Creating Space for Every Voice: Inside Our Shrek the Musical Kids Production

When we announced auditions for Shrek the Musical Kids, we knew we had something special brewing. What we didn’t expect was the overwhelming response from our community—over 80 young artists answered the call to journey to the swamp, making this one of our largest productions to date.

With a cast this size, the question becomes: how do we ensure that every single young artist is truly seen and heard, both in rehearsals and on stage?

At Encore Performing Arts, this isn’t just a logistical challenge—it’s central to our mission. We believe that theater is about more than just putting on a show. It’s about creating transformative experiences for young people, building confidence, and celebrating what makes each person unique. And that requires intentionality at every step of the process.

The Rehearsal Room: Where Magic Begins

Our director, Bridget Cunningham, specializes in creating welcoming, supportive spaces where young performers can explore and grow. With 80+ young artists in the room, that takes thoughtful planning and a well-trained team.

Adequate Staffing Makes All the Difference

We don’t believe in one adult trying to manage dozens of young artists alone. Our productions are supported by multiple team members who work together to ensure that every young artist receives personal attention, instruction, and encouragement. This collaborative approach means no one gets lost in the crowd.

Time for Breaks and Connection

Young performers need more than just blocking rehearsals—they need time to breathe, connect with peers, and process what they’re learning. We build regular breaks into our rehearsal schedule, giving young artists the space to rest, ask questions, and bond with their castmates. These moments off-script are just as important as the work on stage.

Education Through the Process

Rather than simply telling young artists where to stand, we teach them why. Our team provides education on proper stage blocking, vocal blending, ensemble work, and collaborative storytelling. When young artists understand the “why” behind their movements and choices, they become active participants in the creative process rather than passive followers of direction.

Creating Individual Moments

Even in a large ensemble production like Shrek the Musical Kids, we work to give each performer their moment. Whether it’s a small solo line, a featured dance move, or a character-building choice in the background, our creative team looks for opportunities to let individual personalities shine through. We don’t believe in “background” performers—we believe in ensemble artists who each contribute something essential to the story.

On Stage: Celebrating 80+ Unique Voices

When performance week arrives, all of that rehearsal room intentionality pays off. Our approach to staging ensures that the audience can appreciate the full breadth of talent on display.

Strategic Blocking and Choreography

With 80+ young artists on stage, we use levels, staggered positioning, and thoughtful choreography to ensure visibility. Taller performers don’t always stand in back—we create dynamic stage pictures that allow everyone to be seen at different moments throughout the show.

Character Development for All

Every fairy tale creature, every Duloc citizen, every swamp dweller has a story. We encourage our young artists to create backstories and character choices for their roles, no matter how small. This investment in character work means that every performer brings intention and life to the stage—and audiences notice.

The Encore Difference

Theater should be a place where young people discover their voice, not lose it in the crowd. As we prepare for Shrek the Musical Kids to open on January 29, we’re proud of the community we’ve built—one where 80+ young artists all know they matter.

This production celebrates what makes each of us unique, and that theme extends far beyond the script. It’s woven into how we rehearse, how we teach, and how we perform together.

Because when young artists feel seen and heard, they don’t just perform better—they grow braver, kinder, and more confident in who they are. And that’s the real magic we’re creating in the swamp.

Shrek the Musical Kids January 29-31 at Electric TheaterFeaturing 80+ young artists from Southern Utah

Tickets available at encorepa.org/tickets