Theater Program
Spring 2026 Theater Program: Shrek JR & Shrek KIDS
Rehearsals have officially begun for Shrek JR and Shrek KIDS at World Upside Down Arts Studio. These two fun-filled productions, based on the hit DreamWorks film and Broadway musical, tell the hilarious and heartwarming story of Shrek—an unlikely hero who discovers that true beauty comes from within.
Shrek JR offers older youth performers a high-energy musical experience with memorable characters, music, and messages of acceptance, while Shrek KIDS introduces younger performers to theater through a playful, age-appropriate version that emphasizes creativity, teamwork, and confidence.
Both productions are inclusive and non-competitive—every enrolled child has a role and the opportunity to shine as rehearsals continue throughout the season.
Performance Dates: April 24–25, 2026
Venue: GVL Tech
Tickets will go on sale later in the season—stay tuned for more details!
We can’t wait to share these productions with our community!
Discover the Magic of Our Student Theater Program
Welcome to a world where creativity, confidence, and collaboration take center stage! Our Theater Program is a vibrant hub for aspiring young performers, offering a supportive environment to explore the art of theater and develop essential life skills.
What Sets Us Apart?
- Weekly Rehearsals & Seasonal Shows
We keep theater fun and manageable for busy families! Instead of rehearsing several days a week, our cast meets once a week for a three-hour rehearsal. At the end of each season (fall and spring), students shine in a full performance for family and friends. - Inclusive Opportunities
Every child who auditions gets to be part of the show—no one is left out! We celebrate each student’s unique gifts and help them grow in confidence on stage. - Collaborative Community
Our theater family is built on teamwork, kindness, and creativity. We cheer each other on, work hard together, and focus on doing our best—not on competing.
Benefits of Joining Our Theater Program
- Build Confidence: Performing in front of an audience helps students overcome stage fright and develop self-assurance.
- Enhance Communication Skills: Through dialogue, expression, and teamwork, participants learn to communicate effectively.
- Foster Teamwork: Theater is a collaborative art form that teaches the value of working together toward a common goal.
- Develop Creativity: From improvisation exercises to character development, our program encourages out-of-the-box thinking.
Registration for our Spring 2026 season is open. Please see the FAQ section for details regarding the program!
Spring 2026 Theater Program Sign Ups
Read the FAQ section for information on tuition fees, auditions, mandatory dates, and more!
Leadership Team: We have a great team of directors and producers who are excited to pour their time and expertise into their students. Click here to read bios and learn more about our theater program directors.
Step 1: Register on Procare
Fill out the registration form for new and old students so we have all of your latest information. We use the Procare app for communication, student profile, signing in and out, billing, and communication.
Step 2: Sign Up for Auditions
Auditions will be on Saturday, January 10 from 9:00am-4:00pm with callbacks at 4:00pm (KIDS) and 5:00pm (JR.). Get more information about auditions and sign up for a time slot on the form below.
Step 3: Attend the Mandatory Orientation Meeting
Join us for this important orientation to meet the director and production team, hear about the audition process and season expectations, connect with fellow cast families, and discover exciting volunteer opportunities.
Parent attendance is required. Students are strongly encouraged to attend.
Time: Thurs, January 8, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: World Upside Down Arts Studio
Step 4: Confirm your commitment
We will announce casts for both Shrek JR. and Shrek KIDS programs by noon on Monday, January 12, 2026. Notifications will be sent via Procare messages. You must reply to accept your role and confirm your participation in the program by 6:00pm, Monday, January 12, 2026.
Step 5: Start Rehearsals
Rehearsals start January 13 (Shrek KIDS) and January 15 (Shrek JR.).
Theater Program FAQs
What's the difference between the Kids and Junior shows?
We will be targeting students ages 13-17 for the Junior show and students 5-12 for the Kids show, but age will not be the only casting determination. Younger students may be cast for the Junior show and vice versa.
- Shrek JR. Show - Read more on MTI
- Shrek KIDS Show - Read more on MTI
Can my student participate in both the Kids and Junior shows?
No. One of the goals for doing two shows is to give more students more performance and growth opportunities.
What are the key dates I need to commit to?
Commitment to key dates is an absolute essential for cast members and families who participate in our program. Because we have such a streamlined schedule, our required events and meetings must be mandatory. Please read carefully before signing up.
Click here to access rehearsal and show dates for the Spring 2026 season.
My student is returning. Do I have to register on Procare?
Yes. Parents/guardians need to register their students each season through Procare (select the register button on this page). Your updated information helps us keep track of any changes that may occur regarding your grade, health, address, contact information, and more. The new registration will be merged with your existing account.
Where are the rehearsals held?
Weekly rehearsals are held at World Upside Down Arts Studio. Tech rehearsals are held at the performance venue the weeks of shows.
How do auditions work?
Every student in our program participates in the show. We hold auditions to determine cast roles. You can access the audition sign-up link under Step 2: Sign Up for Auditions.
What is the age range for cast members?
Students ages 5-17 are invited to audition for both the KIDS and JR. shows. Casting for both shows will depend on talent, schedules, and overall cohesiveness for each cast.
How many casts will you have?
We will have one cast for each show (KIDS and JR.) so two casts total.
What do I need to know about performances and tech week?
Our venue for Spring 2026 is Greenville Technical College in the Dreisbach/Anderson Student Success Center Auditorium. Move-in, tech week rehearsals, and shows all take place at the venue.
- Sun, April 19 - Move In
- Mon - Thurs, April 20-23 Tech Week Rehearsals
- Fri - Sat, April 24-25 Shows & Strike
What is the tuition fee schedule?
The tuition fee for the musical theater program is $120/month per student.
Fall Season – August – November (four months of $120/month)
Spring Season – January – May (five months of $120/month)
**Monthly payments are due before the 1st of each month to avoid a late fee.**
Registration Fee $50 (per semester / non-refundable)
The registration fee is per student and covers administrative costs and includes a season t-shirt.
Additional Costs: Parents are responsible for costumes. We will try to keep these costs to a minimum. If your family is going through financial hardship, we can help you raise funds to cover the costume costs.
Do you offer any discounts or scholarships?
We offer 5% discounts for siblings, veterans, and full-semester payments.
See the Policies & Pricing page for details on payment dates, pricing, discounts, and scholarship applications.
Do you have a referral program?
Earn $50 off your tuition for each student who enrolls in our program thanks to your referral. Make sure your referral lists you on their registration form.






