STEP VA Kids Ready to Aww the Audience at Shrek The Musical JR
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
by Brigid O'Leary
FREDERICKSBURG, VA—STEP VA Inc., the local 501(c)3 non-profit that empowers people with disabilities and their families through creative expression and sensory exploration, is well into the Spring Musical Experience for 2026, and the Kids Ensemble is readying their whiskers for the roles of the mice in “Shrek The Musical JR.”
Led by the organization's co-founder, Katie Brown, the Kids Ensemble features children younger than 12 who are interested in being part of the Spring Musical Experience, but don't yet have the stamina or desire to handle a role in a full-length show. Now in its fourth year, the Kids Ensemble has become a staple of Experience, bringing an added layer of “cute” to the show.
This year's ensemble features returning ensemble actors Vanessa Point and Hannah Gentry, who—along with Gentry's brother Noah—got their start in the “Seussical Jr.” Kids Ensemble. Last year, both girls were guppies in the Disney/Pixar's “Finding Nemo Jr.” show, while Noah moved to the main cast.
Gentry and Point will lead the way for Delilah Anna and Naomi Wooten, who are making their first foray onto the big stage as part of the biggest annual project STEP VA coordinates.
“Kids Ensemble is such a great way for our younger participants and those who are new to STEP VA to explore the different elements that make up who we are. The class experiences a variety of activities from theater games, dancing, singing, body movement, emotion work, storytelling, collaborative game play, and arts and crafts. It provides the space and time for group members to participate at their own pace,” said Brown. “In the past, it has served as a stepping stone for participants who have gone on to enjoy our summer camps and even some who have transitioned to the full musical experience.”
As part of Shrek The Musical JR., the Kids Ensemble will be dancing as mice in the latter part of the show. Come see the wee little rodents and all the characters in the fairy tale land, normally known as Courtland High School, April 18 at 6 pm and 19 at 3 pm.
Tickets available now at STEPVA.org.
