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New Improved Stages At Walt Disney World

Disney Performing Arts at the Walt Disney World Resort have been growing at an exciting rate ever since they began in 1985. But as more and more young people become involved in the programs, bigger and more technologically advanced venues are needed for showcasing their performances. That's why Disney is making a multimillion-dollar investment to enhance two performance locations.

Outside at Downtown Disney Marketplace, the existing Dock Stage will expand into a covered amphitheater, with a state-of-the-art stage and extra seating for the many guests who enjoy the concerts and other events presented there. Construction of the new Dock Stage is scheduled to be complete in early 2009.

A full-scale renovation has also been underway at Disney's Hollywood Studios. At the end of San Francisco Street in the Backlot area of the theme park, the new Premiere Theater is now ready for business. This venue, equipped with the latest in audio and lighting technology, opened officially in June. It will offer additional much needed space for ensemble perfor mances and should be of special benefi t to the groups who perform as part of Festival Disney.

The Disney Honors:

NEW! State-of-the-art performance venue at the Linda Chapin Theater. This theater has been home to a number of fine arts events such as the Sydney Symphony, New World Symphony, and "Sing Live." With a full acoustical system of shells and ceiling panels, this is an outstanding performance venue to complement The Disney Honors experience.

The American Idol Experience

If you've ever dreamed of becoming part of the "American Idol*" phenomenon, then welcome to Disney's Hollywood Studios™! Because beginning January 2009, you could live the dream during The American Idol Experience*. This exhilarating, new attraction will feature the glitz and glamour of the hit television series' stunning set, and will give Guests an opportunity to experience the thrill as if really at the show. Stay tuned!

Disney Jazz Celebration Premieres in February

The great American art form known as jazz is expanding its presence in Disney Performing Arts, adding to the already popular "Jazz It Up" and "Soundtrack Session: Jazz" workshops and clinics. Disney is proud to further its record of promoting excellence in jazz performance by announcing the first ever Disney Jazz Celebration, to be held February 19-22, 2009. The celebration will take place throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and is open to high school vocal and instrumental students.

During the Jazz Celebration, student musicians will have the enviable opportunity to learn more about their craft from professionals in the fi eld. The event will include an opening ceremony featuring a top college jazz band, numerous clinics with renowned jazz performers, and an inspiring closing ceremony. More adventurous performers can also try playing with students from other schools in jam sessions with top jazz performers and educators. For more information, visit disneyjazzcelebration.com.

Step Classic Stomps Into Disney

In September, the Walt Disney World Resort will be quaking as the fi rst annual Disney Step Classic kicks off at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. High school and college step-dancing teams will compete at this inaugural gathering, which includes a pre-event celebration at a Disney park and two tiers of competitions. The event will be open to the public, with tickets available in advance.

Step-dancing, also known as stepping or stomping, is a form of percussive dance—drawn from various elements of African and Caribbean dance—in which the participant's body is used as an instrument to produce complex rhythms and sounds through a mixture of footsteps, spoken word, and hand claps. Today, many fraternity, sorority, and high school troupes perform step as a means of sending a positive message to their audiences. Go to disneystepclassic.com for more information.

Festival Disney Breaks Records

In 2008, Festival Disney marked its fourth year by hosting a record number of ensembles: over 500, including groups from as far away as Gifu-City, Japan.

The festival schedule included two days of adjudicated performances, where ensembles received feedback from nationally recognized music educators. To conclude the event, groups were invited to the Festival Disney Awards Ceremony. On several weekends the ceremony outgrew its old home at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Theater and moved to the larger Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show stadium.

Festival Disney is open to junior, middle, and high school music groups. Like all of the Disney Performing Arts Programs, it is officially endorsed by MENC: The National Association for Music Education. For more information on Festival Disney, including how to take part in the 2009 season, go to festivaldisney.com.

COMING SOON – "High School Musical 3"

Disney's "High School Musical" phenomenon leaps onto cinema screens this fall in "High School Musical 3: Senior Year." The new movie fi nds seniors Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) facing the prospect of being separated from one another as they head off to college. Joined by the rest of the Wildcats, they stage an elaborate spring musical refl ecting their hopes and fears about their future. "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" will be released only in theaters on October 24, 2008. Experience the adventure as a group! Ticket information and activities available at www.disney.com/hsm3/groups.

DO YOU THINK YOUR HIGH SCHOOL HAS THE MOST SCHOOL SPIRIT? One senior class can win a Disney Grad Nite celebration at the Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resort. Log on to www.HSM3schoolspirit.com to learn more.

*AMERICAN IDOL® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF 19 TV LTD. AND FREMANTLEMEDIA NORTH AMERICA, INC.