Shrek the Musical Auditions
Presented by 2nd Star Productions

IMPORTANT TIME COMMITMENT SUMMARY (PLEASE READ FIRST)

Auditioners should be aware that Shrek the Musical is a large-scale production with a significant rehearsal, tech, and performance commitment.

All performers cast must be available for:

  • Regular rehearsals from late February through mid-May 2026.
    (Conflicts during regular rehearsals are permitted; however, excessive conflicts may affect casting decisions.)

  • All tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, performances, and strike.

No conflicts are permitted during tech weeks or performances. If you are unsure about your availability for these dates, please consider carefully before auditioning.

Audition Details

Auditions:
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 and Thursday, February 5, 2026
6:00–10:00 PM

Callbacks:
Thursday, February 12, 2026 (by invitation only)

Location:
The Bowie Playhouse
16500 White Marsh Park Dr
Bowie, MD 20715

Auditioners should arrive approximately 15 minutes before their scheduled audition time and be prepared to remain for a one-hour audition slot.

Production Team

Director: Sami Peterson-Ferrell
Producers: Ashley Killam & Lauren Riley Sayles
Choreographer: Rosslyn Burrs
Music Director: Willie Hadnot, Jr.
Assistant Director: Andrea Trent
Stage Manager: Anna Santos
Production Manager: Laura Hackett
Assistant Choreographer: Lisa Pellittiere

About the 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.

IMPORTANT SHREK AUDITION INFORMATION (Please read in full.)

  • 2nd Star Productions is seeking performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, body types, and abilities, in accordance with MTI licensing requirements.

  • Minimum ages:

    • Children age 5+ may be considered for non-speaking, non-singing ensemble roles

    • Performers age 8+ will be considered for speaking and singing roles

    • Teens may be considered for featured roles such as Pinocchio, Gingy, and similar characters

    • All auditioners under 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian to audition and participate if cast.

  • 2nd Star is an all-volunteer organization and all performance roles are unpaid. Production Team members and 2nd Star personnel are also unpaid volunteers.

  • The production team reserves the right to require masking and/or at-home illness testing during rehearsals or performances if necessary to protect the production.

  • Understudies and Standbys

    For Shrek the Musical, the production will cast understudies or standbys with guaranteed performances for certain principal roles.

    • The role of Shrek will have an understudy or standby, who will be guaranteed two (2) performances during the run.

    • Understudies or standbys may also be cast for the roles of Fiona, Donkey, and Lord Farquaad, each with two (2) guaranteed performances, if understudies are assigned for those roles.

    Performers cast in these principal roles should expect to perform in twelve (12) performances, with two (2) performances assigned to the understudy or standby, where applicable.

    Because this structure provides built-in coverage, a limited number of performance conflicts (generally one to two) may be considered only for performers involved in a principal/understudy or standby pairing. Approval of such conflicts is not guaranteed, must be disclosed at auditions, and will be evaluated based on the overall needs of the production.

    No performance conflicts will be permitted for cast members not covered by an understudy or standby, and no conflicts are permitted during tech week.

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE DETAILS

Rehearsals

Rehearsals will take place from late February through mid-May 2026 on:

  • Tuesdays & Thursdays: 7:00–10:00 PM

  • Saturdays: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Rehearsals will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church (16510 Mt Oak Rd, Bowie, MD 20716).

Not all performers will be required at every rehearsal. Major holidays will be avoided in scheduling. Occasional additional rehearsals may be added if needed, with advance notice.

Tech Weeks and Dress Rehearsals

Tech weeks and dress rehearsals are required for all performers. The required tech schedule will be:

  • Saturday, 5/16/26 (daytime) – Load-in / set build

  • Monday, 5/18/26 (evening)

  • Tuesday, 5/19/26 (evening)

  • Wednesday, 5/20/26 (evening)

  • Thursday, 5/21/26 (evening)

  • Saturday, 5/23/26 (daytime)

  • Tuesday, 5/26/26 (evening)

  • Wednesday, 5/27/26 (evening)

  • Thursday, 5/28/26 (evening)

  • Friday, 5/29/26 (evening) – Final tech / dress rehearsal

Performances

There will be 14 performances over five weekends at the Bowie Playhouse. Performers are required to be in attendance for all shows. Performance dates and times are:

  • Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 7:30 PM

  • Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 2:00 PM (matinee)

  • Friday, June 5, 2026 at 7:30 PM

  • Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM (matinee)

  • Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM (matinee)

  • Friday, June 12, 2026 at 7:30 PM

  • Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM (matinee)

  • Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM (matinee)

  • Friday, June 19, 2026 at 7:30 PM

  • Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM (matinee)

  • Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM (matinee)

  • Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 7:30 PM

  • Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30 PM

  • Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM (matinee final performance, followed immediately by strike)

AUDITION PREPARATION

Auditions: Tuesday, February 3 from 6-10pm, and Thursday, February 5 from 6-10pm; Auditioners should be prepared to arrive approximately 15 minutes before your audition time slot and should be prepared to stay through a one hour audition slot.

Location of Auditions: The Bowie Playhouse, 16500 White Marsh Park, Bowie, MD 20715

Music Audition: Prepare a vocal piece that is 16-32 bars (or 1 minute) in length in the style of the show, that demonstrates both your vocal range and your personality as a performer. A piano accompanist will be provided for you to sing with, so please bring printed and annotated sheet music in the correct key. No songs from Shrek, please. You will have an opportunity to sing from the show if you are asked to attend callbacks.

Dance Audition: Please come prepared to dance a short combination, which will be taught on site. Dance shoes or sneakers preferred — please do not plan to dance in just socks or bare feet. Advance instructional and full-combination dance videos are available by age group (Youth / Adult 13+) to support learning and accessibility. Auditioners are not expected to have the combination memorized, but should be familiar with the movement and overall style. Please review the dance combo video(s) that apply to your age group prior to auditions:

Special Note for Auditioners Aged 5-7: Children ages 5-7 are not expected to prepare 32 bars or dance, but instead are welcome to sing a few lines of their favorite song and show off their personalities. Roles for these ages will be non-singing ensemble roles made just to have fun and get involved.

Callbacks: Thursday, February 12 starting at 6pm, by invitation only at the Bowie Playhouse. Not all roles will require a callback, but all auditioners should keep this date clear in case you are needed.

Auditioners called back will be provided with specific musical excerpts from the show in advance, which may be reviewed here: [Shrek Callback Songs] Scene sides will be provided at callbacks and read in the room; sides will not be distributed in advance. Production team members may read opposite auditioners as needed.

Audition Signup & Form: Select your audition timeslot and complete our online Audition Form in advance of your audition. While timed audition slots are preferred, we will see walk-in auditioners as time allows.

Accessibility & Accommodations: 2nd Star recognizes that audition and callback processes can impact individuals differently. Auditioners who require accommodations or advance access to materials due to accessibility needs should contact accessibility@2ndstarproductions.org as early as possible so arrangements can be considered.

VIDEO AUDITIONS
In-person auditions are greatly preferred, but if you are unable to make the audition dates, you can submit a video audition. Please prepare:

  • A video of you singing 16 -32 bars (or 1 minute) of a song in the style of the show with accompaniment (not a cappella). No songs from Shrek, please.

  • A video of you performing this Dance Audition Combination. Please dance to this track, starting at around XX in to this song: [SONG LINK]

    Submit our online Audition Form which has a spot for you to include your audition video before 9pm on the final night of auditions, February 5.

For questions concerning auditions, feel free to email us at casting@2ndstarproductions.org.

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CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

Ages and gender identities indicated below are those of the character, not necessarily the actors cast in these roles. All listed identifiers are in accordance with the agreement with MTI and the options provided by the book writers in the script.

Shrek - Our story's title character. A big, green, terrifying ogre who lives alone on a swamp. He embarks on a journey to rid his land of fairytale creatures and, along the way, falls in love with Fiona. Begins as a grumpy hermit, but reveals his layers and eventually becomes the hero.
Male Identifying, Age: 25 to 45, Vocal Range: A2 to G#4

Fiona
The beautiful princess of Far Far Away, she transforms into an ogre every night when the sun sets. Rescued by Shrek and eventually falls in love with him. Quirky, blunt, and multitalented, she is not an ordinary princess.
Female Identifying, Age: 20 to 30, Vocal Range: F3 to G5

Donkey
A talking donkey who joins Shrek on the run from Farquaad's guards. Quite the chatterbox, he is not deterred by Shrek's looks and practically forces himself into his good graces. Easily frightened and pushy, but also an optimistic with heart.
Male Identifying, Age: 20 to 35, Vocal Range: C3 to B4

Lord Farquaad
The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is in search of a princes to marry so that he can become king. Has an intensely unfair bias against fairytale creatures that stems from a resentment of his father. Self-absorbed, lonely, and cruel.
Male Identifying, Age: 30 to 45, Vocal Range: B2 to D5

Dragon
A dragon that has been charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. The character is referred to as “she” in the script, but performers of any gender identity are encouraged to audition. Dragon eventually falls in love with Donkey and attempts to keep him there forever. Imposing and flirtatious, but tired of the job as a glorified baby-sitter.
Any Gender, Age: 25 to 45, Vocal Range: F3 to Eb5

Gingy
A gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord Farquaad. His wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble and inspire the rest of the fairytale creatures. Puppet. Can be operated by actress appearing as Sugar Plum Fairy.
Female Identifying, Age: 20 to 40, Vocal Range: B3 to C#5

Pinocchio
The leader of the fairytale creatures. He is an animated puppet whose nose grows every time he lies. Plenty of sass with a penchant for lying.
Male Identifying, Age: 20 to 40, Vocal Range: E3 to F#4

Ensemble
Fairytale Creatures (Big Bad Wolf, Three Little Pigs, White Rabbit, Fairy Godmother, Peter Pan, Wicked Witch, Ugly Duckling, Three Bears, Mad Hatter, Humpty Dumpty, Elf, Dwarf, Three Blind Mice); Angry Mob; Happy People; Guards; Knights; Rats
Gender: Any, Age: Any, Vocal Range: Varies

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2ND STAR’S CASTING POLICIES

*These policies are taken from the 2nd Star Productions Operations Manual, which is a document that is continually updated to improve our practices. If you have any comments or questions about casting, please email casting@2ndstarproductions.org.

2nd Star believes theater should celebrate and reflect the diversity within our community and practices culturally-appropriate and identity-conscious, expansive casting.

  • No roles are pre-cast. All potential cast members must audition. All auditions will be advertised publicly online and will be open to anyone who wishes to participate. If, after auditions, one or more parts have not been filled, further publicly-announced auditions will be held. 

  • All roles are open to any performer (race, ethnicity, gender identity) unless stipulated otherwise by rights or if the plot of a show is contingent upon specific casting. There may be age restrictions for certain shows, especially as related to minor performers. These specifics will be listed in any casting breakdowns in audition notices. 

  • It is 2nd Star’s policy to cast age-appropriate performers for each role, insofar as the pool of available auditioners allows. 

  • Shows will be cast in a way that considers race and ethnicity in an intentional manner. Directors and production teams are expected to have an understanding and be mindful of the implications that such casting has on the story being told.

  • During casting, the Director, Choreographer, Music Director and Assistant Director should be the primary voices and decision-makers. If the Director would like additional opinions or input on casting from Producers, the Stage Manager, the 2nd Star Artistic Director, 2nd Star Board members, creative team/production team assistants, or any other other production staff member, they should make all present in audition discussions aware of their request for additional input.  

  • The Director has the final say on casting. However, the Artistic Director (or a designee if they are not available) will provide input as it relates to upholding 2nd Star’s casting policies and to advocate for diversity, and 2nd Star as the Executive Producer reserves the right to have input concerning casting decisions that may impact the company.

  • Auditioners will be asked to disclose conflicts they may have for the planned rehearsal period on their audition form. Excessive rehearsal conflicts and any conflicts affecting tech and performance dates are not permitted and should be taken into account by creative teams when making casting decisions. 

  • For larger-scale shows – usually our 5 weekend runs – 2nd Star expects production teams to cast at least 28 performers. Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the Board of Directors, depending on the director’s vision or the specific show’s needs. Due to spacing constraints, a production team shall not cast more than 35 individuals in a show without consent from the Board of Directors.

FAQs

  • 2nd Star usually holds auditions 2.5 to 3.5 months prior to the opening of shows. That information will be posted on this page as soon as they are scheduled and more information is available.

  • 2nd Star is an all-volunteer run community theatre, and all acting (and production staff) roles are non-paid.

  • 2nd Star welcomes all levels of experience to audition for our shows!

  • For our musicals there will usually be the following members of the production team: Director, Music Director, and Choreographer. Some productions will also have Assistant Director, Music Director, or Choreographers present. An accompanist will also be provided for auditioners.

    2nd Star’s Board representatives will include: Artistic Director, or designated representative, and the Producer. Artistic Director is there to ensure the production team is adhering to published casting policies (see above) and the Producer has no say in casting.