# Middle School **Published:** February 18, 2026 | **Updated:** April 19, 2026 ## Overview This easy-to-use program has been developed to give you all the tools you need to introduce theater in the classroom free of charge. The rigorous 18-session curriculum for 7th-8th grade students is an immersive, project-based exploration of theater-making. ## Resources - [Pride Journals](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/app/uploads/2026/02/ALL-JR.-PrideJournals_03.30.26.pdf) - [Assessment](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Middle-School-Assessment.pdf) - [Pride Leader Tracking Sheet](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Middle-School-Pride-Leader-Tracking.pdf) - [Skills & Standards](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Middle-School-Skills-and-Standards.pdf) - [Glossary](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Middle-School-Glossary.pdf) ## Sessions ### [Session 1: Introduction](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/introduction/) Discover the fundamentals of musical theater and learn about jobs in the theater. ### [Session 2: Pride](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/pride/) Explore the structure of The Lion King Experience, create an Ensemble Contract, and develop a strong community. ### [Session 3: Rhythm](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/rhythm/) Explore call and response, create original rhythms, and deepen community building. ### [Session 4: Plot](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/plot/) Explore the characters and plot of The Lion King JR., and perform scenes. ### [Session 5: Story](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/story/) Investigate the story of The Lion King, explore dramatic structure, experiment with adaptation, and write in character voice. ### [Session 6: Ensemble](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/ensemble/) Understand the importance of a strong ensemble in the theater, and create original ensemble characters. ### [Session 7: Foundations](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/foundations/) Learn the parts of the stage, and experiment with foundational music, dance, and acting concepts. ### [Session 8: Process](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/process/) Discover the audition, rehearsal, and performance processes for The Lion King, and bring them to life. ### [Session 9: Objective](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/objective/) Explore characters’ objectives in The Lion King, investigate given circumstances, and experiment with various acting techniques to perform strong objectives. ### [Session 10: Character](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/character/) Explore various characters in The Lion King, and develop strong characters through movement, improvisation, and analysis. ### [Session 11: Vision](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/vision/) Meet the director of The Lion King, explore the concept of a director’s vision, and create a directorial vision for The Lion King JR. ### [Session 12: Image](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/image/) Explore the design process, and discover how a director’s vision can be realized through design. Create original mask, puppet, and costume designs. ### [Session 13: Transition](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/transition/) Understand the various transitions used in the theater, and create original theatrical transitions through design, directing, and performance. ### [Session 14: Space](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/space/) Explore the use of space in the theater, and use scene changes, set design, and blocking to tell the story of The Lion King. ### [Session 15: Sound](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/sound/) Explore the use of sound in the theater, and experiment with microphones, Foley art, and underscoring to create the aural world of The Lion King. ### [Session 16: Atmosphere](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/atmosphere/) Explore how atmosphere is created on stage, and use sound, lighting, and movement to create atmosphere and mood for The Lion King. ### [Session 17: Cue](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/cue/) Discover how various people in the theater work together to bring a show to life. Investigate the various cues that take place on stage, backstage, and in the house. ### [Session 18: Reflection](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/reflection/) Reflect on the various sessions and accomplishments of The Lion King Experience, and put everything together for a final performance. ### [Session 19: Complete](https://2026.lionkingexperience.com/curriculum/middle-school/complete/) CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve completed The Lion King Experience!