Overture expands middle school theater program, thanks to MCF grant and donor support
Shari Gasper
"We appreciate how Overture gives kids an opportunity to experience acting, singing and stage production."
In a dazzling performance at Overture Center's Capitol Theater last May, more than 300 students captivated a full house with enchanting renditions of Disney songs. The youthful voices resonated with melodies from "Aladdin" and "The Lion King," accompanied by meticulously choreographed movements that brought the stage to life. The enthusiastic audience, comprising family members, friends, schoolmates and generous donors, erupted in thunderous applause.
This event was the Disney Musicals in Schools Student Share. The opening acts showcased the talents of students from Hawthorne Elementary School, Henderson Elementary School, Leopold Community School, Nuestro Mundo Community School and Mendota Elementary School. The grand finale featured the spirited performance of students from Akira Toki Middle School, marking a milestone as the first Madison-area middle school to participate in the Disney Musicals in Schools program.
"When we sought a middle school to pilot the program, Akira Toki promptly stepped up," shared Karra Beach, director of Broadway engagement programs. "Some of their students had previously participated in elementary school and were eager to continue their journey into the world of musical theater."
Eliav Goldman, choir and musical theater teacher at Akira Toki Middle School, directs the Toki Drama Club. Last year, more than 75 students (50 cast members and 25 crew members) were involved in the production of “The Lion King Jr.”
The Toki Drama Club meets weekly year-round, working first on community building and foundational acting skills, then starts practicing for a show in late October or early November, increasing rehearsals closer to their spring performance. Former Toki students from Memorial High School help on the production team, and Allison Hinze, Toki’s health teacher, oversees costume design.
“Our students participate in Drama Club not just because they enjoy theater and performing, but because it is a space where they feel truly heard and seen,” said Goldman. “It is such a joy for me to see them take ownership over the production. They come in before school to paint sets, stay late to help build props, develop choreography together at lunch. And all that hard work amounts to friendships, memories, experiences that will last a lifetime.”
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In the 2023 pilot program, Overture teaching artists led classes for the drama classroom students as well as students in the afternoon musical theater club, teaching skills students can use on stage and backstage. Students had the opportunity to visit Overture for a backstage tour of Capitol Theater and Overture Hall and participated in a technical theater career panel.
In May 2023, at the time of the Student Share, the national tour of “Disney’s The Lion King” was in Madison. Toki students got to meet some of “The Lion King” cast, ask questions and then see their incredible performance, described by Goldman as “the highlight of our year.”
With a successful year under their belt, Overture is expanding the Disney Musicals in Schools program to reach more middle schools. Donors Mike and Lee Ann Dillis are providing additional support for the program.
“We appreciate how Overture gives kids an opportunity to experience acting, singing and stage production,” said the Dillises.
In addition, in January, Madison Community Foundation awarded Overture a $35,000 grant to further develop the program that will help middle schools create high quality musical theater programs and enrich existing programs.
“Thanks to this support from MCF, Overture will be able to continue working with middle schools to start and grow their musical theater programs,” said Beach. “This program bridges the gap between our Disney Musicals in Schools elementary school theater program and the Jerrys’ high school musical theater program, ensuring, especially in the Madison Metropolitan School District, students will have opportunities to be part of a musical at each stage in their schooling.”
Beach further noted that participating in robust arts education programs can help students develop their sense of self, expand problem-solving skills, exercise empathy and deepen relationships with peers.
Goldman said, “We will continue to participate in Overture’s program as it is an invaluable experience for our students. I am so grateful for the support from Overture, and I can't wait for this program to be in more middle schools around the district.”
Overture Center’s Disney Musicals in Schools program is sponsored by The Cap Times Kids Fund, Starion Bank, Madison Community Foundation and Mike and Lee Ann Dillis. Overture’s Jerry Awards are sponsored by American Girl’s Fund for Children, Katie Dowling-Marcus and Ben Marcus, and contributions to Overture Center.