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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
Lucinda Garbutt-Young

Calling all Elsas and Annas: young talent on Frozen stage this winter

Ruby Edwards as Anna, Emma Green as Olaf and Amelia Accardi as Elsa. Picture by Riley McLean

It is not often you see a production run entirely by students, but at Young People's Theatre Newcastle (YTP) it happens six times a year.

The production company is "delighted" to have secured rights for Disney's Frozen Jr. and will transport audiences to the land of Arendelle this month.

Theatre manager and show director Chelsea Willis said the production had more than 70 "incredibly talented students" in the cast and 10 backstage.

All cast and crew members train with YTP before auditioning for shows, with two days of rehearsal every week. It is a rigorous schedule, which Ms Willis said teaches students "dedication".

One performer who knows hard work is Mikala Boyd, 18, who plays Kristoff.

"[I love] the magic of theatre and magic of storytelling," she said. "Our first rehearsal was just us learning how to be Disney characters and seeing the world through their eyes."

The show has been a learning experience for many cast members. Sophie Olischlager, 12, plays young Elsa and said she had learnt a lot about vocal techniques.

"It has been a really special experience, and I feel honoured to portray this role," she said.

Behind the hard work is a show fit for children in princess dresses, ready for their first taste of theatre.

"We've tried to make it as fun and immersive as possible," Ms Willis said.

"I am sure we will see many girls dressed as Anna and Elsa.

"I'm most excited to see audiences come."

Frozen Jr. will play at YTP from Tuesday, July 4, to Saturday, August 5.

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