About This Production​

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SHOW SYNOPSIS

 

Everyone's favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film. "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.

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CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS

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A Note on Casting

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• The gender listed for each character is the character’s gender, but students of any gender may be considered for any role.

• We are looking for original interpretations—do not try to copy the movie or Broadway versions. Make bold choices!

• Accents are optional. Focus on character, not imitation.

 

PRINCIPAL ROLES

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SHREK

• Gender: Male

• Vocal/Dance: Sings solo, many lines, some dance

• Description: A mean, crusty old ogre who hides a sweet soul. Shrek is grumpy and fierce on the outside, but vulnerable underneath due to years of rejection. Requires strong comic timing, physicality, and moments of real emotion.
   

DONKEY

• Gender: Male

• Vocal/Dance: Sings solo, many lines, featured dancer

• Description: Sassy, talkative, and full of energy, Donkey befriends Shrek and brings heart and humor to every scene. Needs strong comedic chops, stamina, and warmth.
   

FIONA

• Gender: Female

• Vocal/Dance: Sings solo, many lines, featured dancer

• Description: A princess with a big secret—she turns into an ogre each night. Fiona is quirky, strong-willed, and dreams of her own fairy-tale ending. Tap dance skills a plus, but not required.
   

LORD FARQUAAD

• Gender: Male

• Vocal/Dance: Sings solo, many lines, physically challenging role

• Description: Ruler of Duloc, obsessed with perfection. Must act and dance on knees for comic effect. Needs big comedic energy and the ability to show genuine insecurity underneath.
   

DRAGON

• Gender: Female

• Vocal/Dance: Sings solo, no lines, movement/dance feature

• Description: The fierce tower guardian who falls for Donkey. A show-stopping diva; must bring strong stage presence and vocal power.
   

PINOCCHIO

• Gender: Male

• Vocal/Dance: Sings solo, many lines, some dance

• Description: Neurotic, lovable leader among the fairytale creatures who desperately wants to be a “real boy.” Physical comedy and puppet-like movement required.

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SUPPORTING ROLES & FEATURED ENSEMBLE

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• GINGY (Gingerbread Man): Male (puppet), sings solo, requires puppeteering and comedic timing.

• THELONIUS (Captain of the Guard): Male, several lines, light dance; strong character choices encouraged.

• YOUNG FIONA / TEEN FIONA: Female, sings solo (no lines or dance); expressive vocalists needed.

• KING HAROLD & QUEEN LILLIAN: Male and Female, sing solos in opening; strong singers and character actors.

• MAMA & PAPA OGRE: Female and Male, sing solos in opening; work well together.

• LITTLE SHREK: Male, no lines; must be very expressive physically.

• BIG BAD WOLF: Male, sings solos, dresses as “Granny,” strong singer with comedic confidence.

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FAIRYTALE CREATURES & ENSEMBLE

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• BLUEBIRD: Female, sings one high soprano solo in “Morning Person”; whistlers welcome.

• THE THREE BEARS: Mama (female), Papa (male), Baby (any gender); small solos, must work as a family unit.

• THE THREE LITTLE PIGS: Any gender, small solos, comedic German accents.

• THE THREE BLIND MICE: Any gender, featured vocal trio, dance feature.

• PIED PIPER: Any gender, movement/vocal feature; instrument playing a plus.

• THE KNIGHTS: Any gender, featured vocal ensemble, dance; will double in other roles.

• BISHOP: Male, comic officiant at wedding; strong comedic instincts.

• DULOC GREETER: Any gender, physical comedy and strong stage presence.

• GRUMPY (Dwarf): Male, some lines; comedic timing and physicality.

• OTHER FEATURED FAIRYTALE CHARACTERS: (Mad Hatter, Ugly Duckling, Peter Pan, etc.) - small solos, comedic character work, some dance.

• SEVEN DWARVES: Any gender, ensemble singing/dancing, physical comedy.

• ADDITIONAL ENSEMBLE: Any gender; assigned specific fairytale characters; singing/dancing.

• THE RATS: Any gender, featured tap dance ensemble (tap not required, but movement skills needed).

• WEDDING CHOIR: Any gender, sings during wedding; must sing beautifully on pitch.