Sixth-grader Harper Peterson has been waiting for this moment.

Cast as Fiona in Elk Meadows Elementary’s upcoming production of “Shrek Kids,” she said stepping into the spotlight is something she’s wanted to do since she first watched older students perform.

“I wanted to be part of this,” Harper said. “I watched these shows since second grade and it looked like they were having a good time. Now, I’m getting to sing and dance and have fun. These people are my family.”

She’s part of a cast of 60 fifth- and sixth-grade actors in the 50-minute musical, which will be performed at 6:30 p.m., May 5-7 at the school, 3448 W. 9800 South. The show is free.

It is being directed by Spencer Duncan, the school’s Beverley Taylor Sorenson teacher, with assistance from Jennifer Hayes, Cassidy Case and Judy Jensen. Choreographers are Baily Ulibarri and Hannah Hartzel, music director is Katie Snow and scenic director is Tricia Troester.

The production began with auditions in November, where actors sang and danced and those in the tech crew provided work samples.

“If they tried out and could commit to the time, they’d be in the show,” Duncan said. “Everyone makes it. It’s more for the experience of auditioning.”

Students were given input in the process, indicating which roles they were most interested in playing. That ownership carried into rehearsals, where students help each other.

“They do their best; kids are filling in for other kids. They’ve memorized each other’s parts and step up to volunteer,” he said.

Rehearsals are held twice per week, but for many students, they practice on their own. Duncan, who has taught some of the student-actors for years, said theater has become second nature to them.

“I’ve taught some of them since kindergarten so doing drama is norm for them,” he said. “They’re used to being goofy in front of each other and are willing to make people laugh.”

Students being at ease, Duncan said, translates into confidence both on stage and in the classroom.

“Resiliency is a big thing in public speaking. They’re comfortable to get in front of others. If they don’t know what to do, they’re capable of making it up until they figure it out,” he said.

As part of their preparation, students engage in character study, learning their motivations and back stories. Some helped design their costumes based on their interpretations. 

“It’s an expansion of learning in the classroom,” Duncan said. “Here, they do pure musical theater. They get to use the skills they learn in class along with singing and dancing and tech.”

Troester said Duncan works with students.

“He wants their ideas and he values their input,” she said. “He’s all about the details like including kazoos, tambourines, sunglasses, party hats that bring fun to the show.”

Duncan said one of the biggest surprises this year has been the students’ professionalism.

“You briefly mention something and they remember it forever. Then, they help everybody else with it,” he said. “The best part is working with these kids and seeing them be excited to be in the spotlight.”

He selected “Shrek Kids” as it carries a message that resonates with his students.

“At the end of the show, there’s a line, ‘What makes us special, makes us strong,’” he said. “I love the overall message that everybody deserves a happy ending and find people who care about them. I thought it was a good thing for kids.”

He added: “I have a bunch of comedians in the group so being with these kids is fun. I get to laugh a lot.”