Countless hours of rehearsals and exploring how to bring fairytale characters to life have come to fruition for students from St Patrick's College and Loreto College as they hit the stage in Shrek - The Musical.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The cast have been rehearsing for almost six months to bring the fairytale classic to the big stage in five performances at Loreto's Mary's Mount Centre.
All of the favourite characters - Shrek, Princess Fiona, cheeky Donkey, Gingy, Pinocchio, Fairy Godmother and the other fairytale characters who invade Shrek's swamp when evil Lord Farquaad banishes them from their kingdom - will be there on stage.
St Patrick's College principal John Crowley praised the dedication of cast and crew who have been working hard for months.
"They have displayed incredible commitment and dedication to learning their lines and songs.
"Together with the backstage crew they have had to combine a range of other school, family, social and work commitments to be available on weekends and on many afternoons following school."
Jarrod Ryan and Monique Allen are co-directors and co-producers of the show, which runs until Saturday night.
Ms Allen admitted Shrek had been a favourite movie of hers as a child.
"Growing up, I watched Shrek (the movie) over and over again. The film's message of acceptance is a timeless one and cannot be said enough or overstated: always be completely and unapologetically you," she said.
"This is something I try to instill in my students as they navigate their way through secondary school."
Mr Ryan said the show was filled with humour, fun, colour and a great message for all ages.
"In choosing this musical for the students my hope was that it would captivate, challenge and develop a sense of wonder."
The show certainly proved popular, with all tickets to the five performances now sold out.
Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.