New theater teacher Jayne Welch is looking forward to the fall production of Shrek, The Musical. Welch came to Tualatin High School this September, and students have been wondering what changes the theater department will undergo this year.

As some people may know, the theatre department was established in 1992, and since then, hundreds of students have passed through the red double doors of the theater building. The success of the theater program is a big legacy to uphold, while it is also important to incorporate modern aspects in the curriculum, like the updated Alice by Heart musical production last fall.

“The biggest thing that I wanted to bring here was a sense of organization, community, and to make this a safe space on top of the semi-professional place that theater already is,” said Welch

Because of Welch, the program is running smoothly, and actors in the play are working on cleaning up the production and the musical aspects of the show.

Welch stated that the kids working on the production are “very hard-working and talented.”

Playing Mama Bear and one of the three blind mice in Shrek, The Musical senior actress Ava Rice thinks that the production will be really entertaining and funny. Rice’s advanced theater class is working on writing and directing skits inspired by Saturday Night Live.

Rice’s first impression of Welch was “really kind and young.” She also noted how former theater director Jenn Hunter Tindle and Welch’s teaching styles differ.

“Ms. Hunter was more based on preparing us for regionals and state,” Rice said. “Ms. Welch has been getting us ready for if we want to pursue acting after high school.”

Welch has been doing theater since she could remember, and her mother taught a theater class. Her teaching philosophy is anchored in being welcoming and kind to students.

“I believe in social and emotional learning, vulnerability and acceptance,” Welch said. “I want them to be encouraged to perform instead of scared to perform.”

One question that is on many students’ minds is what will change with a new teacher. “With a new person comes changes,” Welch said. “The biggest changes are in the classes. I hope to live up to the expectation and commitment that [the theater students] have had in the past.”

Clearly, Tualatin High School will be in for a treat this fall with the Shrek, The Musical production, with confidence, fun and community at the forefront.