The Benedum Center, with its soaring ceilings and ornate fixtures, has long been a source of inspiration for visitors and artists alike. Over the past several months, Clairton Elementary students have discovered that magic for themselves—not just as students, but as young performing artists and audience members.
Last year, the grade schoolers showcased their talent, courage, and creativity under the spotlights at the Benedum—first at the Disney Musicals in Schools Student Share Celebration and later as special guests at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Gala.
This winter, the students were presented with another unforgettable experience. On February 14, they passed through the Benedum’s doors once again—this time to see the blockbuster Wicked and experience the magic from the other side of the stage.
A Disney Dream
Clairton Elementary School was one of nine schools to participate in our 2025 Disney Musicals in Schools program. Each year, elementary schools are selected to take part at no cost, and any Title 1 Schoolwide Status public elementary school in Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, or Greene Counties are eligible to apply.
Over the course of the 17-week program, the students and educators at Clairton Elementary worked with teaching artists to produce their school musical: 101 Dalmatians KIDS. At the same time, the teaching artists trained the school’s educators to become directors, music directors, choreographers, and stage managers.
Their work culminated in a community production and a spirited performance of the song “Dalmatian Conga” at the Student Share Celebration.
Clairton students perform "Dalmatian Conga" on the Benedum stage.
An Encore Performance
Just a few months later, the Cultural Trust asked the students to return to the Benedum stage for a special performance at the Gala. At this event, they sang “It Starts With a Dream,” which is a song that every Disney Musicals in Schools participant learns annually.
With their voices filling the Benedum, they showed the real impact that arts education can have on young learners. Joie James, an educator at Clairton Elementary called the opportunity “once in a lifetime.”
The experience was not only impactful for students, but for those in the wings too. Shakirah Stephens, Manager of Arts Education Programs and Disney Musicals in Schools, reflects on the moment:
“Their last line of ‘It all starts with a dream’ had me a little choked up. I could hear the passion in their voices, and I was so proud to see how far they’ve come—especially standing on such a large stage in front of an audience they didn’t know.”
The students return to the Benedum stage for their Gala performance.
A Wickedly Special Night
After their stellar performance at the Gala, the Cultural Trust invited the students back to the Benedum for a special treat: the opportunity to see Wicked. The reaction from students and educators was electric.
“To say we are elated with this opportunity is an understatement,” said educator Patti Detwiler. “I don’t know which makes me more ecstatic—seeing this amazing show or being able to expose live theater of this caliber to students who likely have never had this experience. Let’s just say both!”
After the performance, Detwiler shared how these three experiences have positively affected the school.
Clairton students and educators get ready for an evening of Wicked.
“I think it's safe to say I speak for everyone at Clairton who has benefitted from this adventure that has taken us far beyond what we expected. The experience of being involved with Disney Musicals in Schools alone was, and continues to be, incredible. The opportunity to perform on the Benedum Stage at the Student Share is something that will never be forgotten. As if that wasn't enough, the Gala was the chance of a lifetime. Then, when we didn't think we could be anymore blessed, there was Wicked.”
For Stephens, the whole experience—from the students’ jitters before the first performance to the thrill of seeing a Broadway show—is a testament to how musical theater can make a difference in students’ lives.
She says, “If we’ve been able to help even one student at each school find their lifelong friends, their place in the world, or even just their voice through Disney Musicals in Schools program, then it’s a job well done for us.”
She adds, “Hopefully they’ll remember these moments long into the future and that they’ll look back with gratitude and fondness. The access to a Broadway performance is just the cherry on top.”