Tammy Bartz, Director
Welcome, and thank you for joining us tonight on this beautiful journey into our Shrek the Musical production! This marks my first year as director, a role I embraced with some apprehension after our previous director moved on to a new teaching position. Though I’d never directed a musical before, I knew this cast well, having worked as the accompanist and vocal director in past productions. How could I say no to the chance to support and guide such a talented group?
The talent you will see tonight goes beyond acting. Our leads and seasoned actors have stepped up as incredible mentors, guiding me through the many intricacies of directing. Their dedication has truly been a gift, and this production would not have been possible without their guidance and teamwork. I am so grateful for the entire cast’s dedication and the growth I have seen in them. This experience has gone beyond simply putting on a show—it has been about building character, forging friendships, and learning the values of collaboration and commitment. Watching them grow not only as performers but as individuals has been a joy, and it is something I will carry with me long after the curtain closes.
Alongside directing, I had the exciting (and sometimes daunting) task of coordinating a project to bring a new lighting system and upgraded microphones to our auditorium. My deepest thanks go to the administration and this incredible community for wholeheartedly supporting this project. I am blessed to be part of a community that deeply values the arts and continually supports our work.
I am especially grateful for Mimi, my fabulous sidekick, who kept me grounded and organized, and Dane, our outstanding vocal coach and understudy for every character. I am also indebted to Seth Hargrove and Kiel Koehler, who brought my set ideas to life; Rick Bartz for his ingenious prop creations; Maya Lee and Austin Sonnek for their inspiring choreography that brought energy and life to every scene; Ann Markegard for her creative alteration talents and inspired ideas; Mike Markegard for his seamless backstage organization, and Rick Rostad, whose expertise in sound engineering keeps both the actors’ voices and music balanced and clear. A special thanks to Ethan Papenfuss, who learned to run the new lighting system in just a few days, merging his technical know-how with a creative eye to bring magic to the stage. Most importantly, I thank my family for their unwavering support. They are always amidst my crazy big and wild ideas, but they believe in me wholeheartedly.
Please take a moment to glance at the thank-you list in this playbill—it reflects the generous support of parents, teachers, and community members who have poured their hearts into making this production a success. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all those who have contributed to this beautiful experience. Thank you for stepping into our swamp tonight and helping us bring this magical, fairy-tale adventure to life!
