13-Year-Old Directs Full-Scale Production of SHREK THE MUSICAL in Lincoln

It's always gratifying to see young people take an interest in theatre, but a 13-year-old in Lincoln, Nebraska has taken "interest" to a new level.

Dylan Lawrence has mounted a full-scale production of SHREK THE MUSICAL this weekend. Under his own direction, Lawrence employed the help of neighborhood kids and parents to build not just the sets, but even a new stage. Thus, a friend's lawn became "The Backyard Theatre."

"I always wanted to do the directing part of it," says Lawrence, whose love for theatre began after seeing a tour of PINOCCHIO. Besides directing, he also played the role of Lord Farquaad.

This isn't the first time Lawrence has pulled off something like this, but it is the first time he has achieved a show of this scale. Last year, he and 10 friends put together THE WIZARD OF OZ in Lawrence's backyard. Thrown together in just nine days, that production boasted an audience of about 70. For SHREK, Lawrence dived right in, making costumes, sets, and even a website for his theatre.

Having appeared in the show at Pinewood Bowl last year, Campbell Sharpe, 13, has taken on both the role of 'Fiona' and music director. "I've learned all the parts, and I thought it would be really helpful."

Part of the goal of their show is to give kids a chance to perform this summer, even if they were not cast in the local Pinewood Bowl production of 42ND STREET.

"It's a nice age to work with," says Katherine Schmidt, 14, who serves both as choreographer and 'The Witch.' "Kids get to shine a lot more in this than anywhere else."

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