Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” may have been a middle-school production, but the impact went far beyond the stage. With packed audiences, student-run tech crews, and more than 100 performers involved, the show became a major learning experience for everyone involved.
The production included 125 students in a dual-cast format, meaning all students performed in every show while lead roles rotated. According to the show’s director, Jenny Morris, this gave students the chance to experience both leadership roles and ensemble work, which she believes is just as important.
“‘Frozen’ is a really big and technically difficult show, even for adults,” she said. “I’m extremely proud of the students and how everything came together.”
The show also relied heavily on student technicians who helped move set pieces and create special effects, giving students experience behind the scenes as well as on stage. Despite challenges like winter weather forcing schedule changes, the production still drew large crowds. Younger students even came dressed in costumes to watch the middle school performers.
For the students on stage, the experience was both meaningful and motivating. Izzy Whitehead said performing on show days was the most memorable part for her.
“Seeing all the hard work finally come together is really rewarding,” Whitehead said.
She plans to continue doing theater through middle school and high school and said performing professionally is still a dream of hers.
Cooper Hammock, who played Kristoff, said the role pushed him outside his comfort zone. In past shows, he often played comedic characters, but Frozen Jr. required more emotional range.
“I had to show worried, sad, and happy emotions instead of just being funny,” Hammock said.
He believes the role prepared him for more serious parts in the future.
Preparing a production of this size came with challenges, especially scheduling rehearsals around students’ busy lives. Many performers were also involved in sports, dance, and other activities. The director said balancing everything in a short amount of time was difficult but also rewarding.
“Being busy is part of the challenge,” Morris said. “They learn how to manage their time and still perform well.”
Beyond the stage, productions like “Frozen Jr.” help students build confidence, learn how to work with different people, and handle unexpected changes. These lessons, she said, carry into high school and adulthood.
Up next for the performing arts program is “The Little Mermaid,” which will include all third through fifth grade students. Performances are scheduled for Feb.
26 and 27 at GMC’s COL and New Day Center of Leadership.