What an honor it is to direct musicals in this wonderful community of people that is Royal Theater Academy!

As I stand here in my 11th year of directing, vocally directing, and managing a theater company, I’ve come to realize that every show is unique, shaped by the personality and heart of the people that bring it to life. And what better show to illustrate this than Shrek? This beloved tale teaches us to embrace our quirks and get to know people from the inside out. It’s not about appearances, backgrounds, or expectations – it’s about the choices we make and the people we choose to be.

I’m grateful to our community for their unwavering support of RTA. Your families, your ticket purchases, and the generosity of our beneficiaries have made a tangible impact on our mission of nurturing theater artists in everyone from the inside out. I’m thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such a passionate team, including my loving and supporting wife Abbey – Chloe, Emma, Brenda, and Lys; my mother Kristina Grand, Madalyn, Bill, Cheryl, Tim, and the Cal State East Bay Theater Staff; the Royal Theater Academy Board of Directors, the tireless Crowned Creators who take the lead in designing and building our wonderful set pieces, and the talented Crowned Costume Crew that truly helped bring these characters to life. To the performers’ families who volunteer their time and energy to support our build days and production jobs, I offer my sincerest gratitude.

To our audience, thank you for your love and support. Many of you wear multiple hats – patrons, volunteers, and family members – and we’re grateful for each and every one of you.

Finally, I’d like to dedicate this show to Rhonda Sweeney, my mother-in-law, who left us far too soon this year. She was a passionate, kind, and caring woman who loved her family with her whole heart. An avid theatergoer, she supported this company as both a parent and patron. I know she’s watching this show with pride from her new home above. Thank you for your love, thank you for your support, thank you for letting me become part of your family. Rest in the most absolute peace that you can, and I promise to always live my life in a direction that would make you proud, while loving and supporting your daughter with every ounce of my heart. Your son-in-law.

Trenton Torain
Executive Director / Founder