Shrek Community

Fiona

“I feel (and have been told) this is one of those ‘made for me’ roles. I’ve got the princess part down, but Fiona is so much like my real personality: sassy, honest, intelligent, hopelessly romantic, witty, sincere and just downright funny.”

How I spend my days: Part-time worker at Pandora Jewelry and character performer with Princess Party Pals.

My most enjoyable past theater role: It’s a tie – Bonnie Parker in Bonnie and Clyde and Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Both of these young women are so amazing, passionate, headstrong and clever, and they have beautiful songs to sing.

One word to describe myself: Passionate.

A surprising thing about me: I didn’t do theater or sing in front of people until college. I took an acting class my freshman year and the theater professors convinced me to join the program.

What I do for fun: I enjoy exploring the Twin Cities, playing with my chihauhua Peter, hammocking, hanging out with my nephews, shopping, watching Jane the Virgin, grilling salmon with my parents.

Assistant Choreographer

How I spend my days: Clinical psychologist, University of Minnesota Medical School – Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.

One word to describe myself: Encourager.

A surprising thing about me: My mom (DeAnne Sherman) and I have written books for teens whose parent has a mental illness or trauma/PTSD (www.SeedsofHopeBooks.com).

What I do for fun: Choreograph with my mom, Deanne, walk my dog Luca, attend my nephews’ soccer games, exercise, attend musical theater at the many awesome theater companies in the Twin Cities.

Volunteer activities: Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus Outloud!, Higher Ground Catholic Charities, The Ladder (youth mentoring program in north Minneapolis).

Choreographer

My most enjoyable past theater role: Lola in Damn Yankees – she’s a multilayered beautiful soul who dances a lot!

One word to describe myself: Enthusiastic.

Surprising things about me: I love all things French, especially the language. My daughter Michelle and I have written books for teens whose parent has a mental illness or trauma/PTSD (www.SeedsofHopeBooks.com).

What I do for fun: Choreograph with my daughter Michelle, attend my grandsons’ soccer games and musical/theatrical events.

Volunteer activities: Outloud! (Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus ensemble), Higher Ground Catholic Charities.

Pinocchio

“Pinocchio is a character I’m pining to bring to life! This role will help me branch out into new character studies, but I hope I don’t go barking up the wrong tree. Before I get too far, I’ll need to spruce up my raspy puppet voice. As one wood imagine, it won’t be an easy task!”

How I spend my days: I’m a recent graduate of Luther Seminary, and also work at Luther in the admissions office and the office of the seminary pastor. At the end of the summer, I’ll start working as a pastor in the Milwaukee area.

My most enjoyable past theater role: Frederick Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein with Prairie Players Community Theater in Galesburg, Il. This was the show where the magic of community theater was truly made real for me. Friendships were forged into lifelong bonds, the whole creative team was incredible to work with, it was my first time ever in a lead role, and literally the last thing I did before moving to Minnesota (our last show was on a Sunday and I moved to Minneapolis/St. Paul the next day).

One word to describe myself: Quirky.

A surprising thing about me: I only started singing and doing theater after I graduated from college. Sometimes we find our deep joys later in life.

What I do for fun: I like to bake when I find culinary inspiration, I avidly watch RuPaul’s Drag Race, and I love playing Dungeons and Dragons with my seminary friends.

Volunteer activities: I work in the church world, so my job connects me with a lot of lovely faith-based volunteer organizations all over the Twin Cities.