More than 70 students in grades seven through 12 are kicking off rehearsals at Iola-Scandinavia High School as the I-S Schools Musical Theatre Department prepares to stage Disney’s “Frozen” from Feb. 11-14, 2027.

Now one week into rehearsals, the young cast and crew are gearing up for a four-show run at the high school auditorium at 540 S. Jackson Street. Organizers are adjusting the traditional performance schedule this season by dropping a second Saturday matinee in favor of a Thursday evening opener at 6 p.m. on Feb. 11. Additional performances follow on Friday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 14, at noon. Driven by the Broadway musical’s widespread popularity, program leaders anticipate drawing more than 1,200 spectators across the four-day event.

Community sponsorship drive

To keep student participation costs minimal while maintaining high production value, the department is launching its annual community sponsorship drive. Community contributions fund student costumes, free cast T-shirts, set construction, and prop rentals. Beyond immediate production expenses, sponsorship proceeds have generated more than $80,000 for the ongoing Auditorium Improvement Project. Since spring 2026, those funds have enabled the school to install a cyclorama backdrop curtain, upgrade live streaming and video projection gear, double its on-stage microphones, purchase a director’s communication system, and award its first annual $1,000 student scholarship.

Organizers plan to use upcoming donations to upgrade the stage floor and continue the annual scholarship.

Local businesses and community members can support the production at three sponsorship tiers: Performer at $100 for two tickets and program recognition, Director at $250 for four tickets and program listing, and Producer at $500 or more for eight tickets, program recognition and placement on promotional posters.

To accommodate earlier poster distribution and boost ticket sales, sponsors seeking poster placement must submit payments by Dec. 15, though donors unable to meet that date may contact organizers via email to reserve their spot. Forms and payments are due Dec. 1 on the printed flyer — or by Jan. 4 per updated department guidelines — to guarantee inclusion in the show program. Supporters can mail or deliver checks payable to the I-S School/Musical Theater Department to Shannon Huettner at the high school, or contact Dale Bestul at 715-459-9831 or dale@community-insurance.com for additional details.