2026 Ensemble Production: Shrek The Musical

Music by Jeanine Tesori; Lyrics and book by David Lindsay-Abaire 

Co-Director by Alex Robinson & Janet Cole Hamilton; Choreographed by Carly Squires Hutchison; Music Directed by Aimee Hong.

More About This Show

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. 

This show is part of our Ensemble program, focused on students 9 to 19 years old. 

📅 Auditions: March 26-27, 2026  (5–9 PM) 

📍 Location: Studio East, Kirkland 

🎭 Callbacks: March 30-31, 2026 (4–9 PM) 

🗓️ First Rehearsal: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (6–9 PM) 

🤝 Mandatory Community Meeting: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (6–6:30 PM) 

💻 Rehearsals: Mon-Thurs (6–9 PM), Saturdays (1–6 PM), April 7 – May 14, 2026 

🎪 Tech Week: May 9 (12–8 PM) & May 11-14 (5–9 PM) 

🎬 Performances: May 15-24, 2026 

PREPARE:

(1) 32-bar cut or 1-minute selection from a contemporary musical or something in the style of the show (think Seussical, Big Fish, Newsies, Waitress, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, etc). 

(1) contrasting 32-bar cut or 1-minute selection that highlights your personality and vocal range. 

Please bring sheet music in the correct key with your cuts clearly marked. An accompanist will be provided. 

*If unavailable for auditions, you may submit a video audition no later than 6 PM on March 27th, 2026 to be considered for callbacks. 

If you need ideas or help with material please see our Audition101 Workshop Materials. 

ROLES:

Please note, for a character’s gender/age, this is the gender/age they are portrayed as on stage. Casting is open to any gender identity that is comfortable presenting as the character.

Shrek

A big, green, terrifying ogre who has spent most of his life as an outcast, living in a swamp far from civilization. His crass and brutish exterior disguises a soulful, lonely heart. He is a reluctant hero with a powerful presence and great wit. A Scottish accent is a plus. The actor may be required to wear latex make-up appliances and extensive green makeup. Vocal Range: A2−G#4 (Baritone – Tenor)

 

Donkey

Shrek’s self-appointed side-kick and a talking donkey who joins Shrek on his epic adventure. He is quite the chatterbox and is not deterred by Shrek’s looks. Donkey is a bright-eyed motormouth whose eagerness and quick wit barely disguise his desperate need for a friend and to be liked. While easily frightened and pushy, he has optimism, heart, charm, and wit. Vocal Range: C3−B4 (Tenor)

 

Fiona/Ogress Fiona

Princess of Far Far Away. She has spent most of her life locked in a dragon-guarded castle reading romantic fairy tales and waiting to be saved. Underneath, she is a smart, outspoken girl who can’t help burping or launching into hand-to-hand combat. She transforms into an ogre every night, making her quirky, blunt, and multitalented—not an ordinary princess. The actor may be required to wear a latex nose and green face paint. Vocal Range: F3−G5 (Soprano)

 

Lord Farquaad

The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is a pompous, power-hungry little villain with a raging Napoleon complex and an intense dislike of all fairytale creatures. He is self-absorbed, lonely, and cruel, and sets out to take a beautiful princess as his bride in order to claim a kingly throne. The actor playing this role will execute all blocking and choreography on his knees. Vocal Range: B2−D5 (Tenor)

 

Dragon

A dragon charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. She is imposing and flirtatious, but tired of her job as a glorified babysitter. She eventually falls in love with Donkey and attempts to keep him forever. The actor will appear on stage and may control/interact with some puppeteer/moving costume elements. Vocal Range: F3−Eb5 (Soprano)

 

Young Fiona

A bright little girl only recently locked in a tower, who passes her time reading fairy tales about being rescued by a handsome and charming prince. She is innocent and optimistic. This actor will double as a citizen of Duloc. Vocal Range: B3−C#5 (Soprano)

Teen Fiona

Now a teenager, Fiona has been trapped in the tower for a few years and has angst about not yet being rescued. This actor will double as a Fairytale Creature and/or other ensemble roles. Vocal Range: B3−C#5 (Soprano)

 

Fairytale Creatures

A motley crew of familiar fantasy characters who were banished from the kingdom of Duloc by Lord Farquaad to Shrek’s swamp. They help bring the story to life and must be able to exhibit lots of energy and animation in acting and singing. They may double as ensemble members or featured dancers. Vocal Range: All Vocal Ranges

 

Pinocchio

The leader of the Fairytale Creatures, an animated puppet whose nose grows every time he lies. He is banished to Shrek’s swamp. This is a comic role with plenty of sass, a penchant for lying, and a required character voice for acting and singing. This actor will not double. Vocal Range: E3−F#5 (Tenor)

 

Sugar Plum Fairy / Gingy (Voice)

The Sugar Plum Fairy is among the fairytale creatures who are sent to Shrek’s swamp by Lord Farquaad and is based on the character from The Nutcracker ballet. This actor will also voice the Gingy puppet, a gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord Farquaad. Gingy’s wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble and inspire the other fairy tale creatures. A character voice is necessary as this actor is essentially playing two Fairy Tale Creatures. This actor will not double. Vocal Range: B3−C#5 (Soprano)

 

Mama Ogre

Opens the show as Mama Ogre, sending her young Shrek out and warning him the world will only judge him by the way he looks. Vocal Range: F#3−B4 (Alto)

 

Papa Ogre

Opens the show as Papa Ogre, sharing the same warning as his wife when sending his young Shrek out into the world. Vocal Range: E3−E4 (Baritone)

 

Ensemble

Includes roles such as King Harold, Queen Lillian, Angry Mob, Happy People, Captain and his guards, Knights, Tapping Rats, Three Blind Mice, Bishop, Greeter, Duloc citizens and performers, Dragonettes, Thelonious, Mama Ogre, Papa Ogre, Baby Bear, Young Shrek, and more!

 

Featured Dancers

Selected from Fairytale Creatures/Ensemble and will be featured in dance numbers of various styles, including tap.

TUITION: $1,000

 

Tuition Assistance: 

We want every student to feel welcome on our stage. To keep our programs strong amid rising costs, tuition will increase slightly this year. We understand that changes like this can be challenging, so families may use a discount code to continue at the previous rate if needed which will be made available during casting. Additional tuition assistance and work-study options are also available—please submit applications by March 31st so we can process them in time. (Applying for assistance will never affect casting decisions.) Our priority is keeping theatre accessible for all. Tuition Assistance Application Link

If you are interested in working on any of our productions this coming season, please fill out the form and we will be in contact as positions come up. Please fill out the following information to the best of your ability. If you have any questions, or anything about the requirements for this audition or filling out this form are a barrier to you participating, please email AlexRobinson@Studio-East.org for assistance and accommodations.

Show information, including dates, can be found at this link.
Please note, these are unpaid roles for students 10-20yrs old, however, they do not have tuition attached.

Location

10718 NE 68th St, Kirkland, WA 98033 

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