Logan Weaver discovered skating in a “pretty weird way:” Weird, but it worked. The Gilbert resident now appears as a citizen of Arendelle in Disney on Ice Presents Frozen, which comes to Talking Stick Resort Arena from Thursday, April 12, to Sunday, April 15.
“When I was 13, I went to a public skating session,” Weaver says. “It was really fun. It was just a cool feeling to be out there on the ice, so I asked (my parents) if, as a Christmas present, I could take skating lessons.”
The next day he hit the ice and has been doing for about 10 years. That was in Washington State, where he graduated early from high school. He moved to Arizona to train with Olympic silver medalist Ben Agosto.
“Most of my career, I was competing all over the country,” Weaver says. “I always liked performing more than skating. It always would bring me more joy to perform for people than being judged on a performance.”
Performing with Disney is a dream come true. He pursued employment by submitting audition tapes before he was 18. On Agosto’s recommendation, Weaver auditioned for Disney in Phoenix on his 20th birthday with his current cast.
“It was amazing,” Weaver says. “It was so fun. I had a great time. It was hard, but it was an experience I won’t forget.”
He was hired, and he’s been gliding along since then. His favorite scene is “In Summer,” a song by the quirky and loveable Olaf the snowman. He is accompanied by bees that buzz and dandelion fuzz. He also enjoys his moments skating with Arendelle citizens.
Weaver says one of the biggest job perks isn’t a “perk” at all. It’s hearing children sing, cheer and light up when they see their favorite characters or hear a familiar tune.
“That’s something that continues to drive the job for me,” Weaver says. “That’s one of the main reasons I come in to work. I love the job and seeing the kids really makes up for anything that is not amazing.”
This is not Weaver’s first time performing with Feld Entertainment. He also spent time with Ringing Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He melds his warm-up routine with his circus talents.
“Well, before a lot of shows, I like to juggle,” Weaver says. “You’ve got to put on your make-up. You’ve got to do a 15-minute warm up. That is just part of my routine before every show. Most of the time I just like to relax and get myself in the mindset of, you know, being the best character I can be.”
Disney on Ice Presents Frozen, Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, 602.379.2000, talkingstickresort.com, various times Thursday, April 12, to Sunday, April 15, tickets start at $10.
