Project Success Musicals Foster Confidence and Connection in Minneapolis Middle Schoolers

As part of Project Success’ arts programming, our middle school musicals are designed to help students build self-confidence, understand their identities both on and off stage, and connect with their peers and school community, leading to new friendships and a sense of belonging. This year we partnered with Sanford, Northeast, and Anwatin Middle Schools.

During the nine week rehearsal and performance process, PS staff see the potential of each of our students. Staff encourages and gently challenges cast members to participate in activities and in roles they might not initially see themselves having the ability to do. The program includes musical workshops coupled with their monthly in-class workshops led by PS facilitators, with additional support from PS staff and the PS artistic team. Themes of identity and self-discovery are woven into the scripts and characters that students engage with through reading, singing, and dancing. These workshops promote self-reflection that students can apply outside of the musical and into their daily lives.

Disney’s Frozen Jr
Musical de Sanford

This fall 96 students participated on stage and behind the scenes in the PS musical, Disney’s Frozen Jr. This was by far the most requested show by students, and they were excited to bring one of their favorite movies to life on stage. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. was a wonderful start to the middle school musical year.

“The musical was definitely a highlight of my year, everyone made it so fun and I really hope I get in next year.” – Sanford Musical Student

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr
Northeast Musical

Starting in January, 61 students rehearsed and worked backstage to put on this show in March! The students played a huge part in selecting this show to perform through surveys from their music teacher. Part of the magic of this show is that there are many featured roles and parts, which gave multiple students the opportunity to shine on stage. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. is a story of transformation and tolerance. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self.

“This was so much fun!” – Northeast Musical Student

Annie Jr
Anwatin Musical

This spring, PS musicals returned to Anwatin middle school after a 4-year hiatus, where a powerhouse cast and crew of 19 students worked together to create Annie Jr. This musical was set to be performed in spring of 2020, but was cancelled due to Covid-19, and this year it was the opportunity to finally perform this musical. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Beyond the actual performances, this cast had the unique opportunity to perform the song “Tomorrow” at a Twins game for our Fielding Dreams event. After a few years away, this was a great comeback, and we are looking forward to many more shows at Anwatin in the future.

I never thought we’d get to have all of these opportunities… going to a recording studio and singing at a Twins Game… when I auditioned for the musical.” – Anwatin Musical Student

We are thankful for all of our PS staff and our PS artistic team, the support of the schools, and our community for making these productions possible. We also commend the courage of our students for exploring new avenues of creativity to express themselves!