Heidi,
There’s no way to do it the way you want. Either each shape is a separate title (and then you can use the effects palette) OR you do the animation in marquee. That part of is isn’t that hard.
Basically, write down the length of the animation, and each ‘point’ you want something to happen.
Set the length of the animation to match in marquee, turn on animation and move to each of the times you want animation to occur.
Best,
Jeff G