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Home , Shrek the Musical

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN MARIETTA’S HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE’S PRODUCTION OF...

SHREK

Dear Potential Cast Member,

We are pleased to announce auditions for MHS’s production of the Musical! Please read these pages very carefully so that you have all of the information regarding auditions, rehearsals and the show. There are important audition tips here on this page, so read and take note before your audition!

You DO NOT have to be a high school student to participate! Any student K-12 students of the Marietta City School System is encouraged to audition! You must be enrolled at the time of auditions to be considered. We will not be having a Children’s Choir for this production, but there are a number of parts for all ages! Please look over the list of characters within this packet to see details on all featured characters and ensemble members.

As a helpful guide to characterization and acting, we encourage everyone to watch the Original Broadway Cast perform SHREK on stage! It is available on or you can rent/purchase the show on iTunes or anywhere online.

“Shrek the Musical” is an extremely character-driven show, featuring a number of fairytale creatures we all know and love. Don’t be afraid to throw yourself into the character you’re auditioning for, you can’t go too far! Character voices and dialects are necessary for the creative team to make casting and callback decisions, so make sure you commit to everything you do during your audition!

During your audition, please do not dress up like a character. If you do, you’re telling the creative team who you think you should be. Dress to help you feel the part you’re auditioning for, wear shoes similar to a character so your posture is similar, wear a dress if the character wears a dress, dress IN THE STYLE of a character or the show, but by wearing a costume, you’re removing the artistic team’s creativity of seeing you in other roles you may not have seen for yourself.

When you’re singing, whether it be for your initial audition or for callbacks, the most important thing to keep in mind is that acting and intentions are everything. There is a reason you don’t see pop stars winning on Broadway, it’s not about how you sound, it’s about why you’re singing, what you’re singing for and what you’re trying to accomplish thru the music. When a musical breaks into song it is because of the actor’s heightened emotion. Whether it be good or bad, the actor has reached a point where speaking dialogue is no longer an option, the only thing they can do is sing. Keep that in mind when you’re preparing for auditions or callbacks. This is one of the most common mistakes in theatre, even with professional actors at the highest levels!

During your audition, be sure to focus on a point ABOVE the heads of the directors. Sing to your invisible scene partner, not us. This will keep you in the moment and eliminate worry. DO NOT TRY TO READ THE DIRECTOR”S MIND OR FACIAL EXPRESSIONS. This is not helpful and can send you in a panic. Relax and do your thing!

In an effort to increase participation and limit potential conflicts, we are reducing the amount of rehearsal days this year. Later in this packet you’ll find a calendar detailing rehearsal times, you will not be called to all rehearsals. Detailed rehearsal schedules will be released 2 weeks at a time so families are able to plan other commitments if necessary.

We know schedules are hectic, and you may have conflicts with sports, dance teams, clubs, vacations, etc. Please take the time to list all conflicts on the audition form. When one cast member is missing from rehearsal it affects the others in the show, the productivity of rehearsals and ultimately, the final product! Conflicts are a huge part when considering roles for cast members.

Make sure you take note of everything in this packet, as it will help to answer any questions you may have. Also, please fill out the forms in this packet and make sure to bring them to your audition! I am so excited to be given the opportunity to help bring this amazing show to life here at Blue Devil Nation! Shrek will prove to be one of the biggest shows in the history of Marietta High School Theatre and our entire production team is committed to making it an experience that volunteers and audiences won’t soon forget. I am so excited to be continuing the tradition of offering all of MCS the chance to collaborate together. We have a strong performing arts program all throughout the district and love the idea of coming together.

Jacob Garcia

MHS Theatre Dept.- Artistic Director

______We truly want this to be an outstanding auditioning experience for new and seasoned students alike, so for your convenience, we’ve included some information of how auditions will be conducted and what you will want to prepare.

THE AUDITION:

Arrival: If possible, please arrive, with a completed audition form, about 15 minutes before the audition.

Singing: Please prepare 32 bars (or 30-45 seconds of music in any style of your choosing. No accapella (Singing without background music) please. You will not be allowed to play music from the internet. Your karaoke must be pre-downloaded. We can play music via Bluetooth or an accompanist will be provided for those that want to sing live with a pianist; All you have to do is bring the sheet music in the correct key. Just make sure that you SHOW OFF your range and your confidence to perform comfortably in front of an audience!

Dancing: Shrek is a very high-energy and dance-packed production that showcases many different forms of dance including Tap. You will be taught the combination at the time of auditions. Please come prepared with attire that will allow you to move freely.

Reading: In this packet you will find the monologues that will be used for Shrek auditions. You are not required to have these memorized but it will improve your chances drastically if you have a good handle on them. You will also find scenes that will be used for callbacks only. Depending on the number of people at each audition, a cut may be made after the singing & dancing portion of the audition.

rd Callbacks: Will be held on the evening of Sunday, August 23 . They are a closed audition to which we will invite you to attend. If you don’t get a callback, don’t worry, it doesn’t mean that you didn’t make the show or even get a principal role...it just means that I saw what I needed to see.

ANY QUESTIONS: Please feel free to contact me by e-mail at: [email protected] CAST LIST WILL BE POSTED ONLINE ON MONDAY, AUGUST 24TH BY 7:00 PM. (WWW.BLUEDEVILTHEATRE.COM) Auditions- What to Bring 1. Audition Packet – MHS Theatre Contract, Audition Form and ALL Signed Releases

• Note – if you are under the age of 18 a Parent or Legal Guardian must co-sign the release!

• No Contract, No Audition!

2. Headshot and Resume

• Please bring a picture of yourself to help the Creative Team remember you! Also, if you have a resume of your previous shows, etc. please bring along with you!

3. Listing of ALL Conflicts! – 3 unexcused absences not listed will result in you being replaced!

• We can’t say it enough!! List your conflicts for us, as this will help us determine roles, etc.

• An ‘unexcused’ absence is any conflict NOT listed on your initial audition form! (Even if you tell us in advance)

Set Construction & Strike Requirement

MHS Theatre Dept. strives to have gorgeous sets and a high production value in order to provide the community with top-notch performances. In order to do this we need your help! If you are 16 or older we ask that you help us any days you can to build the set. If you have parents or adult friends that would be interested in lending a hand to help build please let us know! The more help we have, the better! We will begin to build our set in September. All cast members 16 and up will be required to attend at least 2 set days to help us build! The more help we have, the more time we can spend on the small details of the set that will really make the show come to life. Strike will be held directly after the Sunday afternoon performance. Duties for strike will be assigned for every cast and crew member. Strike attendance is required for all cast and crew. If you do not attend strike you will not be able to participate in next season’s productions. If you have a conflict, company management must know at least 1 week in advance and it must be approved based on the discretion of the Artistic Director. CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS

SHREK (Age 16+) 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. Shrek begins as a grumpy hermit but reveals his layers and eventually becomes the hero. Must maintain a believable Scottish accent. Male, Range: A2 - G#4

FIONA (Age 16+) The beautiful princess of Far Far Away, she transforms into an ogre every night when the sun sets. Rescued by Shrek, she eventually falls in love with him. Quirky, blunt, and multi-talented, she is not an ordinary princess. Female, TAP DANCE IS A PLUS! Range: F3-G5

DONKEY (Age 15+) A talking that 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 optimist with heart. Must have great comedic timing and a great voice. Male or Female, Range: C3 - B4

LORD FARQUAAD (Age 15+) The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is in search of a princess 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. Physically demanding, must be on knees the whole time on stage. You do not have to be short to play this role! Male, B2 - D5

FEATURED CHARACTERS

DRAGON, sings “Forever” (Age 15+). A dragon that has been charged with guarding in her isolated castle. She eventually falls in love with Donkey and attempts to keep him there forever. Imposing and flirtatious but tired of her job as the glorified baby-sitter. Need Gospel Sound in voice, a la “Dreamgirls”. Female, Range: F3 - Eb5.

PINOCCHIO, sings “Story of My Life” (Age 14+). 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, character voice necessary for acting and singing. Male or Female, Range: E3 - F#4

GINGY, featured solo in “Freak Flag” (Age 12+). A gingerbread man initially kidnapped by . His wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble and inspire the rest of the fairytale creatures. Character voice is necessary for acting and singing. Gingy is a Puppet actor will have to control. Male (falsetto voice) or Female, Range: B3 - C#5.

SUGAR PLUM FAIRY, featured solo in “Freak Flag” (Age 14+). Must have pop vocal ability. Female, Range: B3 - C#5 full voice.

YOUNG FIONA, featured solo in “I Know it’s Today” (Age 7 – 12). Female, Range: B3 – C#5.

TEEN FIONA, featured solo in “I Know it’s Today” (Age 13 – 18). Female, Range: A3 – C#5.

MAMMA OGRE, featured solo in “Big Bright Beautiful World” (Age 30+). Female, Range: F#3 – B4.

PAPA OGRE, featured solo in “Big Bright Beautiful World” (Age 30+). Male, Range: E3 – E4.

GRUMPY, featured speaking lines (Age 7+). Lord Farquaad’s father, one of the .

THREE BLIND MICE, back-up singers in “Make a Move” (Age 14+). Must be able to hold individual vocal parts and sing harmonies with the other two mice. Can be male or female.

FAIRYTALE CREATURES (Ages 7+). Big Bad Wolf, Three Little Pigs, White Rabbit, , Peter Pan, Witch, Ugly Duckling, Three Bears, Mad Hatter, Humpty Dumpty, Elf, Dwarf. Some roles have vocal solos and speaking lines throughout the show and must have Character voices.

CAPTAIN (Age 15+). Farquaad’s head guard, has speaking lines during the show.

GUARDS (Age 11+). Some have featured speaking lines and/or solos during the show.

SHOW CONTRACT I agree to abide by the following:

1. Rehearsal will begin on time. I will arrive 5 – 10 minutes early and be prepared to start right on time. 2. If I am a minor, my parents agree to pick me up on time from all of my rehearsals. WE ARE NOT BABYSITTING SERVICE AND WILL CHARGE $1 PER MINUTE IF NOT PICKED UP NO LATER THAN 15 MINUTES AFTER REHEARSAL ENDS. If payment is NOT made it will be charged to the students account at their school. 3. We are requiring, a costume fee of $50. We are ordering the costumes due to the specicity of the show and need your help! This fee is per student. Checks can be made to Marietta High School Theatre Dept. and will be through a payment plan of $25. The first due date is Sept. 1st with the final payment on October 1st. 4. I understand that I MUST LIST my conflicts with the presented rehearsal schedule on my audition sheet. I also understand that I am allowed three total unexcused absences (although not encouraged). When I miss my fourth rehearsal, I will be replaced. 5. I understand that I may not miss ANY rehearsal time from October 19th – 28th for any reason (except a death in the family or being very ill) or I will be replaced. 6. THERE IS NO FOOD OR DRINKS ALLOWED IN THE MPAC OR BLACKBOX SPACES. Snacks can be consumed in the hallway outside of the auditorium and the hallway behind the blackbox. 7. I will respect the other actors and the Directors by staying quiet and listening for my turn on stage. 8. I will be issued a script and assigned a number at the Cast Materials Day August 25th, 2015. I will take notes on my blocking, dances and musical numbers with pencil only, and erase all marks in the book when the show is complete. I will return the book immediately after the Sunday show to a box marked “scripts” on the stage. If I fail to do this or lose my script, I will be charged $50 for book replacement. 9. If I am cast as any lead role, I understand that I will be needed for promotional events outside of the rehearsal schedule. 10. I understand that if I am over 16 years of age, I must participate in at least 2 days of set construction. Sign-up sheets will be made available for specific set building days. If I sign up, but do not attend, it will count as an unexcused absence. 11. I understand that it is MANDATORY to stay for ALL of the strike after the 3pm Sunday show on November 8th, 2015. WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY (Adult)

By signing below, I acknowledge that I am fully aware of the risks associated with my participation in the Marietta High School theatrical event (the “Production”) including, but not limited to, any potential injury to person or damages to property resulting from the specific activities expected to be performed by me or the use of equipment or facilities during the Production. I am also fully aware that some of the equipment used in the Production as well as the facilities used for practice and for performances may not be owned, leased or otherwise controlled by Marietta High School ("MHS") and that MHS cannot guarantee its safety. As a result, I understand and acknowledge that while MHS will exercise reasonable care to ensure that the facilities and equipment used in the Production are adequate for the use intended, MHS cannot guarantee that the facilities or the equipment used will be safe for use by me.

The undersigned agrees to waive and release any and all rights, the undersigned, any relatives, children, ward, spouse, or heirs, may have to make a claim against MHS, its Board of Directors, employees, staff, officers, representatives, and/or agents (collectively “Indemnitees”) arising from any personal injury or damage to property as a result of, or in any way arising out, of my participation in the Production. With this Waiver, I expressly assume the risk of personal injury, death, or loss or damage to personal property arising out of the Production or arising and/or related to the condition of the facilities and/or any equipment used in the Production.

This Waiver shall remain valid unless expressly revoked in writing by the undersigned with written receipt acknowledged by MHS.

BY SIGING THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE, I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM GIVING UP (WAIVING AND RELEASING) ANY RIGHT I MIGHT HAVE TO SUE OR MAKE A CLAIM FOR ACTS, OMISSIONS OR NEGLIGENCE ON MY BEHALF OR WHICH MIGHT SUBSEQUENTLY ARISE OR OCCUR, AGAINST PERRYSBURG COMPANY AND ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, STAFF, OFFICERS, REPRESENTATIVES AND/OR AGENTS ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO MY PARTICIPATION. IT IS MY INTENT TO GIVE UP THOSE RIGHTS AND PROVIDE THIS HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT, AND I DO SO KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY.

Photo Release

By signing below, I also acknowledge that I am fully aware that I may be photographed and/or videotaped for promotional purposes. These pictures may appear in local newspapers, the MHS website, MHS Facebook page, or other media.

Print Name: ______

Signature: ______

Date: ______WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY (Child under 18 years old)

By signing below, I acknowledge that I am the parent or guardian of the named child and hereby consent to my child’s participation in the Marietta High School’s theatrical event (the “Production”.) I am fully aware of and acknowledge the risks associated with such participation including, but not limited to, any potential injury to person or property resulting from the specific activities expected to be performed by Child or the use of equipment or facilities during the Production. I am also fully aware that some of the equipment used in the Production as well as the facilities used for practice and for performances may not be owned, leased or otherwise controlled by Marietta High School ("MHS") and that MHS cannot guarantee its safety. As a result, I understand and acknowledge that while MHS will exercise reasonable care to ensure that the facilities and equipment used in the Production are adequate for the use intended, MHS cannot guarantee that the facilities or the equipment used will be safe for use by the Child.

The undersigned agrees to waive and release any and all rights, the undersigned, the Child, any relatives, children, ward, spouse, or heirs, may have to make a claim against MHS, its Board of Directors, employees, staff, officers, representatives, and/or agents (collectively “Indemnitees”) arising from any personal injury or damage to property as a result of, or in any way arising out, of the Child’s participation in the Production. With this Waiver, I, on behalf of myself, and the Child, expressly assume the risk of personal injury, death, or loss or damage to personal property arising out of the Production or arising and/or related to the condition of the facilities and/or any equipment used in the Production.

This Waiver shall remain valid unless expressly revoked in writing by the undersigned with written receipt acknowledged by MHS.

BY SIGING THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE, I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM GIVING UP (WAIVING AND RELEASING) ANY RIGHT I MIGHT HAVE TO SUE OR MAKE A CLAIM FOR ACTS, OMISSIONS OR NEGLIGENCE ON MY BEHALF OR ON THE BEHALF OF MY CHILD OR CHILDREN, OR WHICH MIGHT SUBSEQUENTLY ARISE OR OCCUR, AGAINST PERRYSBURG MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY AND ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, STAFF, OFFICERS, REPRESENTATIVES AND/OR AGENTS ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE PARTICIPATION BY MY CHILD OR CHILDREN. IT IS MY INTENT TO GIVE UP THOSE RIGHTS AND PROVIDE THIS HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT, AND I DO SO KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY.

Photo Release

By signing below, I also acknowledge that I am fully aware that my child may be photographed and/or videotaped for promotional purposes. These pictures may appear in local newspapers, the MHS website, MHS Facebook page, or other media.

Adult Print Name: ______

Adult Signature: ______

Child’s Name: ______

Date: ______

Monologue Options

Callback Readings