On Jan. 17, Edina High School presented an all-inclusive performance of “The Jungle Book,” starring special education students at Edina. The show was organized and directed by Jane Froiland and Hanah Bast.

In 2014, Lisa Hanson and Jessica Froehlich established the Theater for All program program. In the fall of 2023, Jane Froiland and Hannah Bast entered as the new teachers and directors of the program. The event was well put together and highlighted the special education students’ talents. Each special education student was paired with another student, otherwise known as a buddy, to help dictate lines or actions. The main characters of “The Jungle Book” were paired with a para who would say the lines alongside the actors. 

In addition to the inclusivity of the production on stage, “The Jungle Book” also served as an inclusive viewing experience, with many accommodations for neurodivergent students. At the beginning of the show, the speaker emphasized that the auditorium was a safe space. “Feel free to make whatever noise you want during the play. If you are happy, cheer. If you want to make animal noises, do it,” she said. The Theater for All program has also performed “Shrek,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” and “The Little Mermaid” in the past. 

Theater for All is just one of the ways EHS unifies its student population; classes like Blended Personal Wellness offer other avenues to achieve the same goal. On top of being very entertaining, “The Jungle Book” was also a very emotional experience. The culmination of people who dedicate their time to put this show together allows people in Edina to make meaningful connections based on their love for theater. Every student was given a time they will never forget: a moment in the spotlight.  

This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on February 21, 2024.