Northwood Elementary School was selected to be a part of the highly regarded Disney Musicals in Schools program, presented by the Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA).
Northwood’s Musical Performance
Over 60 Northwood Elementary students from third through sixth grade devoted 18 weeks to producing a 30-minute Disney KIDS musical inspired by Finding Nemo, titled "Go With the Flow." The performance was featured at the Disney Music in Schools celebration at the Segerstrom Center on March 18 and will also be presented on campus.
Staff and students collaborated for months to build theatrical skills, holding two 90-minute afterschool rehearsals each week. Northwood Elementary is in the first year of a three-year program, working with professional SCFTA Teaching Artists.
The production was led by a dedicated team of Northwood staff, including
Director and Musical Director: Becca Voight
Choreographer: Amber Serrao
Stage Manager: Sarah Epstein
Set and Costume Designer: Beatrice MacKay
Production Manager: Lacey McKie
“Northwood Elementary's selection for the Disney Musicals in Schools program reflects the exceptional dedication of our teachers and the rich opportunities we provide for students to explore creativity across the District,” said IUSD Director of Arts Erin Zamouras. “We are incredibly proud of Northwood for all the work they put into this production.”
About the Disney Musicals in Schools Program
Since its launch in 2014, the program has brought musical theater into Orange County classrooms, offering a 17-week residency to four elementary schools annually, free of charge. This three-year program is designed to partner with and strengthen schools’ performing arts programs by encouraging collaboration among students, educators and the broader community. Schools are selected for this program through an application process that begins the year prior to the program's initial year.
During the first year, school staff work closely with the SCFTA Teaching Artists. This is the foundational year when schools received teaching support and free materials to aid teachers in producing, directing and choreographing the show. In years two and three, schools will produce shows without Teaching Artist support, while Segerstrom Center's staff will provide annual professional development and remain a resource.
Learn more about the Arts IUSD programs at iusd.org/ArtsIUSD