EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — While most students are spending their summer vacation away from the classroom, dozens of El Paso Independent School District students are using their break to mount a production of Shrek The Musical, taking on everything from acting and live music to stage construction, lighting, costumes, and technical production.

The production, presented by El Paso ISD Fine Arts, will run July 15 through July 18 at Coronado High School, located at 100 Champions Place.

Performances begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Admission will be free.

Unlike many school productions, the musical gives students hands-on experience in nearly every aspect of theater, officials said.

That allows them to develop practical skills in performance and behind-the-scenes production while working alongside Fine Arts educators from across the district.

Before each performance, community members can meet El Paso ISD Senior Director of Fine Arts Phillip Barraza and Fine Arts educators from 5 to 6 p.m. to learn more about the district’s Fine Arts programs, which include theater, music, visual arts, dance, and mariachi.

“Fine Arts gives students the opportunity to discover their passions, build confidence, and develop skills that last a lifetime,” Barraza said in a release to KTSM. “This production is a celebration of our students’ creativity, teamwork, and dedication, and we invite our entire community to come experience what makes Fine Arts in El Paso ISD so special.”

District officials say the annual summer musical is designed to help students strengthen collaboration, communication, creativity, and leadership through a real-world theatrical experience. The event also offers the community a chance to see student talent across El Paso ISD while providing information about Fine Arts opportunities available throughout the school year.

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