Reese, who plays Kristoff in the Snow cast of Disney’s Frozen, built his connection with GREAT long before he took the stage. It was shaped by shared experiences, meaningful relationships, and a growing sense that he belonged. What he once admired from a distance is now helping shape the future he’s building.
Long before stepping into rehearsals, he experienced the organization in other ways attending productions with his grandmother, Donna. One memory, in particular, has stayed with him: seeing The Addams Family together and simply having fun. That early joy eventually turned into something more meaningful when, in early 2023, Reese began volunteering as a greeter alongside Donna.
“I’ve been hooked ever since,” he shared. “I even started collecting programs from every show I’ve seen.”
What stood out most to Reese over those years wasn’t just the productions. It was the people. “The joy is undeniable,” he said. “Whether it’s performers, crew, or the audience, everyone is overflowing with gratitude and love for the arts. The stories and memories shared through music, acting, and dance… they leave everyone smiling. I think that’s beautiful.”
At the time, performing still felt like a distant possibility. Though he had always loved singing, Reese describes himself as a “late bloomer” in the performing arts. Theatre, especially, felt intimidating. It wasn’t until now in his final year of college at St. Cloud State University, after years of observing, supporting, and being part of the GREAT community in other ways, he decided to take the leap. And when he did, he knew exactly where he wanted to do it.
“Because I had such awesome experiences with GREAT, I figured they’d be the perfect organization to perform with.”
After starting a new job at the Paramount Center for the Arts, he held off on auditioning for a show. But when Frozen was announced, it struck him. “I knew immediately that I wanted to audition,” he said. “It’s such a rich story with an important message about different forms of love, and the dangers of fear and isolation. Those are things that really matter, especially for young people.”
The decision carried deeper meaning, too.
“My grandma was so dedicated to getting me involved in the arts,” he shared. “So finally doing it felt like a way to honor her memory, while also taking a big step forward in my own life.”
That step forward came with challenges, but also growth. Surrounded by experienced performers, Reese initially found himself second-guessing his place in the room. “I kept asking if I was doing okay, if I was making things harder for everyone else,” he admitted. But the environment at GREAT quickly shifted that mindset.
“The reassurance and support from the team and just how welcoming everyone was helped me build confidence not only in my performance, but in my communication, teamwork, and discipline.”
As a student at St. Cloud State University, Reese is already seeing how theatre connects directly to his academic path. An English Studies major with a Music minor, he spends much of his time analyzing stories – their meaning, structure, and impact. Through GREAT, he’s found a way to bring that work to life.
“Theatre is about expressing emotion and telling stories through performance,” he said. “We don’t just memorize lines; we workshop characters, embody the story, and connect emotion to the music. Getting to do that alongside what I study… it feels like a dream.”
His musical training has also deepened his appreciation for the score and storytelling within Frozen, adding another layer to his experience.
Beyond the artistic side, Reese is gaining practical skills that will follow him well beyond college. “Time management and adaptability are the biggest ones for me,” he explained. “I’ve always been someone who likes a very structured schedule, so balancing rehearsals, school, and work was a big adjustment. Theatre showed me things may not be as daunting as it seems. Being surrounded by flexible, supportive people made it easier to adapt and even enjoy the process.”
Perhaps the most meaningful shift, though, has been how Reese now views his future. “For a long time, I saw my life as two separate paths,” he said. “One was the ‘realistic’ career, and the other was the ‘risky dream’ of performing.”
Being part of Frozen helped change that perspective.
“I realized I don’t have to choose between the things I love. I can build a future that includes both, in different ways. That’s made me feel more excited—and more secure—about what’s ahead than I ever have before.”
For Reese, this moment isn’t just about one show or one role. It’s about something bigger. “It represents opportunity,” he said. “Creativity and learning aren’t separate. They’re connected. For the first time, it feels like my own gates have opened.” And with the support of the GREAT community behind him, that sense of possibility continues to grow.
“All I needed was confidence in myself and the kindness and support of the people around me. And that’s something I’ve felt every step of the way.”
