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| We are currently casting for: | |
| SHREK THE MUSICAL
Have you ever wondered just Who I’d be? Well This is How a Dream Comes True because it’s time to let your Freak Flag fly as COS are casting for Shrek the Musical being performed at the Mercury Theatre from Thursday 26th January 2023 to Saturday 4th February 2023.
Set in a mythical “once upon a time” land, Shrek the Musical is the story of a large green ogre who, after being mocked and feared his entire life by anything that crosses his path, retreats to a swamp to exist in happy isolation. Suddenly, a gang of homeless fairy-tale characters raid his sanctuary, having been evicted by the ruthless Lord Farquaad. So, Shrek strikes a deal to get their homes back, if they LEAVE HIM ALONE!! But when Shrek and Farquaad meet, the Lord strikes a deal of his own. With the help of a hilarious talking donkey, Shrek sets off to rescue Princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a fire-breathing dragon, so she can marry Lord Farquaad. Shrek finds something appealing, strange and different about this pretty princess. He likes her. A lot. But why does she always run off when the sun sets?
Auditions
When?: Main Cast (Age 16 years and over)
Young Fiona and Young Shrek (For children Age 7-13 with playing age 7 years) Chaperones will be in place during these workshops and auditions.
It is not compulsory to attend all of the workshops before auditioning, but we highly recommend you attend at least one so that you are suitably prepared for your audition. Where?: All pre auditions and auditions at Philip Morant Dance Studio (Q theatre), Colchester, CO3 4QS. Casting All auditionees will be expected to sing a standard ensemble audition, read a piece of dialogue and complete a set movement/dance audition (this can be either a simple beginners/non-dancers audition piece or an audition piece for more experienced dancers). Parts available are as follows: 4 main characters will be played by a single person each who will not double up roles in any way. They are:
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, finds an irritating friend and falls in love with Fiona. Begins as a grumpy hermit, but reveals his layers and eventually becomes the hero. Excellent singer and actor.
A beautiful princess rescued from a tower, 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.
A talking donkey who joins Shrek on the run from Farquaad’s guards, and subsequently on his adventures. Donkey is irritating but lovable, easily frightened and pushy, but also an optimist with an enormous heart. Excellent singer and comic actor with a huge personality.
The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is in search of a princess to marry so that he can become king. He’s outrageous, camp and the totally over the top villain of the story. He requires an excellent singer and comic actor, who is able to play this role on his knees for the whole show. The above parts will have their own dedicated auditions for singing and dialogue. There are other characters who have featured singing auditions. These are:
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”.
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 will be voiced and operated by actor appearing as Sugar Plum Fairy. Comedic voice required.
A dragon that has been charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. It’s a voice only role fronted by a huge puppet figure. However, she might appear onstage as the front of the beast.
Princess Fiona as a little girl. Sings a solo in “I Know It’s Today” with Teen Fiona and Fiona
Princess Fiona as a teenager. Sings a solo in “I Know It’s Today” with Young Fiona and Fiona. There is no set dialogue for these characters, so they should prepare the ensemble dialogue piece. The remaining cast include:
Wicked Witch, Humpty Dumpty, Big Bad Wolf, Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Baby Bear, 3 Little Pigs, 3 Blind Mice, Ugly Duckling, Peter Pan, Shoemaker’s Elf, White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, Fairy Godmother etc.
These include (but are not limited to) Young Shrek, Mama and Papa Ogre, King Harold and Queen Lillian, Angry Mob, Happy People, Duloc Dancers, Captain and Guards, Thelonius the Executioner, Knights, Dragon Singers, Pied Piper and Rats, Priest, Grumpy Dwarf. To us, inclusion matters , so if you have any access requirement or need any extra support in order to participate please do let us know, and we will do our best to meet those needs, where reasonably possible. Creative Team Our creative team are:
Rehearsal Dates Rehearsals start on Monday 18th September. We rehearse on Monday and Thursday evenings and some Sundays 10am-4pm (currently scheduled to be 9th Oct, 16th Oct, 30th Oct, 13th Nov, 27th Nov, 4th Dec, 8th Jan, 15th Jan and 22nd Jan). All rehearsals will be at Philip Morant Dance Studio (Q theatre), Colchester, CO3 4QS. until 22nd January when we will be at The Mercury Theatre for Tech, Dress and performances. Tech Rehearsal – Act 1 Sunday 22nd January 2023 Tech Rehearsal – Act 2 Tuesday 24th January 2023 Dress Rehearsal Wednesday 25th January 2023 Performances: Thursday 26th January 2023 7.30pm Friday 27th January 2023 7.30pm Saturday 28th January 2023 2.30pm and 7.30pm Sunday 29th January 2023 2pm (possible extra evening performance at 7pm) Tuesday 31st January 2023 7.30pm Wednesday 1st February 2023 7.30pm Thursday 2nd February 2023 7.30pm Friday 3rd February 2023 7.30pm Saturday 4th February 2023 2.30pm and 7.30pm Details of the full rehearsal dates will be included on the audition forms and information, which you will be sent or given access to once you have registered your interest. |
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You can find out more about the Backstage crew here |
