Forty pupils from Lawn Manor Academy are hoping to swap the classroom for one of Europe’s most famous stages after submitting an audition to perform at Disneyland Paris next summer.
The group, made up of 30 dancers and 10 musicians, is bidding for a place on the resort’s renowned Videopolis stage, which has hosted productions including Beauty and the Beast, Mulan and The Lion King.
If selected, the pupils will perform in front of visitors from around the world and take part in a series of exclusive dance and musical theatre workshops led by Disney Cast Members, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of professional performance.
The audition follows weeks of rehearsals, with students giving up lunchtimes, free periods and after-school hours to perfect their routine.
For Lawn Manor Academy, the opportunity would mark a welcome return to Disneyland Paris. The school previously performed there in 2022 and has built a growing reputation for giving pupils opportunities to perform on international stages.
Last summer, students travelled to New York, where they performed in Times Square and took part in workshops with professional Broadway dancers.
Head of Dance Natasha Dixon said experiences like these play an important role in developing young performers.
“For subjects like dance and performing arts especially, it’s so important to be able to not only learn from professionals, but to also be able to go to as many places as possible and experience what it’s like being backstage and part of a professional theatre production.
“If we’re lucky enough to go through to the next stage, the pupils will be in for an incredibly rewarding but busy trip, as they’ll be straight into rehearsals, performing and workshops, as well as having the opportunity to see Disney Cast Members perform on the same stage they were on and also see more of Paris too.”
Competition for places is expected to be fierce, with schools, dance academies and performing arts groups from across the UK and beyond all hoping to secure a coveted performance slot.
Miss Dixon said she had been impressed by the commitment shown by every pupil involved.
“There’s going to be a lot of competition from schools, professional dance schools and clubs for this opportunity. However, our pupils have been determined to do their best and have given up so much of their time to make sure that they’re proud of the audition they’ve submitted.
“Some of the pupils taking part haven’t danced before and they’ve worked really hard to develop their skills. We are incredibly proud of the dedication, resilience and passion shown by every pupil and we are keeping everything crossed that they will have the opportunity to represent Lawn Manor Academy once again on the magical stage at Disneyland Paris next summer.”
Whether or not the audition proves successful, the project has already provided valuable experience for the pupils, who have spent months developing their confidence, teamwork and performance skills.
For Lawn Manor Academy, it is another example of how opportunities beyond the classroom can inspire young people to aim high—and perhaps, next summer, perform on one of Disney’s most magical stages.
