Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears.
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.
Audition Dates:
Friday, April 25th 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday, April 26th 10:00a.m. – 2:00p.m.
Sunday, April 27th 2:00p.m. – 5p.m. for callbacks, as needed
Location:
268 Hill Rd N, Pickerington, OH 43147
Auditions are open to actors 8 years old and older. The majority of roles will be for young adults and adults, with a few roles available for kids.
Other than primary leads cast will play multiple roles / characters.
SHREK / 18+
(Male – High Baritone) – Our story’s title character. A big, green, terrifying ogre who lives alone in a swamp. He embarks on a journey to rid his land of fairytale creatures and, along the way, falls in love with Fiona. Begins as a grumpy hermit, but reveals his layers and eventually becomes the hero. Excellent singer and actor.
PRINCESS FIONA / 18+
(Female – Soprano / High Belter) – The beautiful princess of Far-Far-Away, she transforms into an ogre every night when the sun sets. Rescued by Shrek and eventually falls in love with him. Quirky, blunt, and multi-talented, she is not an ordinary princess. Excellent singer and actor with great comic timing; tap dancing is a plus.
DONKEY / 18+
(Male or Female – High Baritone / Tenor or Alto with High Belt) – A talking donkey who joins Shrek on the run from Farquaad’s guards. Quite the chatterbox, he is not deterred by Shrek’s looks and practically forces himself into the ogre’s good graces. Easily frightened and pushy, but also an optimist with heart. Excellent singer and comic actor with a huge personality.
LORD FARQUAAD / 18+
(Male – High Baritone) – The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is in search of a princess to marry so that he can become king. Has an intensely unfair bias against fairytale creatures that stems from a resentment of his father. Self-absorbed, lonely, and cruel. Excellent singer and comic actor. Actor must be able to play this role on his knees for the whole show. Comedic improv skills a plus!
DRAGON / 18+
(Female – Alto with Big Belt) – A dragon that has been charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. She eventually falls in love with Donkey and attempts to keep him there forever. Imposing and flirtatious, but tired of her job as the glorified baby-sitter. She sings “Forever” with her Knight back-up singers. May double as a fairytale creature..
PINOCCHIO / 16+
(Male or Female – Tenor with falsetto or Soprano / Alto) – The leader of the fairytale creatures. Although portrayed by a live actor, Pinocchio is an animated puppet whose nose grows every time he lies. Plenty of sass with a penchant for lying, he leads the troupe of Fairytale Creatures in the musical numbers “Story of My Life” and “Freak Flag.”Comedic improv skills a plus!
PAPA OGRE / 18+
(Male – High Baritone) – Shrek’s father. Sings a beautiful duet with Mama Ogre to young Shrek in the opening number “Big, Bright, Beautiful World.” May double as a fairytale creature.
MAMA OGRE / 18+
(Female – Alto) – Shrek’s mother. Sings a beautiful duet with Papa Ogre to young Shrek in the opening number “Big, Bright, Beautiful World.” May double as a fairytale creature.
YOUNG SHREK / Age 8 – 13
(Any Vocal Part) – Plays Young Shrek in “Big, Bright, Beautiful World”. May double as Young Fiona, Baby Bear, Grumpy Dwarf, and/or ensemble.
YOUNG FIONA / 8 – 13
(Female – Soprano with Strong Belt) – Princess Fiona as a little girl. Sings a solo in “I Know It’s Today” with Teen Fiona and Fiona. May double as Young Shrek, Baby Bear, Grumpy Dwarf and/or ensemble.
TEEN FIONA / 14 – 20
(Female – Soprano with Strong Belt / 14+) – Princess Fiona as a teenager. Sings a solo in “I Know It’s Today” with Young Fiona and Fiona. May double as a fairytale creature, ensemble, etc…
SUGAR PLUM FAIRY / GINGY / 16+
(Female) – A gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord Farquaad. His wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble and inspire the rest of the fairytale creatures. This character is portrayed with a puppet, which may be voiced and operated by actor appearing as Sugar Plum Fairy. Comedic voice required.
3 LITTLE PIGS / 16+
(Males, – Tenors or Baritones with ability to sing tight harmony and German Accent) – Fairytale creatures with solo / trio work in “Story of My Life,” “Freak Flag” and “This is Our Story.”
FAIRYTALE CREATURES / 16+
(All have featured roles, whether with lines, solos, dances, or action) – Wicked Witch, Humpty Dumpty, Big Bad Wolf, Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Baby Bear, Ugly Duckling, Peter Pan, Shoemaker’s Elf, White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, Fairy Godmother.
FEATURED DANCERS / 16+
Will dance in a number of scenes including Duloc Citizens, Dragon Skeletons, Dancing Rats, Blind Mice. Tap experience a plus.
ENSEMBLE CHARACTER ROLES / ages 10 to 100+
These include (but are not limited to) Townspeople, Thelonius the Executioner, Knights, Dragon Singers, Priest, Blind Mice, Magic Mirror, Grumpy Dwarf, Duloc Citizens. Important note: We will only be casting 2 to 3 children for ensemble between ages 10 to 15 as cast will be ages 16 to 100+.
When is the show?
8pm Fridays & Saturdays, 2pm Saturdays & Sundays July 11 th – 20 th at the Violet Township Community Theater (Wigwam Theater) just 2 minutes off of I70 in Pickerington. Note there are two shows on Saturdays!
What is the rehearsal schedule?
Fridays 7pm – 9:30pm (first one is May 2nd), Saturdays 10am -2pm, Sundays 2pm -5pm
Rehearsals are set so that you only need to be there when you are needed. There may be some optional weekday evening rehearsals for extra dance rehearsal. Tech week also includes weeknight rehearsals. Rehearsals are at Epiphany Church until we move into the theater. Saturday & Sunday could go longer as we get close to opening night.
What can I expect during the audition process?
- Be prepared to singpart of a song of your choice (no more than a minute long). A piano is available for use and an accompanist will be provided (don’t forget your sheet music). Acapella / karaoke singing to CD or MP3 is allowed but we prefer piano accompaniment. If we raise our hand to stop you it means we have heard enough – it is NOT an indication of whether we liked you. Try to choose a song appropriate for the show (Broadway musical). Do not sing a song from this production!
- We will have a simple dance audition (performed in small groups). We are also looking for featured dancers, tap experience a plus. For chorus roles we only need to see basic movement. We don’t expect everyone to have dance experience.
- If seeking a speaking role, please be prepared to stay for cold readings from the script.
What if I absolutely cannot make any of the audition dates?
We do allow video auditions if that is your only option. Send the following to pct@insight.rr.com (deadline April 25th):
a completed audition form plus resume if you have one, a headshot, a video with 1-minute or less of a song (as described above) & a short monologue of the role you seek (unless you are only looking for chorus or featured dancers). Monologues are plentiful on-line. If you cannot find one choose a character from another show similar to the one you are auditioning for. Also, let us know what dance experience you have (if any).
What if I only want a certain role and will not accept anything else?
While we appreciate your honesty we would hope you would accept any role as, when you do get a lead, you would want a strong supporting cast / ensemble. Ensemble will play multiple roles. There are soloists needed in songs and supporting characters with lines. Set aside your ego & have fun. Trust the production staff to help you create a show you can be proud of (you will be busy and on stage plenty)! All that said, please be honest as we realize there are many factors determining whether you participate in a production.
What about call backs and the final cast list?
You will receive a phone call Saturday evening if you have been called back for a lead role. If you are not called back this does not mean you will not be cast nor does it mean you will not have a speaking or supporting role. We may not even need call backs. Final cast list will be sent via email no later than Wednesday night, April 30th and posted on our website. Please do not be discouraged if you do not get a lead role or do not make the cast. There are a lot of people auditioning and we can only fit so many people on stage. Casting a show involves a lot a variables – it’s not always the best singer or actor or dancer that gets the lead. The production staff’s toughest job is casting the show. We wish we could cast everyone. If you do not get cast, consider helping backstage, with publicity, set building, costumes, make-up, stage crew, etc..
Is there a participation fee to be in the show?
Yes, for performers it is $30 ($60 limit per family). Everyone listed in the show program gets one 1 comp ticket. It costs thousands of dollars to put on this show (licensing, venue use, costumes, etc…)! We are a 501(c) non-profit, all-volunteer organization. Nobody gets paid!
What else should I know?
We will be attending other events before the show opens to promote this production (for example, we will walk in the Pickerington 4 th of July Parade). We have 8 performances and believe all can be a sell-out.
Questions? Email the director, Chris Gallaugher at pct@insight.rr.com