Lion Leaders: Belmont CLC students bring kingdom-sized musical to life

March 9, 2026

Belmont Elementary School students showcased the birth of a lion kingdom this winter when they performed a popular musical on stage.
 
Dozens of Cougars in the school’s Community Learning Centers (CLC) program portrayed Simba’s journey from cub to conqueror in “The Lion King.” They presented the popular story as part of the Disney Musicals in Schools initiative. More than 30 cast members began practicing in late September and held school and public performances in late February.
 
Alexandra and Xander filled two of the production’s top roles. Alexandra, a fourth grader, portrayed Simba, and Xander, a fifth grader, was in the spotlight for his work as Scar. Both said the months of hard work had been well worth it.
 
“It has been fun,” Alexandra said. “It’s been really fun learning, practicing and doing things with my friends.”
 
“It makes it more fun, because I’ve made more friends too,” Xander said. “I started off with two friends in ‘The Lion King’ and now I have five or more.”

 
Belmont teachers Kellie Roth, Jordan Timm, Morgan Dennhardt and Katie Kovanda guided practices twice a week for students in third through fifth grades. Roth directed the production, Timm was stage manager, Dennhardt was music director and Kovanda was the play’s choreographer.
 
The four leaders said the activity increased a sense of connection throughout the entire school. It also planted the seeds of many life skills for Cougars in the cast and crew.
 
“It has been incredibly rewarding to watch students step out of their shells and fully embrace the challenge of moving beyond their comfort zones,” Timm said. “If you could see where we began compared to where we are now, the growth would truly amaze you. They have dedicated countless hours to learning their roles, mastering the music and perfecting the choreography, and their hard work is shining through.”
 
“While they’re certainly learning the basics of theater, what stands out most is the growth happening beyond the stage,” Roth said. “They’re discovering teamwork, encouragement, responsibility and the value of every role. I’ve watched students rise with confidence and leadership at each rehearsal, and they come in smiling, energized and proud of what they’re building together. Seeing that pride and connection is the most rewarding part.”

 
Every student who wanted to be in the cast received a part last fall. A talented stage crew began creating many props, lion tracks and savanna-themed backdrops at the same time.
 
Xander said Scar was his favorite character growing up because he was a key part of the movie. He was thrilled when he was selected for the role this past fall.
 
“I got pretty excited when I first heard,” Xander said.
 
Kovanda said Xander symbolized why it is important to include fine arts in schools. She watched him use his musical abilities to bring the play’s main villain to life. The soft-spoken Cougar confidently sang “Be Prepared” as a group of hyenas gathered nearby on stage during a dress rehearsal.
 
“That’s a huge solo for him, and he practiced so much,” Kovanda said. “I think you can see from his demeanor that he does not seem like he would be an evil villain, and that speaks to his acting skills, because when he locks in, it is the most charismatic, intimidating energy that you’ve ever seen.”

 
The Disney play was also a catalyst for a large amount of community engagement. Two guest instructors from the Omaha Community Playhouse came to Lincoln for rehearsals each week, and Lincoln Community Playhouse leaders provided costumes for the Cougars to wear.
 
The Belmont group traveled to the Holland Performing Arts Center in early March for a Student Share event with children from other Midwest schools. It was the first time many Cougars had visited downtown Omaha, and it gave them an opportunity to form friendships with singers from across Nebraska.
 
Dennhardt and Timm said the musical has been valuable for adults as well. Timm, Roth and Kovanda all lead fourth grade classrooms at Belmont and Dennhardt is the school’s music specialist. They have partnered on ideas for choreography movements, scene selections and acting advice, which has helped them develop closer bonds in their daily teaching jobs.
 
“Having the chance to team-teach and prepare a show with such an incredible group of educators has given me weekly motivations beyond the classroom,” Dennhardt said. “Each adult truly believes in our students’ abilities to make the show come alive. The positive energy from the team of educators and students alike has been something I look forward to continuing for years to come.”
 
“Gaining insight into the many moving parts behind a musical has been both exciting and rewarding,” Timm said. “Each teacher involved brings a unique skill set, and collaborating together has been one of the most meaningful aspects of the process.”
 
Roth said the circle of educational life that “The Lion King” has brought to Belmont has benefited everyone in kingdom-sized ways.
 
“Seeing students step outside their comfort zones, cheer each other on and grow more confident every single rehearsal has been the best thing,” Roth said. “There’s such a positive, supportive energy in the room, and it’s so special to be part of something where everyone feels valued and excited to create something together. It’s been a joy from start to finish.”

Learn how LPS students are benefiting from Lincoln Community Learning Centers programs across the city.
 
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