Hennepin theatre Trusts educational programing is an essential part of arts education in many Minnesota schools. Annually, our Spotlight Education program helps nearly 8,000 students in more than 100 schools build confidence, critical thinking, empathy, a sense of community, knowledge and appreciation of theater. The program supplements and enhances arts curricula across the state though production assessments, workshops and arts journalism, increasing equitable access to quality theater education. Disney Musicals in Schools pairs professional teaching artists with teams of school-based educators to develop such sustainable arts programming in public elementary schools. Students and teachers work in teams, developing the communication, self-confidence, problem-solving and interpersonal skills needed to produce a piece of musical theater and fostering a love for theater in young students. Spotlight Showcase presented by PNC, our annual recognition event, is Minnesota’s largest celebration of high school theater and provides over 1,600 students the opportunity to perform at the historic State Theatre.