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[0:01] Elysa Gardner: Hi, I'm Elysa Gardner, host of Develop Your Character, brought to you by Camp Broadway.

[0:14] Elysa Gardner: We'll be bringing you candid conversations with theater educators, industry experts and insiders, and savvy parents, all geared toward helping culture-loving kids and aspiring artists become great performers, on and off stage, at every stage of their lives.

[0:29] Elysa Gardner: Our guest today is Lisa Michell, an arts communication leader and community engagement specialist who is currently Director of Education and Audience Engagement at Disney Theatrical Group. She's worked there for 14 years, developing and nurturing the entertainment company's education and outreach departments.

[0:47] Elysa Gardner: Prominent among their initiatives is the Disney Musicals in Schools program, which was launched to help provide sustainable musical theater programs to schools that didn't have them. Participating schools receive performance rights to one of Disney's half-hour musicals for kids, along with show kit materials. Each school is also given a pair of teaching artists, professional musical theater artists and educators who mentor the school's teachers in all aspects of putting a show together, from direction and choreography to stage management and production.

[1:18] Elysa Gardner: Before joining Disney, Lisa served as adjunct faculty of the City University of New York, where she taught arts education research courses in the graduate program for educational theater at CCNY. She was also co-founder and producing director of the If Ensemble Theater Company, an independent company devoted to showcasing new and established American playwrights, and a teaching artist at First Stage Children's Theater, Milwaukee Shakespeare Company and other places, where she taught analysis, comprehension and performance of classical text to children between the ages of 8 and 18.

[1:55] Elysa Gardner: Lisa has a master's degree in educational theater from the City College of New York, and is currently on track to get her doctorate in education from John Hopkins University School of Education with an emphasis on entrepreneurial leadership. And she serves on the advisory board for the Roger Rees Awards, which are co-sponsored by Camp Broadway, and we'll get into that a bit more later.

[2:17] Elysa Gardner: Lisa, welcome. Thank you so much for joining us. It's great to have you here.

[2:20] Lisa Michell: Thanks for having me.

[2:21] Elysa Gardner: Well, having listed some of your very impressive credits, I think maybe we should start by letting you explain in your own words what you do at Disney, and particularly your part in the Disney Musicals in Schools program. I know it's been a phenomenal success. I think it's 26 cities now in the United States and the UK, with more than 43,000 students taking part in theater programs in nearly 400 schools. Is that right?

[2:47] Lisa Michell: Yeah, that's right.

[2:48] Lisa Michell: That's a lot of numbers, a lot of big numbers.

[2:50] Lisa Michell: It is, yeah. So the Education and Audience Engagement Committee at Disney Theatrical Group, in my mind, is really there to extend the mission of Disney Theatrical Group into the community. So Disney Theatrical Group strives to produce the highest quality live entertainment in the world to the widest and most diverse audience. And my team's job is to take that mission and really bring it to life in the field. So Disney Musicals in Schools is probably our flagship exemplar of how we do that.

[3:18] Lisa Michell: So as you stated, the program was developed to grow sustainable theater programs in schools that didn't have them. And how that sort of came to be was we took a look at which schools were licensing our shows and which schools were not about a decade ago and realized that there was an access gap, particularly schools in suburbs tended to have more vibrant theater programs, whereas schools in cities themselves tended not to. And so Disney Theatrical Group is headquartered right here in Times Square. Our offices are above where Aladdin plays on Broadway eight times a week. And so we realized that schools in our very own backyard didn't necessarily have access to deep in-school theater production opportunities. So the program was developed to do something about that.

[4:01] Lisa Michell: We fast-forward a decade later and we've established it in, as you said, 26 markets here in the U.S. and abroad. And we're really thrilled with the way that teachers and teaching artists in communities across this country and in the U.K. have embraced its mission.

[4:16] Elysa Gardner: Yeah, and I'm sure you have access to the very best.

[4:19] Lisa Michell: Yeah, I'll ask you a little bit more about that later. I do want to touch briefly on the Roger Rees Awards as well because that serves older high school students, I should say high school students, older students, and that's for excellence in student performance. And you co-sponsor that, I believe, with Camp Broadway, Disney Theatricals does?

[4:39] Lisa Michell: Sure, yeah, so Disney Theatrical Group is one of the sponsors. Camp Broadway is really driving this thing and bringing it to life in the greater New York City area. The program is so important in that it celebrates a commitment to excellence in high school theater education in a way that ultimately is realized on a national level. The winners of the Roger Rees Awards go on to represent the New York City metro area in the National High School Musical Theater Awards Program. And we at Disney Theatrical Group are so thrilled with how Camp Broadway has not only established that sort of pre-professional polish that is evident in high school theater everywhere here in the New York area, but also really deepened the awards to have a true commitment to education and the process and learning that goes into everything that happens when you put on a school play. So we're proud to be a sponsor and the Broadway League delegate for the Roger Rees Awards.

[5:36] Elysa Gardner: And that is, as you said, a stepping stone to the Jimmy's, as they're popularly known.

[5:41] Lisa Michell: That's right.

[5:42] Elysa Gardner: Well, let's talk about you a little bit. Looking at your resume, I'm curious to know what sparked your interest in theater and how you imagined yourself pursuing a related career. Did you think about being a performer or a drama teacher or working in business? I can imagine all those things being options, given your very diverse background and accomplishments.

[6:04] Lisa Michell: Yeah, it's interesting. You know, I was sort of reflecting on that on the way over here. And I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, just a suburb north of Milwaukee, which had a great public school system. And I was fortunate in that there were arts present in my school. I had access to visual arts and music. And eventually when I got into high school, there was a really terrific theater program. And I was a student who went through school. And to be honest, I wasn't the world's greatest student. There wasn't a lot that I was particularly good at. And I struggled with engagement personally. And I remember very vividly one summer, probably in middle school, it was the summer and I was hanging out with some friends.

And one of my friends said, hey, I'm in this theater program in Milwaukee. Would you help me memorize my lines? And so I sat across from her and I held the script. And I immediately felt successful. And I begged my parents to enroll me in that same theater program, which is the theater program at First Stage Milwaukee, which is a terrific children's theater in Milwaukee. And then I was hooked.

[7:10] Lisa Michell: And so I think my way into this industry is very similar to a lot of people's way into this industry, sort of regardless of what path they end up taking, in that I found it through performance. I thought I wanted to be an actor. I went into high school and had much more academic success, now that I had an outlet that I was having some success at. And then I went to college to study theater. I was a theater undergrad, again, thinking I was going to be an actor. And then in college I found directing. So then I went, oh, no, no, what I really am is a director. So then my ambition was just to move to New York City and start a theater group. And the summer between graduating from undergrad and moving to New York, I moved home to save some money for the move and picked up a part-time teaching gig at First Stage Children's Theater, where I had gone.

And that was the moment where it all clicked for me, that actually the intersection of what I love and what I'm good at is directing young people and engaging with young people through theater. So that's sort of the way that I found this path.

[8:10] Elysa Gardner: Yeah, that's so interesting that finding theater helped you academically. I think that really speaks to how it is a source of enrichment as opposed to just an extracurricular activity.

[8:21] Lisa Michell: It is. And I often find in talking with education leaders, whether they're at the district level or in academia, there's often this idea that it's one or the other, right? It's either theater for the sake of all of those enriching outcomes, like confidence, articulation, creative thinking, problem solving, ensemble building, or it's theater as career, right? And so when we look at the state of public education and what's happening to our arts programs is with limited funding and limited instructional time and different academic priorities, something always goes. And I don't know that we're making the best case for how can we really integrate those two messages, that it can be both. There are some students who are going to go through life and opt into a career in this. There are others who are going to go through life and enjoy the many benefits of a robust arts education no matter what path they choose because those skills are transferable.

[9:18] Elysa Gardner: Yeah, those are great points. And the position you're in at Disney right now allows you to draw on those different areas of expertise that you've developed through the years. And I should say you're still quite young. So tell us about that journey that you've had so far from being a teaching artist dealing with classical text to co-founding an independent theater company to eventually landing a job at one of the world's premier commercial entertainment companies, although one which I should say is well known for drawing experimental and progressive talent as well. How did each prepare you for the next step?

[9:54] Lisa Michell: Yeah, that's a terrific question. So when I first moved to New York, I went to the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater as well. So I met some collaborators there, and I think that's been my biggest takeaway is no matter what you do in this industry, the people you surround yourself with make all the difference. So that was my very first opportunity to really learn that lesson. And so when I met some artistic collaborators who I really connected with at the theater school here in New York, those are the folks who I got together with and founded the IF Ensemble with. And what a world of difference it made finding people who were kind and hardworking and who would show up on time. I mean, simple things that make a huge difference when you're trying to do something risky and bold in a city that's very expensive. So that was like lesson number one, I would say, is surround yourself with excellent people who complement your skill set and don't just replicate your skill set.

[10:56] Lisa Michell: Because I was running an independent theater company with two other women who were collaborators of mine in my early 20s, I needed a day job. So I was working in retail. And I got to a point in retail where I realized that because of those same skills, because of a work ethic and showing up on time and being reliable, I started getting promoted in a shop. And all of a sudden I was scheduling production meetings and rehearsals around meetings about shirts and pants. And I had a sort of moment where I realized if I want to do this for a living, I need to find a way to make theater my income. And that is when I started looking around and I found a very entry-level job at Disney Theatrical Group and took that job.

It was not in the education department. The education department didn't exist then, but was responsible for kind of just some of the operate, the very baseline operations of the office, making sure we had supplies, refilling the coffee machine, calling a vendor when something broke. And all this time, that experience at First Stage Milwaukee was in the back of my mind. And I knew that I needed to find a way to integrate theater and theater with young people. And about eight months later, a job posting came out that said they were looking for an education director. Now, I didn't have the skill or experience for that, but I had the interest. And when they hired that individual, I said, I would love to work with you. And eventually he was able to get a headcount. I came in there. He eventually left the organization, and I was able to take it and develop it and grow it from there. So it was very kismet.

[12:28] Elysa Gardner: Another great musical. I imagine in choosing teaching artists, Disney has access to a wide range of talent in terms of educators and performers and other theater artists. What specific qualities do you look for in selecting them? And I'm also wondering if you consider the schools individually. I mean, that would probably be really tough to do given you're dealing with so many. But what general qualities do you look for?

[12:54] Lisa Michell: Sure, sure. Is it worthwhile just to kind of share what a teaching artist is?

[12:56] Elysa Gardner: Yes, yes, absolutely.

[12:59] Lisa Michell: Yeah, so teaching artists are a career that is a sort of hybrid between a practicing artist, in our case, a musical theater artist, although teaching artists exist for all different types of artistic genre, and educator. So sometimes these folks may have Broadway credits and master's degrees in education, or they may have more formal training in education and some undergraduate training in theater. But whatever this sort of combo platter is, their artistic life fuels their capacity to teach, and their capacity to teach informs their artistic life. So it truly is a sort of integrated person.

[13:33] Lisa Michell: I think one of the most important things that we can do as educators is to create a safe space for our students to explore their creativity. When students feel safe, they are more likely to take risks, to try new things, and to express themselves authentically.

[14:03] Lisa Michell: In our program, we emphasize the importance of collaboration. Theatre is inherently a collaborative art form, and when students learn to work together, they not only create something beautiful but also develop important life skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork.

[14:33] Lisa Michell: We also focus on the idea of storytelling. Every student has a story to tell, and theatre provides a platform for them to share their unique perspectives. By encouraging students to tell their stories, we help them build confidence and find their voice.

[15:03] Lisa Michell: Another key aspect of our program is the integration of curriculum. We work with teachers to show them how theatre can enhance their existing lessons, whether it’s through character development in literature or exploring historical events through performance.

[15:33] Lisa Michell: We’ve seen that when students engage with the material in a creative way, they retain information better and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

[16:03] Lisa Michell: I also believe that it’s essential to expose students to a variety of theatrical experiences. Whether it’s acting, directing, stage management, or design, there are so many different paths within the theatre world.

[16:33] Lisa Michell: By allowing students to explore these different roles, they can discover their passions and strengths, which can lead to a more fulfilling experience in the arts.

[17:03] Lisa Michell: It’s also important to recognize the impact that teaching artists have in the classroom. They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, and they can inspire students in ways that traditional educators may not be able to.

[17:14] Lisa Michell: We provide training and support for teaching artists to ensure they are equipped to create engaging and effective learning environments.

[17:24] Lisa Michell: One of the challenges we face is the misconception that theatre is just about performance. While performance is a vital aspect, there’s so much more to it.

[17:35] Lisa Michell: We encourage students to see theatre as a holistic experience that encompasses writing, design, and production, as well as performance.

[17:45] Lisa Michell: Ultimately, our goal is to help students develop a love for the arts that will last a lifetime. We want them to understand that the skills they gain through theatre can be applied to any field they choose to pursue.

[17:56] Lisa Michell: Whether they become artists, educators, or business leaders, the creativity and collaboration they learn in theatre will serve them well in whatever they do.

[18:06] Lisa Michell: I often tell students that it’s okay to fail. In fact, failure is a crucial part of the learning process. When they take risks and make mistakes, they have the opportunity to learn and grow.

[18:17] Lisa Michell: Encouraging a growth mindset is essential. We want students to embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for development rather than obstacles.

[18:27] Lisa Michell: I also emphasize the importance of community. Theatre is about bringing people together, and we strive to create a sense of belonging among our students.

[18:38] Lisa Michell: When students feel connected to their peers and their teachers, they are more likely to engage fully in the process.

[18:48] Lisa Michell: We also encourage families to get involved. When parents and guardians support their children’s artistic endeavors, it reinforces the value of the arts and helps students feel more confident in their pursuits.

[18:59] Lisa Michell: We’ve seen that when families participate in theatre activities, it strengthens the bond between them and fosters a greater appreciation for the arts.

[19:09] Lisa Michell: As we continue to expand our program, we’re always looking for ways to innovate and adapt to the needs of our students and schools.

[19:20] Lisa Michell: We want to ensure that every child has access to quality theatre education, regardless of their background or resources.

[19:30] Lisa Michell: It’s a privilege to be part of this work, and I’m constantly inspired by the creativity and resilience of our students.

[19:41] Lisa Michell: I believe that every child has the potential to be a great performer, not just on stage but in life.

[19:51] Lisa Michell: By nurturing their creativity and providing them with the tools they need, we can help them become confident, compassionate individuals who can make a positive impact in the world.

[20:02] Lisa Michell: I encourage all educators to embrace the arts in their classrooms. It’s not just about teaching theatre; it’s about fostering a love for creativity and self-expression.

[20:12] Lisa Michell: The skills students develop through the arts will serve them well in all aspects of their lives, and it’s our responsibility to provide them with those opportunities.

[20:23] Lisa Michell: I also want to remind parents that it’s never too late to get involved in the arts. Whether your child is just starting out or has been involved for years, there are always new opportunities to explore.

[20:33] Lisa Michell: Encourage them to try different things, whether it’s acting, writing, or technical theatre. The more they explore, the more they’ll discover their passions.

[20:44] Lisa Michell: Lastly, I want to emphasize the importance of perseverance. The arts can be challenging, and there will be setbacks along the way.

[20:54] Lisa Michell: But it’s essential to keep pushing through and to remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

[21:05] Lisa Michell: I’m excited to see how the next generation of artists will shape the future of theatre.

[21:15] Lisa Michell: With the right support and encouragement, I believe they will continue to innovate and inspire audiences for years to come.

[21:26] Lisa Michell: Thank you for having me on the podcast today. It’s been a pleasure to share my thoughts on the importance of theatre education.

[21:36] Lisa Michell: I hope that our conversation inspires others to get involved and support the arts in their communities.

[21:47] Lisa Michell: Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation of artists and culture consumers.

[21:57] Lisa Michell: Let’s continue to champion creativity and the arts in education.

[22:08] Lisa Michell: Thank you again for this opportunity to discuss such an important topic.

[22:18] Lisa Michell: I look forward to seeing the positive impact that theatre education can have on students across the country.

[22:29] Lisa Michell: Let’s keep the conversation going and work together to ensure that every child has access to the transformative power of the arts.

[22:39] Lisa Michell: Thank you!

[22:50] Lisa Michell: I appreciate the chance to share my insights and experiences with your audience.

[23:00] Lisa Michell: It’s been a wonderful experience, and I hope to connect with more educators and parents who are passionate about the arts.

[23:11] Lisa Michell: Together, we can make a difference in the lives of young artists and culture consumers.

[23:21] Lisa Michell: Thank you for listening, and I hope you all have a great day!

[23:32] Lisa Michell: Let’s continue to inspire and uplift each other through the arts.

[23:42] Lisa Michell: I’m excited about the future of theatre education and the impact it can have on our students.

[23:53] Lisa Michell: Thank you once again for having me on the podcast.

[24:03] Lisa Michell: I look forward to hearing from your listeners and continuing this important conversation.

[24:14] Lisa Michell: Let’s keep advocating for the arts and supporting our young artists.

[24:24] Lisa Michell: Thank you, and take care!

[24:35] Lisa Michell: I appreciate the opportunity to share my passion for theatre education.

[24:45] Lisa Michell: It’s been a pleasure to connect with you and your audience.

[24:56] Lisa Michell: Let’s keep the momentum going and work together to create a brighter future for the arts.

[25:06] Lisa Michell: Thank you for your time and support.

[25:17] Lisa Michell: I’m looking forward to seeing the positive changes we can make together.

[25:27] Lisa Michell: Let’s continue to champion creativity and the arts in education.

[25:38] Lisa Michell: Thank you, and have a wonderful day!

[25:48] Lisa Michell: I appreciate the chance to share my thoughts and experiences with your audience.

[25:59] Lisa Michell: Together, we can make a difference in the lives of young artists and culture consumers.

[26:09] Lisa Michell: Thank you for listening, and I hope to connect with more educators and parents who are passionate about the arts.

[26:20] Lisa Michell: Let’s keep the conversation going and work together to ensure that every child has access to the transformative power of the arts.

[26:30] Lisa Michell: Thank you!

[26:41] Lisa Michell: I appreciate the opportunity to share my insights and experiences with your audience.

[26:51] Lisa Michell: It’s been a wonderful experience, and I hope to connect with more educators and parents who are passionate about the arts.

[27:02] Lisa Michell: Together, we can make a difference in the lives of young artists and culture consumers.