BWW Blog: DSOA's SHREK: THE MUSICAL - Tech Week By Dylan Jackson and Sydney Wolff

TECH WEEK!

Dylan Jackson (Donkey)

Hey Y'all! I'm Dylan T. Jackson and I'm playing "Donkey" in the upcoming Dreyfoos School of The Arts production of "Shrek: The Musical." Having the opportunity of being involved in a lot of shows here at Dreyfoos, I can honestly say we've never done anything like this in my years here. It's a humongous show to carry, especially being one of the leads. Donkey is the most energetic, athletic and fun-filled character in the show. One would think it'd be easy to play him but it's actually pretty difficult. The hard part for me is staying present in every single moment as Donkey would. What's harder is not speaking but listening to other characters and responding just as energetic as you are when speaking.

One other aspect of the character I underestimated was exactly how much he moves. He is literally all over the place. Being that this is my first leading role, I've always been used to giving my all in an ensemble number then going off-stage to recuperate just in time for the next production number. In this role, however, I MUST practice equity of movement and conservation of energy because not only do I run around the stage non-stop but I am also singing at the top of my lungs which requires more breath. This weekend, we just got our costumes and are starting to put the set pieces and props together as they come. As excited as we are to add all these elements, it's also challenging changing blocking and transitions quickly and effectively because of giant moving trees and castles. But it's teaching us to be malleable and to think quick on our feet, which is something that is going to help us when we go into the business. But I'm having a blast doing the show and so is the rest of the cast. Make sure to come see Shrek!

Sydney Wolff (Sugar Plum Fairy/Gingy)

Working on "Shrek: The Musical" has allowed me to explore new aspects of theatre that other shows haven't. For example-- puppetry. During the rehearsal process, I've had the opportunity to develop two very distinct characters, Gingy and Sugar Plum Fairy. Sugar is standoffish to those she doesn't like, and she loves men. She's a huge flirt. Whereupon Gingy is a tough cookie. He may be small, but he's mighty and speaks his mind. When the two are together they're inseparable; they have a very close bond. Although they might bicker, they have a special connection and the two truly love each other like family. Another really fun element I've explored in this show is character voice. I did a lot of work, and watched the movie, "Shrek" many times before I truly felt confident to become the cookie I grew up with. Once I found my voice, I felt very connected with my inner Gingy. Once I met the Gingy puppet, everything really came together. I've learned a lot from that gingerbread man about confidence, and acceptance. That's what's so amazing about this show: we all can take something from it. Whether an ogre, a princess, a donkey, or even a cookie-- you can always find someone who will love you for who YOU are, and the best person to be is and you.

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