SILER CITY, N.C. — Kindergarteners attending “Frozen Storytime” this winter will enjoy a story about the mythical kingdom of Arendelle — and take home their own copies of a bilingual story book — thanks to a grant awarded to the Jordan-Matthews High School Dual-Language Program by the Chatham Education Foundation.
The $1,000 grant is part of the Chatham Education Foundation’s work to strengthen local communities by partnering with community residents, businesses and foundations to enhance opportunities for public school students.
In “Frozen Storyime,” dual-language high school students portray Princess Elsa, Olaf and other beloved characters from “Frozen: The Broadway Musical.” After reading “Disney Frozen II” to the children in Spanish and English, high school students talk with the preschoolers about the story and acting before giving each a bilingual story book to take home.
The initiative was announced earlier this year, when Chatham County Schools helped launch “Frozen Storytime” for all pre-K students in public schools across the county. This Chatham Education Foundation grant expands “Frozen Storytime” to all dual-language kindergarteners, which incudes students at North Chatham Elementary, Siler City Elementary, Silk Hope School and Virginia Cross Elementary.
“Frozen Storytime” was created by JMArts and the Jordan-Matthews Dual-Language Program as part of the school’s Season of Frozen, a series of special events over coming months to celebrate JM’s North Carolina school premiere of “Frozen: The Broadway Musical.” The school was one of about 50 selected in a national contest to be the first school to present the full Broadway musical in their state.
It brings younger students into the celebration and gives older, dual-language students an opportunity to use their language skills, provide volunteer service and inspire younger students just beginning their dual-language journey.
Jordan-Matthews was selected to present the statewide premiere in a nationwide competition sponsored by Educational Theatre Association, Disney Theatrical Group and Music Theatre International. Centering on the theme “Love Is An Open Door,” the competition was designed to promote inclusion and outreach in high school theater programs.
“Frozen” performances are April 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. and April 21 at 3 p.m. at the Jordan-Matthews High School Auditorium. Tickets will available in a presale to JMArts members beginning December 1 and then in a public sale beginning February 1.
Several free community events associated with the production will be held through April. Details will be announced on JMArts social media and listed on a web page dedicated to the “Frozen” production at jmarts.org/frozen.
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“Frozen Storytime” was created to celebrate Jordan-Matthews High School’s upcoming production of “Frozen: The Broadway Musical,” the first time the full Broadway musical will be performed by a school in North Carolina. The statewide premiere was awarded to the Siler City school as part of a nationwide competition with the theme, “Love Is An Open Door.”