Hi Tracye,
Welcome to the world of theatre 🎭 ! I'm the Community Manager for Broadway Media by day, but in my spare time I'm a children's theatre director with my local community theatre. Shrek is definitely an ambitious piece, but there are ways to make it "simpler" without sacrificing quality.
As a new theatre teacher, I cannot recommend using the Junior version enough; the script may be abridged, but all of the key moments will be there. One of my favorite things about the Junior versions are the resources you receive from MTI, specifically the Director's Guide! The guide is packed with tips and tricks that even a seasoned director can benefit from, things like themed activities that help your performers build character to detailed instructions on how to accomplish special effects!
Regardless of whether you go Regular or Junior, there are a number of key settings; places like the swamp, the dungeon, Fiona's tower, Duloc. . .the list goes on. If you have the means to project, I'd recommend taking a look at the Scenic Projection packages from Broadway Media. Instead of having to get painted scenery and set pieces to depict every setting, you'll have every location mentioned in the script at the click of the button, including special effects!
Here are a few examples from recent school productions:
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Melissa Kratish
Broadway Media
CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-09-2022 13:28
From: Tracye Couture
Subject: Shrek - Simple Set Design
Hi wonderful people! Old teacher, newbie theatre teacher here! I am one for jumping in feet first. I have always wanted to produce Shrek. (It's a childhood favorite.) Probably will stay with the Jr. Version since there's a lot of roles. I have access to costumes, but I have very limited to NONE experience with set design. We have an auditorium setting - the stage is very wide! Does anyone have drawings, ideas, etc. from Shrek that are "simple"? (I do understand simple is a tricky word with this one.) Thank you! <3
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Tracye Couture
classroom teacher
Parkers Chapel High School
AR
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