What's Cool at School: Mandatory musical theater

Students are taking center stage at Achievement First Aspire Elementary in East New York thanks to the school's daily musical theater program. At this school, musical theater is not an after school

News 12 Staff

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Jan 20, 2016, 6:23 PM

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Updated 3,206 days ago

Students are taking center stage at Achievement First Aspire Elementary in East New York thanks to the school's daily musical theater program.

At this school, musical theater is not an after school club or even an elective. The musical theater program is mandatory for students from kindergarten through third grade.

The school strives to teach students about theater and music, focusing on the importance of self-expression.

"I just hope some will be sparked to go further with it and study music like I did," says music teacher Jennifer Smith, who is also a classically trained opera singer.

Parents will get to see their children perform "The Lion King" on stage this March.

"I feel like I'm very lucky because just to go on stage and perform a show to make people laugh is an honor," says Amaya Andre, at student at Achievement First Aspire Elementary.