Audition Notice:
SHREK, THE MUSICAL
music by Jeanine Tesori; book & lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
Directed by Danny Hoskins
Musical Direction by Sarah Staebell
Choreography by Lani Toyama Hoskins
Auditions: Monday, May 19th, 6-10pm
Callbacks: Tuesday, May 20th, 6-10pm
THIS PRODUCTION IS PART OF OUR BLACKFRIARS THEATRE SUMMER INTENSIVE: all actors must be students aged 16-24, or rising high school juniors through December 2024-May 2025 college graduates.
As this is an educational training experience, BTSI performers are UNPAID; we do not provide travel, meals, or housing.
THE AUDITION:
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY — please email info@blackfriars.org no later than Friday, May 16th at noon to schedule your appointment (the office is not open Sat-Mon, and late requests may not be received); for those who cannot attend the initial call on Monday, May 19th, please scroll to the bottom for video submission information.
Auditions will take place in two 60-minute groups with a dance call between them. Please arrive familiar with the musical and the characters. There are links to PDFs of the script and score at the bottom of this page.
Conceptually, this production aims to integrate actors playing instruments and supporting the band throughout the show. If you play a wind, brass, string, or percussion instrument, we are requesting that an instrumental audition be submitted prior to the initial vocal/dance auditions. Please submit a video of up to one minute that best exemplifies your range and skill level on your chosen instrument/s. You can send your videos to info@blackfriars.org anytime before Friday, May 16th at 12 noon (this may be included with your appointment request). PLEASE NOTE: playing an instrument is not required in order to be considered for casting.
THE NITTY-GRITTY:
We will be scheduling auditions in two 60-minute groups with a dance call between them. Group A will sing from 6-7pm then dance with Group B from 7-8pm; Group B will dance with Group A from 7-8pm then sing from 8-9pm. You will be assigned to a group at the time of your appointment request—we will do our best to accommodate time constraints and requests.
Please prepare two 16- to 32-bar cuts (one minute or less per cut) of contrasting musical theatre selections that show your range and strong character/acting choices. Come with sheet music in a binder and in the correct key. PLEASE DO NOT SING A CAPELLA, AND DO NOT SING FROM THE SHOW. You may be asked to sing only one piece. Please bring clothes you can dance in comfortably and appropriate footwear (jazz, character, or sneakers). A link to the pre-recorded dance call will be available by Saturday, May 10th.
Please bring a headshot/photo & resume (if you have them), and your calendar to complete the rehearsal conflicts (YOU MUST FILL OUT A COMPLETE CONFLICT CALENDAR AT AUDITIONS).
THE PROCESS:
Rehearsals: begin as early as June 16th, 2024 (possible early rehearsals for actors who play instruments—TBD); calendar will be built around cast/team conflicts
Tech: July 19-24 (NO CONFLICTS)
Shows: July 25, 26 (mat & eve), 27, 31, Aug 1, 2 (mat & eve), 3
*Thurs-Sat = 7:30 p.m. curtain; Sat & Sun = 2:00 p.m. curtain; hold date for added performance is Wednesday, July 30th at 7:30 p.m.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
Casting 12-16 actors of varying ages/ethnicities/genders; while ability to play an instrument is NOT required, it is a plus for this concept, and we are interested in knowing proficiency with musical instruments (all actors must be students aged 16-24, or rising high school juniors through Dec 24-May 25 college graduates).
SHREK (Male – High Baritone/Bari-tenor) – A 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.
PRINCESS FIONA (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. Tap experience a plus.
DONKEY (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.
LORD FARQUAAD (Male – Tenor/bari-tenor) – 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. Traditionally played walking on knees.
DRAGON (Female – Alto with huge 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 (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.”
PAPA OGRE (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 (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 (Any Vocal Part) – Plays Young Shrek in “Big, Bright, Beautiful World”. May double as Young Fiona, Baby Bear, or Grumpy Dwarf.
YOUNG FIONA (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, or Grumpy Dwarf.
TEEN FIONA (Female – Soprano with Strong Belt) – 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.
SUGAR PLUM FAIRY / GINGY (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 (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 (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.
ENSEMBLE CHARACTER ROLES — These include (but are not limited to) Townspeople, Thelonius the Executioner, Knights, Dragon Singers, Priest, Blind Mice, Magic Mirror, Grumpy Dwarf.
There can be no conflicts during tech week or performances. If you are involved in another show that overlaps with any part of this process, please email us the conflicts at info@.org prior to signing up for auditions. Questions? Please email us at info@blackfriars.org. Auditions and callbacks will take place at Blackfriars Theatre, 795 E Main St, Rochester 14605.
VIDEO AUDITIONS
If you cannot make the initial call and wish to submit a video audition, please submit to info@blackfriars.org no later than Friday, May 16th at 12 noon (late submissions may not be received). Please provide video of yourself singing TWO 16- to 32-bar selections from the musical theatre or pop/rock genres that show personality and strong acting choices (cuts should be under one minute). Please also include a video of yourself performing the dance call, as well (video will be made available the Saturday before auditions). If you're not available for callbacks, we may request additional scenes/songs to record and send in by 8:00 p.m. on May 21st.