealed that only four had ever been to the Dr. Phillips Center before and that only two had ever seen a live Broadway show. This will be life changing, and we couldn’t be more appreciative for all the students participating in the region.”
More From Doctor Phillips Center for the Performing Arts:
- Tickets are on sale for award-winning actor, director, producer and writer Chris Rock and chart-topping Colombian singer-songwriter Sebastián Yatra, who will perform in the Walt Disney Theater in 2022.
- Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts continues bringing world class artists to Steinmetz Hall with the addition of a new Dance and Music Series, featuring world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma with pianist Kathryn Stott and more.
- With Frozen now playing at the venue, Jeremiah interviews F. Michael Haynie who brings Olaf to life on stage.