Meet the Actors Who Portray Elsa and Anna in the Children’s Theatre Company Production of Disney’s Frozen

A Discussion with Elsa (Gillian Jackson Han) and Anna (Julia Ennen)

Nothing can come between Anna and Elsa as they team up to lead Arendelle. Being sisters and best friends, some of their bravest moments were ones when they were protecting each other and you can see this in person at The Children’s Theatre Company’s production of Disney’s Frozen. We talked to Gillian Jackson Han and Julia Ennen about their starring roles as Elsa and Anna. Frozen is on stage through June 15 – buy tickets here.

Gillian Jackson Han and Julia Ennen in CTC's production of Disney's Frozen The Broadway Musical. Photo by Glen Stubbe Photography

Gillian Jackson Han

Q:  What was your reaction when you found out that you were cast as Elsa? 

A:  I was grateful and excited for a moment, and then immediately terror-struck realizing the work and discipline it would take to sing Let It Go 9 times a week. BUT mostly joy and excitement.

Gillian Jackson Han (Elsa)Q:  Elsa's journey involves themes of self-discovery and acceptance. How do you connect with these themes personally, and how do they influence your portrayal?

A:  These are themes to which any adult or child can relate to some degree. We have all felt othered, and afraid to step into our own power and strength because of it, and if we're brave enough, we experience the very freeing moment of deciding to try it anyway. At the end of the day, Elsa is just a scared girl searching for a sense of belonging.

Q:  The song "Let It Go" is iconic. How do you approach performing such a well-known piece to make it fresh and impactful for the audience? 

A:  When it comes to telling the story, I keep coming back to what I owe Elsa. I don't think about doing the song justice, but rather, the woman afraid of using her voice. And then, of course, a lot of hydration and electrolytes. 

Q:  What has it been like working with the cast and creative team at the Children's Theatre Company for this production of Frozen? 

A:  Wonderful. This cast will blow you away, and I am endlessly impressed by the warmth, professionalism and genuine love with which the team approaches each day. 

Q:  Anna and Elsa have such a strong sisterly bond - how do you bring that relationship to life on stage? 

A:  The dynamics of sisterhood are far from "new" to me. I am the older sister to a younger sister and it is one of the pillars of my identity. So, while the magical powers are a first for me, the relationship dynamics are old hat. And it should be said that Julia is so talented and easy to work with, the fighting feels like playing.

Q:  Are there any other Disney characters you would like to play on stage? If yes, please tell us more. 

A:  The list is honestly too long to go through, but someday soon, I want to play Meg in Hercules. 

Julia Ennen

Q:  You have an extensive background in music and voice studies. I read that you have training in the Meisner Technique. Can you tell us what that is and how might it influence your portrayal of Anna?  

A:  Yes! I have a Masters in Music Theatre and an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy from New York University. After graduating, I studied Meisner Technique under the late Ted Wold. 

Meisner Technique is an acting approach that emphasizes truthful behavior in imaginary circumstances, connection with your scene partners, and appropriately reacting to external stimuli. Your focus is on the other person and how their words and behavior affect you, rather than focusing purely on your own lines and cues. This is somewhat different from other acting approaches that emphasize emotional recall and sense memory. 

Meisner Technique helps me be a more present and generous actor. It helps me be a better listener and respond more authentically in a scene. My character, Anna, always boldly tells the truth. She does not pity herself or others. She is curious, determined, and unstoppable in her quests. And Anna loves people! Meisner is extremely helpful in bringing her to life on stage. 

Julia Ennen (Anna)Q:  Your performing career includes work with various local theaters, such as History Theatre and Theatre Elision. How have these diverse experiences contributed to your development as an artist?

A:  We are so lucky in the Twin Cities to have such a robust artistic community. Everywhere you look, there is thought-provoking, entertaining, and enriching performing art. What is so beautiful is that every theatre does things a little bit differently; No one place is alike in its process or its productions. As an artist lucky enough to work at a number of theatres in town, these experiences have made me more flexible, more resilient, and more capable. 

Q:  What aspects of Anna's character do you find most relatable, and how do you infuse your own personality into her character?

A:  I relate immensely to Anna's silliness, her energy, her fierce love for her people, and her determination. Anna is not concerned with what it will take to achieve her goals; She has a "leap first!" approach (quite literally), and she is always motivated by love. I see much of myself in Anna, and I try not to get in my own way! 

Q:  What’s your go-to pre-show ritual to get into character?

A:  I'm definitely someone who likes to take their time while getting ready! I always do a thorough vocal warmup and physical warmup (combination of yoga poses and some light stretching). I do a mental walk-through of the show beginning to end to visualize my movements ahead of time. Once my hair and makeup are complete and I'm fully in costume, I do a few breathing and grounding exercises. I may pace backstage before my first entrance so I maintain my energy. All of this helps me feel ready and clear-headed before each show! 

Q:  Anna and Elsa have such a strong sisterly bond - how do you bring that relationship to life on stage?

A:  Gillian Jackson Han (Elsa) is so full of kindness and generosity, not to mention her fierce talent. She makes it easy to be her Anna. In and outside of rehearsals, we listen to each other, we hold each other up, and we make sure the other feels heard. 

Q:  Outside of your professional life, what activities or hobbies do you enjoy that might surprise your fans?

A:  One of my favorite de-stressing activities is lifting weights. I was never an athletic kid growing up, was always picked last for teams, etc., but I have found true empowerment in strength training and experiencing all that my body can do. It helps me feel stronger and more capable on stage, especially in such an active show. 

I also love making up silly songs for other people's pets and giving animals different voices...

Q:  If you could play any other Disney character on stage, who would it be?

A:  Belle in Beauty and the Beast! 

Q:  What has been the most rewarding aspect of playing Anna in Frozen at the Children's Theatre Company?

A:  This is an absolute dream come true! I'm pinching myself in rehearsals. Anna has been a dream role of mine ever since I saw the original Broadway production. One of the most rewarding aspects is sharing the theme of sisterly love and friendship in such an iconic story!