Shrek the Musical Auditions
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ ALL AUDITION INFORMATION BEFORE REGISTERING.
Director: Adam Malmborg
Musical Director: Kyle Ransom
Choreographer: Caitlyn Kane
Costumer: Anna Grierson
Stage Manager: Andy Price
Producers: Kathy Malmborg and Treena Peltier
Show Dates and Times:
Evening Performances (7:30 PM): April 23, 24, 30; May 1, 7, 8, 2027
Matinee Performances (2:00 PM): April 25; May 2, 9, 2027
AUDITION INFORMATION
Audition Venue: Exit 7 Theater, 37 Chestnut Street, Ludlow, MA 01056
Audition Dates & Times: December 6, 12pm-5pm
December 7, 6pm-10pm
December 8, 6pm-10pm
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Callbacks will be by invitation only. Selected performers will be contacted by the production team with additional information, including callback dates, times, and any required preparation.
Callbacks will be scheduled for December 15.
Performers invited to callbacks will receive the selected song or songs in advance, along with any specific audition instructions, to allow adequate time to review and prepare the material before their scheduled callback.
Not receiving a callback does not necessarily mean you will not be cast in the production.
Preliminary Costume Measurements at Callbacks
Due to the elaborate nature of several costumes in Shrek the Musical, selected performers attending callbacks may be asked to have preliminary measurements taken by our costume designer.
Many of the show's principal and featured costumes require specialized construction, detailed design work, and additional preparation time. Gathering measurements during callbacks allows our costume team to begin assessing construction requirements, planning materials, and preparing for the extensive work involved in bringing these characters to life.
Please understand that being asked to have measurements taken does not indicate that a performer has been cast or is more likely to receive a particular role. Measurements are collected strictly for preliminary production planning and do not influence or guarantee casting decisions.
Audition Registration & Procedures
Registration & Scheduling
All performers interested in auditioning for Shrek the Musical must complete the audition application and reserve an audition appointment in advance.
Auditions are by scheduled appointment. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in and review the available acting sides.
Due to the anticipated number of performers auditioning for Shrek the Musical, audition times are approximate and may run later than the scheduled time or audition block you selected. While our production team will make every effort to keep auditions running smoothly and on schedule, we want to ensure that every performer receives a fair opportunity to showcase their talents without feeling rushed.
We kindly ask all performers to plan accordingly and allow for possible delays. Your patience, flexibility, and understanding are greatly appreciated as we work to give everyone a positive and welcoming audition experience.
What to Bring
- Water bottle and comfortable clothing suitable for movement
- Dance shoes or tap shoes, if available (sneakers are perfectly fine)
- Headshot and theatrical résumé, if available
- A list of potential rehearsal and performance conflicts
- A positive attitude and willingness to have fun!
Headshots, résumés, and specialized dance shoes are not required to audition.
What to Expect at Auditions
Auditions will consist of two components
Individual Vocal & Acting Audition
Each performer will meet with members of the production team for a brief conversation, vocal warmup, assigned song excerpt, and acting side.
Printed acting sides will be available upon arrival. Performers should select a side for a character they are interested in portraying. A production team member will read opposite them.
Sides do not need to be memorized. We encourage expressive dialogue, facial expressions, physicality, and bold character choices. Time may allow for a second side, but this is not guaranteed.
Group Dance & Movement Audition
Performers will learn and perform a short dance combination led by the choreographer. The audition will focus on rhythm, coordination, musicality, stage presence, characterization, and the ability to learn choreography.
Shrek the Musical features energetic musical theater choreography, physical comedy, stylized movement, and tap-inspired elements.
All experience levels are welcome. Tap experience is encouraged but not required. We value personality, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn just as much as technical ability.
Audition Group Rotation
To keep auditions running efficiently, performers will be assigned to one of two groups.
Group A – Vocal & Acting First
- Complete individual vocal and acting auditions.
- Join Group B for the combined dance audition.
- Dismissed immediately following the dance audition.
Group B – Dance First
- Join Group A for the combined dance audition.
- Complete individual vocal and acting auditions afterward.
- Dismissed following their individual audition
Important Dance Audition Exception
Dance auditions will NOT be held on December 7, 2026, due to the choreographer's unavailability.
We strongly encourage all performers to select an audition date that includes both the vocal/acting and dance portions of the audition whenever possible.
Our December 7 audition date will not include a dance component due to choreographer availability and is intended primarily for performers who are unable to attend one of the regular audition dates.
Please do not select December 7 simply to avoid the dance audition. Dance and movement are important elements of Shrek the Musical, and performers of all experience levels are encouraged to participate. You do not need to be an experienced dancer to audition!
Performers auditioning on December 7 who are invited to callbacks will be asked to complete a dance assessment at that time.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us provide a fair and consistent audition experience for everyone.
A Final Note from the Production Team
We want auditions to be a welcoming, creative, and enjoyable experience for everyone. Come prepared, be yourself, take creative risks, and don't be afraid to make bold character choices!
Most importantly, have fun and let your personality shine!
We can't wait to see you bring the wonderful world of Shrek the Musical to life!
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals for Shrek the Musical are anticipated to begin in mid-to-late January 2027, with regularly scheduled rehearsals held on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Our first rehearsal and cast orientation will take place on Sunday, January 10, 2027, at 1:00 PM.
This initial gathering will be an opportunity for the cast and production team to meet, get to know one another, and begin bringing the world of Shrek to life! Activities will include introductions, passing out scripts, a full-cast read-through, completion of required paperwork, costume measurements, and a review of production expectations.
Rehearsal Schedule, Attendance & Commitment
We understand that our performers have responsibilities outside of the theater, including work, school, family, and other commitments. We respect everyone's time and will make every effort to provide a consistent, organized rehearsal schedule.
Rehearsals will take place on the same three days each week, with consistent start and end times. As we approach opening night, rehearsals may become longer to accommodate the needs of the production.
Monthly rehearsal calendars will be distributed approximately one month in advance, clearly identifying which performers are needed for each rehearsal. Cast members will only be expected to attend rehearsals for which they are specifically called. This policy applies to both adult and youth performers.
All known scheduling conflicts must be disclosed at the time of auditions. This allows the production team to make informed casting decisions and plan rehearsals accordingly. Failure to disclose known conflicts may affect casting decisions.
Once cast, performers are expected to attend all rehearsals for which they are called, arrive on time, and be prepared to work. We understand that emergencies and unexpected circumstances arise, and these situations will be handled with understanding and appropriate communication.
However, excessive absences, repeated tardiness, or unexcused missed rehearsals may result in reduced stage time, reassignment of roles, or dismissal from the production.
All cast members are responsible for learning their lines, music, and choreography outside of scheduled rehearsals. Rehearsal time is intended to develop characterization, refine performances, establish blocking, strengthen choreography, and bring the production together. Performers are expected to review and practice their materials independently between rehearsals.
Cast Behavior & Expectations
Exit 7 Theater is committed to providing a safe, respectful, professional, and welcoming environment for everyone involved in Shrek the Musical. All cast members are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior, respect for others, cooperation, and a positive attitude throughout the production.
Upon casting, all performers will be required to complete additional paperwork, including theater policies, codes of conduct, participation expectations, CORI background checks where applicable, and other required forms. These expectations will be reviewed with the cast before rehearsals begin. Community theater is a collaborative commitment. Every performer, regardless of the size of their role, contributes to the success of the production. We ask everyone to respect the time, dedication, and hard work of their fellow cast members and production team.
By accepting a role in Shrek the Musical, performers are committing to the rehearsal expectations and performance schedule of this production.
Character Descriptions and Breakdown
Anticipated Cast Size
We anticipate casting approximately 30 performers for Shrek the Musical, including principal roles, featured characters, and ensemble members. Many performers may have the opportunity to portray multiple characters throughout the production. Our goal is to create a talented, energetic, and diverse ensemble where every performer contributes to bringing the magical world of Shrek to life. Final cast size will be determined by audition turnout, production needs, and the creative vision of the production team.
Ages
Ages below are suggested casting guidelines, not absolute limits unless a role is specifically designated as a youth or adult opportunity.
SHREK
Character Description: A grumpy, intimidating ogre who has spent his life being feared, rejected, and misunderstood. Shrek claims to prefer isolation, but beneath his sarcastic exterior is someone deeply vulnerable who longs for acceptance and connection. His journey teaches him that friendship, vulnerability, and love are worth the risk.
What We’re Looking For: A commanding performer with powerful vocals, excellent comic timing, and genuine emotional depth. Shrek must balance gruff sarcasm and larger-than-life humor with tenderness and insecurity. Strong storytelling and believable chemistry with Donkey and Fiona are essential; an original interpretation is encouraged.
Accent Requirement: Must be willing to develop and consistently maintain a convincing, understandable Scottish accent. Prior accent experience is welcome but not required.
Important Physical Requirements: A demanding role with substantial stage time, movement, physical comedy, and potentially bulky costumes, prosthetics, and makeup. The performer must sustain characterization and vocals through physically demanding scenes. Reasonable accommodations may be discussed.
Age Range: 25+
Audition Song: Big Bright Beautiful World
Sheet Music: Big Bright Beautiful World
Backing Tracks: Big Bright Beautiful World (Start at 3:48)
PRINCESS FIONA
Character Description: A spirited, independent princess who has spent years trapped in a tower, dreaming of a storybook rescue. Smart, stubborn, funny, and wonderfully unconventional, she hides a fear that her true self will never be accepted. Her story is one of self-acceptance and unexpected love.
What We’re Looking For: A dynamic singer-actor with strong comic instincts, fearless physicality, and emotional honesty. Fiona shifts between polished princess, outspoken adventurer, and outrageous physical comedian. Dance ability is highly desirable, as is believable chemistry with Shrek. Tap dancing is an important component of this role, and performers with tap experience are strongly encouraged to audition. A willingness to learn and perform tap choreography is essential.
Important Physical Requirements: Energetic choreography, physical comedy, and potentially substantial costume changes require stamina and expressive movement.
Age Range: 20+
Audition Song: Morning Person
Sheet Music: Morning Person
Backing Tracks: Morning Person
DONKEY
Open to Performers of Any Gender
Casting Note: This role is open to performers of all genders. The character's gender identity, as written in the script, will remain unchanged regardless of casting.
Character Description: An enthusiastic, fast-talking, fiercely loyal donkey who becomes Shrek’s unexpected best friend. Donkey is impulsive, hilarious, and famously unable to respect personal space, but his nonstop chatter hides a deep desire for friendship and belonging.
What We’re Looking For: An exceptionally charismatic performer with strong vocals, rapid-fire comic timing, expressive physicality, and warmth. Original character choices are encouraged rather than an Eddie Murphy imitation. The relationship with Shrek should feel both funny and sincere.
Important Physical Requirements: Extensive onstage time, energetic movement, character costume work, and physical comedy require endurance and sustained vocal energy.
Age Range: 18+
Audition Song: Don’t Let Me Go
Sheet Music: Don't Let Me Go
Backing Tracks: Don't Let Me Go
LORD FARQUAAD
Character Description: The self-obsessed, power-hungry ruler of Duloc who dreams of becoming a legitimate king. Vain, theatrical, and controlling, he is convinced of his own magnificence; beneath it lies insecurity and a desperate need for status. He is ridiculous but takes himself seriously.
What We’re Looking For: A fearless comedian with excellent timing, expressive reactions, strong singing, and bold physical comedy. Farquaad must command the stage with tremendous energy and confidence.
Important Physical Requirements: This production plans to use the traditional kneeling technique to create the illusion of Farquaad’s short stature. The performer should expect to spend a significant portion of stage time on their knees while wearing protective knee pads, singing, acting, and potentially executing choreography. This can require considerable stamina, mobility, and balance. Reasonable accommodations and alternative staging may be discussed.
Age Range: 25+
Audition Song: What’s Up, Duloc?
Sheet Music: What's Up, Duloc?
Backing Tracks: What's Up, Duloc? (Start at :49)
DRAGON
Potentially Up to Three Performers • All Genders Welcome
Casting Note: This role is open to performers of all genders. The character's gender identity, as written in the script, will remain unchanged regardless of casting.
Character Description: A fierce, glamorous, larger-than-life dragon guarding Fiona’s tower. Her intimidating exterior hides a passionate romantic longing for affection and someone who sees beyond appearances. Bold, dramatic, flirtatious, and unapologetically fabulous!
What We’re Looking For: Powerhouse vocalists with soulful musical expression, stage presence, and confidence. The creative concept may use a trio emphasizing vocal harmony, individual flair, and one cohesive character. Drag queens, drag artists, and performers of all gender expressions are enthusiastically encouraged; drag experience is not required.
Important Physical Requirements: Expressive movement, coordinated staging, and potentially elaborate costumes, makeup, or theatrical effects. Final staging will determine specific requirements.
Role Commitment: The three-performer concept is subject to confirmation of the licensed arrangement and permissions.
Age Range: 18+
Audition Song: Forever
Sheet Music: Forever
Backing Tracks: Forever
GINGY (GINGERBREAD MAN)
Featured Youth Role • No Ensemble Doubling • Open to Performers of Any Gender
Casting Note: This role is open to performers of all genders. The character's gender identity, as written in the script, will remain unchanged regardless of casting.
Character Description: A feisty, outspoken gingerbread cookie with a big personality and an even bigger attitude. Quick-witted, sassy, and fearless despite his tiny size.
Casting Preference: Ideally, this role will be portrayed by a live performer, allowing for expressive characterization, physical comedy, and direct interaction with other characters.
However, depending on casting and the creative needs of the production, Gingy may be represented by a puppet, with the character's dialogue and singing performed by a live actor offstage.
Final staging and presentation of this character will be determined by the production team.
What We’re Looking For: A confident young performer with comic timing, expressive vocal delivery, and plenty of personality.
Important Physical Requirements: May involve puppet or stylized character performance; details will be determined during staging.
Role Commitment: Gingy is a separate performer from Sugar Plum Fairy. This role has limited stage time and will not double in the ensemble.
Age Range: Suggested 8–12
Audition Song: Freak Flag
Sheet Music: Freak Flag
Backing Tracks: Freak Flag
YOUNG FIONA
Featured Youth Role • No Ensemble Doubling • Limited Stage Time
Character Description: An imaginative, hopeful young princess who believes her true love will one day rescue her.
What We’re Looking For: A young performer with clear singing, natural presence, and sincere, optimistic storytelling.
Role Commitment: Limited appearances; cast exclusively as Young Fiona with no ensemble doubling.
Anyone auditioning for Young Fiona does not need to participate in the dance audition unless needed by the choreographer.
Age Range: Suggested 8–12
Audition Song: I Know Its Today
Sheet Music: I Know Its Today
Backing Tracks: I Know Its Today
TEEN FIONA
Featured Youth Role • Possible Ensemble Participation
Character Description: A princess whose years of waiting have transformed childhood optimism into impatience, determination, and teenage attitude.
What We’re Looking For: A young singer-actor with expressive storytelling, humor, and a believable connection to the other Fionas.
Role Commitment: Additional ensemble appearances may be offered but are not guaranteed; stage time may remain limited.
Age Range: Suggested 13–17
Audition Song: I Know Its Today
Sheet Music: I Know Its Today
Backing Tracks: I Know Its Today
PINOCCHIO
Open to Performers of Any Gender
Casting Note: This role is open to performers of all genders. The character's gender identity, as written in the script, will remain unchanged regardless of casting.
Character Description: A lovable, insecure wooden puppet desperate to become a real boy. Quirky, dramatic, and often hilariously dishonest, Pinocchio is a prominent voice among the fairy-tale misfits.
What We’re Looking For: A strong character actor with excellent comedic timing, expressive physicality, a distinctive character voice, and solid singing skills.
Important Physical Requirements: Stylized puppet-like movement and character physicality may be part of staging.
Age Range: Suggested 18+
Audition Song: Story of My Life
Sheet Music: Story of My Life
Backing Tracks: Story of My Life
YOUNG SHREK
Youth Role • Limited Stage Time (Young Shrek is a non speaking role) • Possible Ensemble Participation
A young, innocent ogre who is sent into the world by his parents and begins to discover what it means to be different. We're looking for an expressive young performer with strong physical storytelling skills, natural stage presence, and the ability to communicate emotion without relying on dialogue. Additional ensemble participation may be offered but is not guaranteed.
Age Range: Suggested 10–15
Audition Song: Freak Flag
Sheet Music: Freak Flag
Backing Tracks: Freak Flag
FAIRY-TALE CREATURES & FEATURED ENSEMBLE
Featured Ensemble • Various Characters • Adults (18+)
Character Description: A colorful collection of storybook misfits rejected for being different. Together they create some of the show’s funniest moments, most energetic numbers, and its message of belonging.
What We’re Looking For: Expressive, enthusiastic performers who enjoy bold character choices, strong ensemble singing, physical comedy, movement, and collaboration. Performers may portray multiple fairy-tale creatures, Duloc citizens, guards, knights, or other featured ensemble roles depending on casting and the licensed script.
The ensemble offers opportunities for featured dialogue, singing, dancing, and distinctive character work.
Age Range: Suggested 18+
Audition Song: Freak Flag
Sheet Music: Freak Flag
Backing Tracks: Freak Flag