By J.R. Jamison—
MUNCIE, IN – Long before the curtain rose on Disney’s Frozen in early June, twenty-eight of the performers stepping onto the Mainstage at Muncie Civic Theatre first learned how to stand confidently in a rehearsal through the theater’s Youth Program.
Frozen was more than a beloved musical adaptation filled with iconic songs and magical storytelling. It also served as a powerful example of how Muncie Civic Theatre’s youth programming continues to develop young performers into Mainstage actors and creatives. The production arrived as the theater also launched season ticket sales for its upcoming 96th season.
For Laura Williamson, who serves as the Executive Artistic Director of Muncie Civic Theatre and the Director of Frozen, the connection between the Youth Program, Casazza Family Studio Theatre, and Mainstage productions is intentional.
“The Youth Program is meant to be a first opportunity, just like a sport would be,” Williamson said. “We talk about building character; not only characters on stage, but also building character offstage in terms of everyone pulling for the team.”
That team-first philosophy could be seen throughout the cast of Frozen, including from actress Callie Jones, who is an in-coming senior at Yorktown High School and portrayed adult Anna. Jones has been part of Muncie Civic Theatre since childhood.
“I started doing Civic shows when I was in kindergarten,” Jones said. “Being involved here has really brought me out of my shell, and I think community theater programs are important for young performers because it really gives you the opportunity to learn how to interact with others and work with other people, even in higher-stress situations.”
Outside of the youth-theater pipeline, Frozen featured a cast drawn from all corners of the community, including Brittany Kern, who played adult Elsa and balances theater with her career as a surgeon.
“Theater gives an outlet for emotions,” Kern said. “When I’m in surgery, I have to keep myself composed and totally in control. Whereas in theater, I can kind of let loose a little bit and explore different sides of myself.”
Kern says the themes within Frozen resonate deeply with audiences because the story explores identity and personal growth rather than relying solely on traditional fairy-tale conventions.
“Elsa is a very complex character,” Kern said. “She has this immense power that she doesn’t know what to do with, and her story can speak to anybody going through any sort of life transition or life change.”
Jones agrees that the enduring appeal of Frozen lies in the emotional depth of its two central heroines.
“Elsa and Anna aren’t waiting for Prince Charming,” Jones said. “They are very much trying to understand who they are and their potential. And sisterly love ends up saving the day instead of romantic love, and that’s important.”
The production itself embraced creativity and collaboration in uniquely local ways.
Rather than depending heavily on Broadway-style digital effects, Williamson’s vision relied on choreography, lighting, practical staging, and ensemble storytelling to bring Elsa’s magical powers to life. In addition, three choreographers contributed different movement styles throughout the production, including ballroom dance, contemporary, and hip-hop-inspired sequences.
“We have to be creative to be true to the story,” Williamson said. “That’s where I get excited because people are the commodity that we have.”
That emphasis on people remains central to Muncie Civic Theatre’s mission to be “the theater for everyone.” Williamson hopes audiences are proud of the local talent and artistry thriving within the community.
“These aren’t actors staying in a hotel from Broadway,” Williamson said. “They’re local community members. They’re the heart of our community.”
For young people considering taking that first step into the spotlight, Jones offers simple advice: “Just try it! The youth program is such an amazing resource we have here at Civic.”
About Muncie Civic Theatre
Founded in 1931, the mission of Muncie Civic Theatre is to enrich the whole community through theatre performance, education, and outreach. Located in the historic Boyce Block in the heart of Downtown Muncie, Indiana, Muncie Civic Theatre offers two stages (Mainstage and the Casazza Family Studio Theatre) that bring to life 18 productions per year alongside thriving developmental programs for youth. More at www.munciecivic.org.
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