I am beyond thrilled to share our performance of Fiona - I mean, Shrek - the Musical with you. These students bring amazing enthusiasm and energy (and drama!) to rehearsals day after day - it is sincerely a joy to work with them.
With this production of Shrek, we have taken every opportunity to let the students make it their own. From sets to choreography to costumes to marketing, students have taken the lead. This allows the students to take more ownership and pride in the production. It also gives a firsthand experience for students considering a career in the field. In this way Drama Club offers an incredible experiential learning experience to all involved. I am so very proud of all their dedication and hard work.
A personal goal of mine is to make Drama Club a truly inclusive community where students of all abilities are able to share their love of theater. If you are never given an opportunity to try, you will never know and cannot grow. And since theatre skills are life skills, everyone can benefit from them. This show has brought together (~100) students from all grade levels, experience, abilities, and backgrounds. The collaboration and bonding that happens during the rehearsal process is like none other, and I feel so privileged to be a part of it.
I have been exceptionally lucky to have an incredible amount of support behind this production. Mr. Spohn stepped in to advise crew and having him here has been a tremendous help. Mr. Dempsey plans and oversees all of our technical needs, in addition to training students to operate the equipment. Ms. Mowry took on directing the pit, and she has done a phenomenal job. Our music director, Angy McGann, might just be the most amazing music director I have ever been so fortunate to work with. She is so passionate about teaching music, she accepted the job even though her schedule is already booked (and now we won’t let her go-oh-oh-oh-oh!). Kelly Husted has been the best Assistant Director I could have ever asked for, since she lives and breathes Drama Club and wants nothing more than to see our club thrive. And lastly, Sophie Fougere somehow manages to keep the wonderfully crazy crew in line and (mostly) on task.
And finally, a note to my cast and crew, this is the moment we’ve been working for, be brave and be bold. Always remember “what makes you special...makes you strong.” You’ve got this.
