AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD THE EVENINGS OF MAY 14 & MAY 15
CALLBACKS ARE THE EVENINGS OF MAY 18 & MAY 19
About the Show
Shrek the Musical is a celebrated Broadway hit brought to life by an award-winning creative team — featuring music by Tony Award-winner Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Caroline, or Change) and book/lyrics by Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole, Kimberly Akimbo). This theatrical adaptation of the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film combines sidesplitting humor with a dynamic score that’s delighted audiences worldwide.
Journey with us to a land where fairy tales take unexpected twists! When a grumpy ogre’s swamp is invaded by misfit storybook characters, Shrek reluctantly embarks on an epic adventure alongside a wisecracking Donkey to rescue a feisty princess who’s hiding secrets of her own. Along the way, they encounter a vertically-challenged villain, a sassy Gingerbread Man, and a cast of beloved fairy tale characters who turn traditional stories upside down.
While the show delivers non-stop laughs and show-stopping musical numbers, Shrek‘s true magic lies in its heartwarming message about self-acceptance, friendship, and discovering that true beauty comes from within. This contemporary spin on fairy tales proves that what makes us unique makes us strong — and sometimes the greatest heroes come in the most unexpected packages.
With stunning sets, magical special effects (including a custom, high-tech 13-foot dragon!), and Upper Room Theatre’s signature professional-caliber production value, this larger-than-life musical adventure promises to be unlike anything we’ve brought to our stage before!
Click here to listen to the fantastic music on YouTube (opens in a new window).
About Upper Room Theatre
Founded in 2002, Upper Room Theatre has grown into one of DC’s most dynamic theatrical forces, where professional-caliber artistry meets community impact.
Our award-winning shows don’t just draw 3,000+ audience members each summer… they help fund nearly 300 youth and young adult ministry programs throughout the year. We’ve won multiple “Best of” awards, including BroadwayWorld’s “Favorite Local Theatre” and DC Theater Arts’ “Staff Favorite.” This proves that artistic excellence AND meaningful purpose go hand in hand.
Our alumni have gone on to perform at The Kennedy Center, Signature Theatre, Arena Stage, National Tours, Off-Broadway, CBS, Disney World, cruise ships, symphonies and more… but what truly sets us apart is the transformative experience we create for everyone involved. Here, you’ll find yourself part of something bigger: a creative family united by theatrical passion and a dedication to serving others through the arts.
Which means your time with us won’t just be rewarding professionally… it’ll be personally meaningful as you forge lifelong friendships and grow alongside our professional creative team.
Casting Details
ALL roles are open to rising 9th-12th graders, college students, and young adults in their 20s and 30s.
AGE EXCEPTIONS FOR 2025: The roles of Young Fiona and Young Shrek are only open to boys and girls who are current 5th, 6th, and 7th graders.
| CHARACTER | Age Range & Gender | Vocal Range | Description & Dance Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHREK | 20s & 30s, M | Baritone/tenor A2 – G#4 | His brutish exterior disguises a soulful and brave heart... powerful presence with great wit. Ability to produce a credible Scottish accent a bonus. Basic mover. |
| PRINCESS FIONA | 20s & 30s, F | Alto/soprano with high belt F3 - G6 | She has spent most of her life locked in a dragon-guarded castle reading romantic fairy tales... not your typical fairytale princess, she is smart and outspoken. Strong mover, tap experience preferred |
| DONKEY | 20s & 30s, M | Baritone/tenor C3 - B4 | As charming as he is clingy, a bright-eyed motor-mouth whose eagerness and quick wit barely disguise his desperate need for a friend... charming with great comic skills. Strong mover. |
| LORD FARQUAAD | 20s & 30s, M | Baritone B2 - D5 | A pompous, power-hungry little villain with a raging Napoleon complex and intense dislike of all fairytale creatures. Intermediate/strong Mover |
| PINOCCHIO | Teens, 20s & 30s, M | Baritone/tenor with good falsetto E3 - F#4 | The leader of the fairytale creatures, a wooden puppet whose nose grows every time he lies... plenty of sass, comedic role. Intermediate mover |
| GINGY | Teens, 20s & 30s, F | Soprano with big belt B3 - C#5 | A gingerbread man kidnapped by Lord Farquaad... his wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble and inspire the rest of the fairytale creatures. |
| DRAGON | Teens, 20s & 30s, F | Alto/mezzo with gospel sound and big belt F3 - Eb5 | She falls in love with Donkey and attempts to keep him there forever... imposing and flirtatious. |
| YOUNG FIONA | Current 5th, 6th, and 7th graders, F | Mezzo-soprano B3 - C#5 | A bright little girl only recently locked in a tower, she passes her time reading fairy tales about being rescued by a handsome and charming prince. Basic mover. |
| YOUNG SHREK | Current 5th, 6th, and 7th graders, F | Naive and innocent being sent on a journey away from his family on his 7th birthday. Basic mover. | |
| TEEN FIONA | High School, F | Mezzo-soprano B3 - C#5 | She has been trapped in the tower for a few years and has some angst about not being rescued yet... sense of humor, strong voice. Basic mover. |
| BIG BAD WOLF, BEAR & PIG FAMILIES, WICKED WITCH, PETER PAN, HUMPTY DUMPTY, FAIRY GODMOTHER, AND MORE! | Teens, 20s & 30s, M/F | All vocal ranges | Unique, individual characters all with lines and many with solos --- they are the life of the story and highlight the message that "what makes us different makes us strong". All levels of dance/movement. |
| GUARDS & KNIGHTS | Teens, 20s & 30s, M | All vocal ranges | Comedic and lots of opportunity for fun movement. Intermediate movement. |
| RAT TAP DANCERS | Teens, 20s & 30s, M/F | Chased by the Pied Piper, Fiona brings them together and they tap dance their hearts out. Tap experience. | |
| THREE BLIND MICE | Teens, 20s & 30s, F | All vocal ranges and great at harmonies | Like a 50s soulful harmonizing group. Basic movement. |
| DULOC PERFORMERS | Teens, 20s & 30s, M/F | All vocal ranges | Be welcomed to the "perfect" town by these dancing, energy-filled, smiling performers. Intermediate movement. |
| A *bunch* of great characters - most performers will play in multiple roles | Teens, 20s & 30s, M/F | All vocal ranges | From Papa & Mama Ogre to a Bishop to Happy Villagers to Farquaad's henchman, this musical is full of wonderful characters. All movement levels. |
Rehearsals
Rehearsals begin MAY 22, 2025 (that is a full company rehearsal). Those cast will only be called to rehearsals when needed, sometimes for parts of rehearsals as well (you will not be called to every single rehearsal until July). The bulk of rehearsals will happen on Saturdays ~9:00am-2:00pm, Sundays from 5:00-10:00pm and two additional floating weekday evenings from 6:30-10:00pm (generally Mon, Tues, Wed, or Thurs as we try to avoid Fridays). Those preparing to audition should do everything possible to keep those dates and times available.
Performances
The production will run July 15-20. There are 7 performances total (Tuesday through Sunday evenings, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday). There is a required full company strike (take down of all set/lighting/clean-up) after the closing July 20 show and late afternoon of July 21.
Audition Requirements
You will be required to sing a contemporary musical theater piece for us. We expect that your vocal performances for us always demonstrate your storytelling and ACTING abilities. Every single role in this show requires strong acting.
Plan for a 45-second private audition with our directors to show off your singing and acting.
NOTE: For the roles of Young Fiona and Young Shrek, we will hold small group auditions. Young Fiona and Young Shrek candidates are NOT required to prepare any song, but Young Fionas please listen to the song “I Know It’s Today” beforehand.
SINGING: While you should know your entire song, for your audition we want to hear a cut that is no longer than 45 seconds (approximately 32 bars of music). We would prefer if you choose a modern, contemporary musical theater song in the style of this show. However, please do not choose a piece from Shrek. Arrive 10 minutes early, bring your music, and bring your completed Audition Information Form you will receive after you sign up for an audition slot.
IF you belt, please let us hear a song that shows off your belt (healthily!).
But if you don’t belt, that’s totally cool, too! We still want you to audition as belting is NOT required to be cast! Above all, it’s important whatever you choose to do, that you are telling us a clear story. The priority is that we can hear your voice and see your acting. We’ve got a LOT of great roles and opportunities in this show for many different types of voices!
NOTE: For the roles of Young Fiona and Young Shrek, please see note in red above.
We are providing a fantastic pianist for your audition accompaniment (but wired speakers will be available too only if you are bringing a device that has a headphone jack, and bluetooth speakers will be available as well. NO CDs). If you choose to perform a song, we ask you to bring sheet music for our audition accompanist. We also ask you please avoid a cappella singing as we want to hear you with music. If sheet music is available for your song, we would greatly prefer live music accompaniment played by our pianist.
DANCING: We will not require a dance for your first audition. HOWEVER, if you have a dance background, we want to know about it! Please put it on your form, plus you may add dance to your song OR use some of your 45 seconds to show us a short routine and shorten your singing to 16 bars of music. If you are called back to the second round of auditions on May 18 & 19, then you may be asked to learn and perform a dance for us.
(NOTE: If you can’t make our in-person initial auditions and want to send in a video, please email [email protected] for special arrangements.)
Casting Team in the Room
Director: Rob Tessier
Music Director: Chris Zavadowski
Choreographer: Marianna Constable
Additional Information
Upper Room Theatre Ministry is sponsored by All Saints Catholic Church. Casting will result in a mixture of members from All Saints in addition to those outside the church membership. We certainly welcome anyone within the required age ranges to audition. Be aware that because we are a ministry, we incorporate prayer into our rehearsal process by beginning and ending our rehearsals with prayer and dedicating our efforts to God. You don’t have to be Catholic, just open to allowing faith into the theatrical process.
Everyone is a volunteer. Proceeds from the production directly support the Youth and Young Adult Ministry spiritual opportunities and missions in addition to supporting future theatrical productions and improvements.
Anyone involved with our production over 18 must be Virtus-approved (this is our child protection program, since we will have people involved with the production under 18). It’s EASY to be approved as long as you fill out paperwork (this is the link to Virtus details), permit a background check, and attend a 3-hour training on a Saturday morning. You can learn more at www.virtus.org (our diocese is Arlington). You do NOT need to do this prior to auditioning, but if you are called back, you will be required to do the initial steps (background check) BEFORE callbacks.
QUESTIONS? Email [email protected]
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