If this year has been anything, it’s been a year of canceled events and plans. 

Even though it had to be pushed back due to the coronavirus, the theatre department performed “Shrek the Musical” on Aug. 26. Each cast member was allowed two seats for guests in the audience, and DVDs of the show were sold for $25, along with CDs of pictures for $10. 

Despite the obstacles the coronavirus has brought to large groups, the cast adapted to the many changes and showed that the show must go on. The performers continued to practice online during the time off of school to prepare for the show.   

“The coronavirus not only affected the date of the performance but also the cast size was almost cut in half basically,” said senior Seth Atkins. “It went from like 55 to 30 people.”

Graduates Levi Zwiernikowski, who played Shrek, and Grace Roberts, who played Fiona, were both willing to return to Chapman to perform their roles.

“Practice had two phases,” Atkins said. “During the summer and end of spring we did Google Hangouts and that was very, very different. At times it was difficult, but it helped us remember our songs and not forget lines. Around August, we started coming to school in a small group. The max groups were ten people. We had to be spread apart and get the temperature checks and all that stuff.”

Atkins, who played Pinocchio, said his favorite part was finally getting to try on his costume and actually get the chance to perform in it. He is very thankful that the art department and the District Office allowed theatre to continue practice and to perform for the public. 

“The best part is definitely getting to hang out with friends, and getting to do new parts and learn new dances,” senior Rylee Merrill said. “Theatre is just a huge family and the whole coronavirus, weirdly enough, has brought us closer together. You know social distancing closer.”