Auditions for Shrek the Musical are now open! Come join the fairytale!
Synopsis
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.
Casting Statement: Shrek the Musical
We strongly encourage performers of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to audition for Shrek the Musical. We are committed to inclusive casting and enthusiastically welcome actors of diverse races, ethnicities, body types, abilities, gender identities, and expressions. All roles are open to any performer and casting decisions will be based on strength of storytelling, vocal and acting ability, and ensemble balance rather than traditional expectations. If you are excited to bring this world to life in a non-traditional way, we want to see you at auditions!
Looking to cast 25-30 total performers that are 18+ will consider 16+ for ensemble tracks. The only exception would be for young (roughly ages 6-9) and middle (roughly ages 9-16) Fiona. No double casting, but understudy tracks may be available.
Questions? Email
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Directing Team:
Directors: Chynna Chung and Natalie Colgan
Music Director: Bryan Chung
Choreographer: Jamie Fry
Stage Manager/Assistant Director: Tyler Nerison
Performance Dates:
Friday, May 1st @ 7:30pm
Saturday, May 2nd @ 2:00 & 7:30pm
Sunday, May 3rd @ 2:00pm
Friday, May 8th @ 7:30pm
Saturday, May 9th @ 2:00 & 7:30pm
Sunday, May 10th @ 2:00pm
Friday, May 15th @ 7:30pm
Saturday, May 16th @ 2:00 & 7:30pm
Sunday, May 17th @ 2:00pm
Audition Dates, Times, and Links:
Monday, March 2nd, 2026: 5:00 - 9:00PM
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026: 5:00 - 9:00PM
Location:
Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140
Audition Sign Up Link:
https://tinyurl.com/LSPShrek
Audition Form:
https://tinyurl.com/LSPShrekauditionform
(All auditionees must fill out as soon as possible before the dates of auditions)
Video audition:
Will be accepted by the end of Sunday, March 1st. Must include a 1-minute cut of a song in the style of the show and a video of the performer completing the dance call. (A video of the dance call will be emailed a week before auditions.) Email all video submissions to:
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Callbacks (if necessary): Thursday, March 5th from 6-9pm
Please Note: Not everyone will be called back for every role; if you submitted a pre-recorded audition that requires a callback, you must be available in person for callbacks.
Audition Expectations:
Prepare a 1-minute cut of music in the style of the show (bring a back track, a speaker will be provided)
Optional: Prepare a 1-minute monologue
Participate in a dance call (A video of the routine will be emailed a week before auditions to practice)
Optional: Participate in a tap dance call (A video of the tap routine will also be emailed a week before)
Rehearsals:
Rehearsals will be Monday through Thursday evenings (6:00PM-9:00PM), starting the second week of March. More evening and weekend (late morning-mid afternoon) times may be expected closer to the week before the show. The directing team will do their best to only call performers when needed.
Character Breakdowns:
Shrek
He’s been told his whole life that he’s a monster, so he built walls before anyone else could hurt him. But underneath all that is a deeply feeling, thoughtful, and funny person who’s just tired of being misunderstood. His story is about unlearning shame and discovering that love doesn’t require him to change, just to be seen.
Princess Fiona (Young/Middle/Adult)
Fiona is a master of pretending; she’s been waiting for a fairytale ending that doesn’t exist. Her “curse” becomes a metaphor for internalized shame, especially for women and those who don’t fit a mold of traditional beauty. She’s fiery, funny, and painfully human. Her arc is about rejecting the fantasy she was sold and embracing the truth of who she is. Tap dance skills preferred but not required.
Donkey
Donkey is joy embodied. Loud, loyal, and full of love, he refuses to let Shrek disappear into his own fear. He brings levity, but he also brings connection.He isn’t someone who isn’t afraid to show up fully as themselves, even when the world says that’s too much.
Lord Farquaad
Farquaad is funny, but his controlling nature masks deep insecurity. He’s a satirical representation of systems that reward conformity and punish difference. His character highlights what happens when someone turns their own self-hate into oppression.
Dragon
She’s powerful, but also deeply lonely. She’s been boxed into the role of monster, objectified and forgotten. But she truly is a powerhouse reclaiming her voice. Strong belter preferred.
Gingy
A fiery soul in a small package, Gingy is fierce, fast-talking, and impossible to break. Gingy is someone who has always been forced to perform a version of themselves to survive, and finally says “no more.” Their journey is about resistance, and their journey to use their voice to stand up.
Pinocchio
All performance and sass, Pinocchio is the ultimate symbol of what it means to lie about who you are to fit in. Their arc is about choosing truth over safety. They have an unapologetic vulnerability beneath all the snark.
Wolf
The Big Bad Wolf isn’t scary in this version; they’re fabulous and done hiding, giving space to performers who’ve been told to tone it down.
Ensemble / Fairytale Creatures
The Fairytale Creatures are the heart of this story. Each one has been cast out for being “wrong,” and together they form a community of joy, rebellion, and found family. This ensemble is intentionally inclusive of all performers. They’re not just background; they are the story.
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