Welcome To The Swamp
In a little over a week, when audiences enter The Tzadik Performing Arts Center Theatre, they’ll find themselves transported to a secluded, moss-covered swamp, complete with vines, tree stumps, and “swamp seating,” as Shrek The Musical comes to life. But the magic behind the scenes is just as impressive as what happens on stage.
This year’s fall musical is the product of collaboration between Weber Theatrical and the Daniel Zalik Academy (DZA), where students aren’t just cast members, but key creators. From scenic and prop design to technical problem-solving, the show reflects the kind of hands-on, interdisciplinary learning that defines the Weber experience.
“We’re not just putting on a show. We’re building a world,” said Director Elissa Marele. “And the world-building is being done by students.”
One standout example: the tree stumps scattered throughout Shrek’s swamp may look like purpose-built set pieces, but they’re actually upcycled paint buckets sculpted with insulating foam to mimic bark, then textured and painted. This is design thinking in action: resourceful, collaborative, and creative.
Another inventive moment came when Ms. Marele faced a practical challenge: how to make characters look like ogres without hours of makeup. The solution came from student lighting designer Noah Berg, who developed and programmed a custom lighting sequence using green spotlights to create the illusion of green skin and costuming. It was an elegant technical fix that saved time while enhancing the show’s visual storytelling.
Behind the scenes, students worked closely with DZA faculty experts Madi Anderson, Cathey Chapman, Alex McIntyre, and Chris Chapman to shape every element of the production. This blend of artistic expression and technical innovation makes Shrek The Musical more than just entertainment. It’s a powerful example of how interdisciplinary collaboration at Weber fosters leadership, problem-solving, and purpose-driven creativity.
As Shrek would say, it’s a beautiful thing when you peel back the layers!
Seating is still available for all four performances, but is quickly on its way to selling out!
The Weber School
The Weber School, a Jewish Community high school serving students from all Jewish backgrounds, prepares students for success in college and in life with comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that inspire student exploration, leadership, and Jewish social consciousness. Many of our programs and academies are unique to Weber and can't be found at any other Atlanta-area high schools.
The Felicia Penzell Weber Jewish Community High School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
The Felicia Penzell Weber Jewish Community High School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
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