PPAC Gets $120,000 Grant from Disney

Well, some exciting news came this morning at Providence City Hall. It was announced that the Providence Performing Arts Center has been awarded a $120,000 grant from Disney to bring the Disney Musical in Schools program to Providence. 

What's exciting about this is because of the grant, this program is FREE. The grant actually funds two years of programming at the PPAC. 

How it works is the PPAC will select five area public schools to participate each year. This means that possibly 10 area schools could benefit from this program.  

The schools that are selected will then participate in a 17-week theater residency that will be led by a team of teaching artists from both the PPAC and the Disney Theatrical group and will be at no cost. This will include the performance rights and educational materials necessary to accompany the program. At the end of the program, the Disney kids will perform their hard work for their school. 

"Experiencing the magic of musical theatre and the performing arts at a young age is life-changing, and the PPAC Board of Directors and administrative staff are thrilled to provide this opportunity to young people thought this partnership with Disney Musical In Schools,” said Joseph W. Walsh, Esq., Chairman of the PPAC’s Board of Directors.

He is right! I'm so thankful I got to experience theater at a young age. It ignited my passion for the arts and helped me develop confidence both on and off the stage.

If you want to learn more or know a school that should apply for this, visit the application website or contact the Director of Outreach & Engagement Dana Brazil at (401) 574-3132.