Photo: Children’s Theatre Company
We speak with ensemble member Sarah Potvin to get a look behind the curtain.
Audiences of all ages are invited to enjoy the wonders of winter at the Children’s Theatre Company’s (CTC) original production of Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical. But Anna and Elsa aren’t embarking on this musical journey alone. A cast of ensemble actors, including a Maple Grove High School alum, is helping to bring the story (and the town of Arendelle) to life.
Twenty-three-year-old Sarah Potvin’s love for theater grew from her early passion for dance. “In high school, I joined the theater program, and since then, I’ve never looked back,” Potvin says. She graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Theatre and Dance program in 2023 and has been a part of numerous local productions since.
Sarah Potvin. Photo: Sarah Potvin
“For many years now, I have always known I’m an ensemble girl, meaning I love to perform in a high energy, jam packed ensemble,” Potvin says. “I enjoy the thrill of quick changes, making memories backstage with other cast members and getting to focus on storytelling through movement.”
Being an ensemble member reminds Potvin about the importance of creating an immersive experience for the audience. “Of course, we must have Anna and Elsa, but how weird would it be if only the named characters were on stage?” she says. Potvin and her cohorts are in charge of creating energetic scenes during dance numbers and lending their voices to full-company songs.
Rehearsals started on March 6 for the cast of the Children’s Theatre Company’s original production of Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical. Photos: Children’s Theatre Company
Since the start of rehearsals on March 6, the entire cast has been working diligently on the choreography, blocking and lyrics for the production. Although learning so much at once can be overwhelming, “I often tell myself to trust the process,” Potvin says. “All the aspects come along with time. It’s important to trust yourself and trust those around you, and it’s okay if things take a couple tries.”
As the choreography starts to settle in her mind, Potvin says she and her fellow castmates get more creative with their storytelling. “We can start to add on different character tactics or motivations,” she says. Ensemble actors often have creative license to develop their individual character both on their own and in collaboration with nearby castmates throughout the rehearsal process. “Some of us enjoy creating background stories together, whether that is being previous friends or family members,” Potvin says.
When the curtain rises on opening night, Potvin says she’ll be thinking about how proud she is of the cast, crew and creative team for putting the show together. “The designs for this show are already so beautiful, and I can’t wait to see it all come to life,” she says. “Many, many hours go into preparing a production as big as this one, so I can only imagine how opening night is going to feel after all the hard work has paid off.”
Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical opens at CTC on April 19 and runs until June 15. Select performances will also include a preshow adventure led by CTC teaching artists, where audience members can construct their own paper Olaf. Visit childrenstheatre.org for tickets and additional show details.
Children’s Theatre Company
2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.874.0400
Facebook: Children’s Theatre Company
Instagram: @childrenstheatrecompany
