Young Company Spring Show
Shrek: The Musical Jr

SEEKING YOUNG ARTISTS AGES 8-18 FOR OUR YOUNG COMPANY PRODUCTION OF SHREK THE MUSICAL JR
Successful auditionees will be invited to join our Young Company Program. More information about the program can be found here.
Key Dates
Audition Submissions: January 2-16, 2022 (see details below)
Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons at Port Nelson United Church beginning February 9.
Tech Days: May 5 and 6, 2022
Performances: May 7 and 8, 2022 at Theatre Burlington
About The Show
Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.
Audition Information
* AUDITIONS ARE NOW CLOSED*
Thank you to all those who submitted a self-tape audition. We are reviewing all submissions and will be in touch with a decision within two weeks.
*Please note: If accepted to the program, all Young Company participants ages 12+ must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by the time of the first rehearsal. View our Covid-19 policy here.
Characters
STORYTELLERS
Wonderful roles for performers with natural stage presence and big, clear voices. These characters are important for setting up the world and moving the story forward. Bold, energetic young actors.
SHREK
He may be a big, scary, green ogre to the rest of the world, but as the story reveals, he’s really just a big fellow with a big heart. Excellent actor and strong singer with comedic chops.
FIONA
She may appear to be an ideal princess straight from the fairy tale books, but there is more to her than that stereotypical image. She is an audacious young lady with a wonderful sense of humour and -surprisingly -manners akin to those of a teenage boy. Strong singer, dancer, and actress with a loveable spirit.
YOUNG FIONA
Young Fiona and Teen Fiona are younger versions of Fiona and should have solid singing voices.
TEEN FIONA
Young Fiona and Teen Fiona are younger versions of Fiona and should have solid singing voices.
LORD FARQUAAD
A very short man with gargantuan ambition! He is solely interested in gaining as much power as possible. Great singer and mover, and also a comedian who isn’t afraid of making bold choices or looking silly.
DONKEY
A brash, loud, fast-talking animal with no concept of “quiet time.” Strong singer and actor with a whole lot of presence and character. He should complement Shrek well as his loyal and ever-faithful sidekick.
DRAGON
Dynamic performer with a lot of soul and spunk. She is a ferocious, fire-breathing dragon but finds a surprising love in Donkey. Must have a tremendous presence and a great pop singing voice.
MAMA OGRE AND PAPA OGRE
Dynamic duo that can kick off the show with a lot of energy and presence. Strong singers and actors.
LITTLE OGRE
A smaller, younger performer who is new to the stage. Very important to the storytelling with pantomime skills.
PINOCCHIO
The wooden boy who cannot tell a lie without being belied by his growing nose. Pinocchio begins in a sour mood about his second-class status but ends the story as a natural leader among the Fairy Tale Creatures. Must have a lot of personality and be a very strong singer.
THE THREE LITTLE PIGS: PIG 1, PIG 2, PIG 3
The classic three little pigs with a German twist. A fun and dynamic trio who sing in harmony.
UGLY DUCKLING
He may be bitter about his unfortunate appearance, but he does find camaraderie among his fellow fairy tale outcasts.
THE THREE BEARS: MAMA BEAR, PAPA BEAR, BABY BEAR
WICKED WITCH
Character actress with a big personality.
BIG BAD WOLF
He doesn’t need to be a scary, threatening big-bad-wolf type. At this point, he’s a pretty tame wolf who is reduced to wearing Little Red Riding Hood’s grandmother’s dressing gown.
GINGY
A great role for a young performer who is as earnest as can be. Gingy is based on the Gingerbread Man who runs away like a fugitive from his baking captors.
PETER PAN
The boy who never grew up, and he continues to act the part in this story. Should have fun physicalizing the character.
CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD
This role is just right for an actor with some inherent strength and authority. Actor with a big, booming voice and who isn’t scared to put all the Fairy Tale Creatures in their place.
KNIGHTS
The Dragon’s background singers who all tried at some point to save Fiona from her tower but were held hostage by the Dragon. Good singers who have some soul just like the Dragon.
DWARF
Farquaad’s comparably short and grumpy father.
ENSEMBLE
Standout ensemble roles include: The Guards, Duloc Performers, Puss in Boots, Rooster, Pied Piper, Rats and the Bishop. Additional ensemble roles like Birds, Trees, Deer, Woodland Creatures and Fairy Tale Creatures help make up the backbone of the musical.
Tips and Tricks for a Great Audition Tape
Frame the camera from waist up, so we see your face, your shoulders and torso.
Make sure there is adequate light on your face (try to get rid of any shadow on your face).
If you are using a track, make sure we can hear your voice over it!
Face the camera, keep your eyes open
Speak clearly and confidently
Have fun!
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about the audition process or the Young Company program, please contact us. Rachel and Meredith are always here to help!