Key Points:
Back to top- Students and teachers connect with music in a natural, powerful way. Music creates emotional connections that can fuel learning.
- Musical theater is a unique and effective vehicle for students and educators to see themselves in the story. And that’s exactly the goal behind QuaverEd’s new musical: to show how SEL can help schools become thriving, supportive communities where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
- The musical is debuting at Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC)’s Polk Theater in Nashville, TN, on June 29 and 30, 2026.
How it all Started …
Back to topTo fully understand this story, we need to rewind back to the fall of 2021.
David Mastran, Co-Founder and President of QuaverEd, based in Nashville, Tenn., was looking for a new way to communicate something many educators already know to be true: when a school invests in programs that support students’ academic and personal growth, everyone benefits.
“I originally got the idea for a musical to show how our QuaverReady program could change entire school cultures. Why not explain it with songs in a musical?”
David Mastran
David began reading books on writing musicals, selecting 25 songs from the QuaverReady curriculum, and building a storyline around them. He gathered feedback from QuaverEd staff, family and friends, and theater professionals in New York City.
From there, the project grew through countless revisions. The script, songs, characters, and plot were refined again and again until the story was ready for the next phase: production.
In 2025, theater collaborators Brian Hull and Holly Shepherd joined the team as director and producer. They created storyboards, cast 29 roles, and brought the musical to life.
On January 12 and 13, the team held a musical preview in Franklin, Tennessee.
Approximately 500 attendees, including teachers, students, parents, and QuaverEd employees, experienced the show and provided feedback through a post-performance survey.
“The performance was outstanding—the actors, dancers, set, and background graphics were all so engaging. Beyond the impressive production, I was particularly struck by how beautifully the storyline modeled social and emotional learning.”
Kyla Krengel, CASEL Director of SEL Implementation
That feedback affirmed what the team hoped the musical would accomplish. This story can serve as a model for effectively implementing a readiness skills program that resonates across roles and age groups.
The Storyline
Back to topAt the center of the musical is Mrs. Jackson, a school counselor determined to transform the culture at her new school. But meaningful change isn’t easy.
She faces obstacles at every level: misalignment with administration, tension with fellow educators, and the challenges of a student body impacted by trauma. Several students carry difficult past experiences that affect their behavior, relationships, and learning, influencing the entire school environment.
Through music, character arcs, and shared moments of growth, the story highlights a critical message: supporting students in all ways must be a priority, not an afterthought.
And the musical doesn’t end when the curtain falls. In many cases, it becomes a starting point for reflection and conversation at home and at school.
“On the drive home, my son and I had a meaningful conversation reflecting on the lessons from the show and how adults and students can apply them throughout the day.”
Kyla Krengel, CASEL Director of SEL Implementation
What’s next?
Back to topFollowing the preview, the team is continuing to refine the musical based on feedback. They have secured the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC)’s Polk Theater for June 29 and 30, 2026. Tickets will be on sale soon!
“The message is powerful. We believe the more people we can get in front of, the more impact we can have.”
David Mastran
The long-term vision is clear: use the arts to inspire meaningful conversations about readiness skills and show what’s possible when schools invest in the whole child.
The views in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of CASEL.
is a standards-aligned PreK–8 curriculum that provides songs, lessons, and activities to help educators teach students the skills they need for success in school and beyond.
Lindsey Jannaman is director of content at QuaverReady, a standards-aligned PreK–8 curriculum that provides songs, lessons, and activities to help educators teach students the skills they need for success in school and beyond.
Related Posts
- SEL Steps Into the Spotlight: Theater as the Perfect Setting for Social and Emotional Growth
- SEL Through Art: The Get to Know Me Project
- Why Museums Are “The New Frontier” for SEL
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