Nashville.com Nashville.com Visitors Guide to Nashville
Belmont University students are stepping into the world of Dolly Parton — and bringing one of her beloved children’s books to life on stage.
Through Belmont’s Repertory Company program, students in the University’s Department of Theatre & Dance have created an original theatrical adaptation of Billy the Kid Makes It Big, transforming Parton’s story of perseverance, kindness and chasing big dreams into a vibrant production designed especially for young audiences.
The student-written and student-performed show is part of Belmont’s hands-on Rep Co touring initiative, which blends experiential learning with arts education. Developed in partnership with Belmont’s Dolly U initiative, the production will tour local elementary schools across the Nashville area this spring, introducing children to live theatre — many for the very first time.
The show will make its public debut with a special performance at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the Ford Theater on Saturday, Feb. 28. The performance ties into the museum’s current exhibition, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker, featured in the Taylor Swift Education Center, which highlights Parton’s lifelong dedication to literacy and creative expression through efforts like her Imagination Library.
For the students involved, the project offers far more than stage time.
“This project gives students the rare opportunity to experience the full life cycle of a professional production — from script development and music creation to design, touring logistics and performance,” said Dr. Carla Lahey, assistant professor of theatre and director of Belmont Rep Co. “They are not only performers, but collaborators, educators and creative leaders.”
Rep Co operates as a fully student-driven touring company. In addition to acting, cast members take on responsibilities in curriculum development, music direction, stage management, design and tour coordination. Theatre education students have also created classroom curriculum guides aligned with elementary learning standards to help teachers extend the experience before and after each performance.
Inspired by Parton’s story of a small dog with big musical ambitions, the production centers on themes of resilience, friendship, kindness and self-belief — messages that continue to define Parton’s storytelling legacy.
“Knowing this may be the first live performance a child has ever seen brings a real sense of responsibility,” said Belmont theatre student Danny Mantel, who portrays Billy. “I hope kids walk away believing they have a gift worth holding onto and people who will help them believe in it.”
The project underscores Belmont’s broader commitment to experiential learning and community engagement, while celebrating the enduring impact of Dolly Parton’s stories — on the page, on the stage and in the hearts of the next generation.
