Theatre major lands ‘happiest internship on Earth’ at Disney

September 16, 2026

Every great story begins with a dream. But for Lilly Kate Farrar, her dream became storybook reality when she sprinkled a little magic fairy dust over her strong creative ambition and the hands-on learning opportunities at Columbus State.

Farrar, a junior majoring in theatre, is participating in the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World in Orlando this fall. Her theatre performance studies also directly align with Disney’s operational mission, particularly its emphasis on guest engagement and high-energy showmanship.

“In the Magic Kingdom, we prioritize storytelling to enhance the experience for all guests,” Farrar explained. “Theatre has given me the confidence and communication skills to connect and network for my future.”

Farrar’s journey to Columbus State began at Tallulah Falls School. There, she helped make her theatre troupe’s first-ever trip to ThesCon in Columbus possible. The statewide Georgia Thespian Conference—dubbed the world’s largest gathering of high school thespians by its host, Georgia’s chapter of the national Educational Theatre Association—brings more than 6,000 high school drama students like Farrar to Columbus annually.

“Going to the conference and getting to hear success stories and enrich myself in education really inspired me that I could do theatre as my major […] Getting to see the different facilities at CSU during my time at the conference, and even just getting to walk around downtown Columbus—I fell in love with the scene immediately,” she recalled.

“It’s an artist’s dream to live in a community that values creativity,” she continued. “Also, the realization of getting to live in the heart of downtown and walk every day to class was such a big draw for me.”

Building a competitive portfolio

Even before her first official day of college classes, Farrar hit the ground running by earning international academic credit at the Spencer House, Columbus State’s study-abroad residence in Oxford, England, through the university’s first-year experience programs. She quickly immersed herself in campus life, starring in departmental productions such as Pinkalicious The Musical during her freshman year, then performing in Finding Nemo: The Musical, and this year serving on a volunteer panel at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Chattanooga.

Farrar (right) in the Department of Theatre & Dance’s production of Finding Nemo: The Musical.

These hands-on performances and industry networking events gave Farrar practical skills that went far beyond traditional classroom instruction. She credits much of her development to the mentorship of theatre faculty members such as Assistant Professor Beth Reeves and Associate Professor Molly Claasen—both of whom she describes as “formative” to her creative development and who she credits with “encouraging me to continue being ambitious and creative, and equipping me with helpful advice and tools to meet my goals.”

Her relationship with Disney began in 2024 when she was chosen as one of just 100 students nationwide for the Disney Dreamers Academy. That experience motivated her to apply this year for the competitive Disney College Program, but she went further by encouraging her classmates to apply as well. She is currently among 11 theatre majors from Columbus State participating in this fall’s program.

Farrar (fourth from the left) with many of her fellow Disney College Program Columbus State classmates, showing off their newly issued Disney nametags.

Farrar collaborated with the Department of Theatre & Dance leaders and faculty to create a tailored independent study course that integrated the internship experience with degree progress. Working with Reeves, Farrar helped outline the curriculum so that all 11 students could receive full academic credit while working for an entertainment industry leader such as Disney. This adaptable method let students gain practical corporate experience without delaying their graduation plans.

“To sum up Lilly Kate in one word, it’s ’self-motivated,’” Reeves explained. “She is determined, inquisitive, passionate and creative. I can see so much growth in her from her freshman year all the way to today.”

Now stationed in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland West Attractions, Farrar spends her days working at Princess Fairytale Hall, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, and the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel. She draws daily on her theatrical training to manage large audiences, project her voice effectively and collaborate directly with entertainment cast members.

“We teach leadership through creativity in the Department of Theatre & Dance. I believe Lilly Kate’s time at Columbus State has exemplified this with her classmates,” Reeves observed. “I also appreciate that we can count on her to come back and share her Disney experiences with our current and future theatre students. It is always about learning and teaching others, and she embodies that commitment.”

With the confidence and first-hand experience she’s gained in her theatre classes, on stage and now at the famed “happiest place on Earth,” she feels prepared to pursue her professional dreams of owning her own studio.

“I have always been interested in finding ways to give back to my community and to grow as a leader, and I feel like all of my experiences at Columbus State leading up to this one have equipped me well for my future goals and dreams,” she explained. “These connections and opportunities have inspired me and given me tools to succeed professionally.”

For students wondering if they can achieve similar career momentum, her advice is straightforward: “Take the step and dream big. You never know what opportunity might be just around the bend.”

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Media contact:  Michael Tullier, APR