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A frightening four-day hospital stay inspired 15-year-old Katie Hearne to return to Children’s Hospital under much happier circumstances: directing a performance of “Frozen” for young patients.

Hearne became seriously ill around Christmastime in 2023. The illness resembled the flu, but other symptoms persisted. Visits to her pediatrician and the hospital produced no answers until she arrived at Children’s Hospital, where doctors identified what she described as a rare reaction to a virus.

The hospitalization was traumatic and filled with anxiety, Hearne said. But after noticing a stage on her way into the hospital, she began imagining how an Encore Stage and Studio production could entertain patients during long, often boring stays.

Hearne had performed with Encore’s children’s theater program since she was 9. She selected “Frozen,” the first play she remembers appearing in, because its familiar story would be easy for patients to follow.

She began developing the idea with Encore Executive Director Sara Duke through Encore Cares, a program that combines student direction with community service. Duke said participants had previously visited retirement homes and after-school programs, but this marked their first performance at Children’s Hospital.

Hearne emailed the hospital and worked to secure a date, eventually scheduling the performance for Oct. 21. Despite worrying that short notice might discourage volunteers, she assembled a cast of 17.

Rehearsals started about six weeks before the performance. Hearne took on her first directing role and taught the cast the songs while preparing to bring the production into the hospital.

Although directing and organizing the hospital visit initially felt intimidating, Hearne said she was proud of what she accomplished.