From Swamp to Spotlight: Senior Students Mentor Middle Years Cast in Heartfelt Shrek Jr. Musical

At Collége Churchill High School, the stage has been transformed into a swamp—but it’s a swamp where fairy-tale creatures find their voices, an ogre discovers his worth, and a group of young students step confidently into the spotlight, mentored by older peers.

This week, CCHS Middle Years students present Shrek the Musical Jr., a hilarious and heartfelt production filled with catchy tunes, big laughs, and an even bigger message: being yourself is the most powerful thing you can be.

While the show stars Grade 7 and 8 performers, the heart of the production lies in how Churchill’s Senior Years students—Grades 11 and 12—have taken the lead behind the scenes. 

Shrek interrupts the wedding ceremony of Princess Fiona and Lord Farquaad 
Photos credits: Will Spreitzer

Under the guidance of veteran music teacher Chris Rempel, a passionate team of senior students has spent months directing, mentoring, and cheering on the younger cast in every step of the process. 

Knowing several of his senior students had vast theatrical talents and experience, Rempel didn’t hesitate to use this production as a teaching opportunity in its truest form. 

“I knew I could trust them with this responsibility,” he says of his senior students. “I also know from experience that younger students respond differently to their older peers than to 'old' teachers like me.”

CCHS music teacher Chris Rempel (middle) with his crew of senior production students

Rempel says empowering senior students to lead is part of what makes this production—and the performing arts program—so valuable in a school community.

“Musical theatre is so effective as a teaching tool because it is very real. Success is not measured by grades but by the response from a live audience, and that feeling of pride at the final bow,” he says. “Theatre is an incredibly intense, cooperative community.”

Shrek Jr. is a story about unlikely heroes, misunderstood creatures, and embracing the things that make us different. Rempel says the choice of script came from Grade 12 student director Chloe Waldie because Shrek, Jr. offers interesting characters for a young cast, while also carrying an important theme.

“The message in Shrek Jr. is about being yourself and celebrating everybody’s individuality, which is something we strive for in schools,” he says. 

Shrek Jr's theme of individuality is fitting for a cast of Grade 7 and 8 performers

For Waldie, who plans to study to become a teacher, directing this musical production has been more than a creative outlet—it’s been a transformative learning experience.

“It’s been important to learn how to treat younger kids, so they respond to working with you. If you take time to talk to them, ask about their day, and have fun moments with them, they’ll listen and respect you more as a leader,” she says. 

Chloe and her peers—who led everything from choreography and costumes to lighting and set design—logged over 70 volunteer hours to bring the production to life. And they did it all as a team.

“It was such a special project to do with my friends,” she says. “For some of us, this is our last big thing before graduating, and it really brought us together. There is no way we could have pulled this off without each other.”

Student director Chloe Waldie and assistant director Olivia Foskett providing feedback after rehearsal

Collége Churchill High School is known for its sports programming—from a champion football team and well-respected hockey and baseball academies. Still, Rempel believes the arts are just as vital to CCHS’s identity.

“Arts courses, whether they be music, visual art, or drama, are where students explore who they are and who they are becoming. The arts give us a medium for escape, for commentary, and for release,” he says. 
 
For many students, the theatre is the one place they feel safe being their full selves, something Chloe deeply relates to.

“Performing arts give students the opportunity to be silly and to be themselves. Sometimes students can feel judged for being different, but here in the theatre, it’s nice to be able to express yourself without feeling shamed,” she says.

Fairytale characters bring joy and enthusiasm to the swamp

As the curtain rises on Shrek Jr., audiences will see more than just a fun musical. They will see mentorship in action and a school where arts education builds bridges between ages and experiences.