PRIDE Academy made waves with its debut musical theatre production of Disney’s Moana JR. This 60-minute musical, specially adapted for young performers, featured a talented cast of 40 students in grades 4–8. The production was led by a dedicated team of educators: Robin Larson, Bonnie Jackson, Joe Kemery, Phelim O’Connell, Tara O’Connell, Merry Board, Tina Schipke, and Michelle Johnson.
This production marked a major milestone for PRIDE Academy’s growing Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) program. Now in its second year, the VAPA initiative has quickly become a vital part of the student experience, offering creative outlets that build confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking. Launching its first full-scale musical, Moana JR., reflects PRIDE Academy’s commitment to enriching students’ educational journeys through the arts.
“At PRIDE Academy, we believe that the arts are essential—not extra,” said Dr. Kristen Bonser, principal. “VAPA programming doesn’t just enhance education; it is education. Whether students are acting, designing sets, singing, or running sound, they are building real-world skills and finding their voice.”
The choice of Moana JR. is deeply meaningful. Its themes of heritage, perseverance, and believing in oneself mirror the school’s mission to empower students through creativity and community.
“We found it apt to choose Disney’s Moana Jr. as our first venture onto stage as the story resonates with the themes of having faith in community, heritage, and overcoming difficulties together,” said VAPA teacher, Robin Larson.
Santee School District has made strategic investments in VAPA education across all school sites, recognizing the importance of a well-rounded curriculum that integrates the arts with academics. These investments have enabled schools like PRIDE Academy to develop vibrant arts programs that inspire students and bring school communities together.
Disney’s Moana JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all materials are provided by Music Theatre International. For more information about licensing Moana JR. or other Disney shows, please visit www.DisneyMusicals.com.
This heartwarming and high-energy performance showcases not only the journey of Moana but also the remarkable growth of young artists who are finding their own way—and their own power—through the arts.
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About Music Theatre International: Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form.
MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials, and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community, and school theatres in the US and in over 60 countries worldwide.
MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.