Sycamore Ridge Drama Club – Shrek Jr. Auditions

What you need to know!

When is it?

The initial audition is Monday, September 9th in the MUR. We will be calling students in the following

time/order: (if you need to come to a different grade’s audition time, that is fine. Please just let us

know.)

2:30 - Fourth Graders

3:30 - Fifth Graders

4:30 - Sixth Graders

What should I prepare?

There are three song excerpts on the website, each with sheet music and a guide track (with vocals) and

a performance track (no vocals). Each student will need to pick ONE to perform at their audition. You

should memorize your song and plan to PERFORM it fully with the performance track at your audition.

This is your chance to shine, so bring lots of character and energy! Don’t worry if the song you choose is

for a part you are interested in or not, we will consider all performers for all parts, regardless of the

audition song you choose.

There is also a short reading from a scene in the show. This reading does NOT need to be memorized, as

the parts will be randomly assigned at the audition. No need to bring materials! We will run music and

present you with the script at auditions.

Song Choices: 1) Story of My Life 2) I Think I Got You Beat 3) I Know It’s Today

You also MUST bring the signed Parent and Student Contract. No student will be cast without bringing

this paper. The audition packet is filled out in advance online. The link can be found on the PTA website.

Shrek Jr. Audition Form

When are callbacks?

Callbacks will be Wednesday, September 11th from 12:30-3:30. A callback list and further information

will be posted on the website Monday night after the initial audition. Everyone will be called from 12:30-

1:15 for a dance audition. Please check what time your student will be released on Wednesday.

Join our crew!

Don't want to be onstage but still be a part of the fun! Our crew is all student-run! From lights to

microphones and working backstage we can't do it without the help of our hard-working crew.

If you are interested in joining us we will need you at all rehearsals starting from December 2nd to

December 14th. But we may invite you to attend other rehearsals. Please fill out this form to let us know

your interest!

Who are the directors?

The directors for this show are Ryan Tafolla and Alex Bezdeka, teaching artists with

CYT@school. They each have many years’ experience as directors and teachers with a wide

range of theatrical companies and schools, and they can’t wait to meet each one of you! You

may contact them at SRShrekJR@gmail.com.

Everyone who auditions will be cast! There is plenty of singing and dancing for all.

Take a look at some of the characters that appear in Shrek Jr!

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.

Dragon

A dragon that has been charged with guarding Princess Fiona 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.

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); Duloc Citizens; Guards; Knights; Rats; etc.

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. Sometimes is a puppet.

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.

Princess 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

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. Citizens; Guards; Knights; Rats; etc.

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.

Sycamore Ridge Drama Club Shrek Jr.

Preliminary Rehearsal Schedule *Schedule subject to change. Official calendar will be released after casting.

Mon, Sep 9 2:30-5:30 Auditions

Wed, Sep 11 12:30-3:30 Callbacks

Mon, Sep 16 2:30-4:30 Rehearsal

Mon, Sept 16 5:00-6:00 Mandatory Parent Meeting

Wed, Sep 18 12:30-3:30 Rehearsal

Mon, Sep 23 2:30-4:30 Rehearsal

Wed, Sep 25 12:30-3:30 Rehearsal

Mon, Sep 30 2:30-4:30 Rehearsal

Wed, Oct 2 12:30-3:30 Rehearsal

Mon, Oct 7 2:30-4:30 Rehearsal

Wed, Oct 9 NO REHEARSAL

Mon, Oct 14 2:30-4:30 Rehearsal

Wed, Oct 16 12:30-3:30 Rehearsal

Mon, Oct 21 2:30-4:30 Rehearsal

Wed, Oct 23 12:30-3:30 Rehearsal

Mon, Oct 28 2:30-4:30 Rehearsal

Wed, Oct 30 12:30-3:30 Rehearsal

Mon, Nov 4 2:30- 4:30 Rehearsal

Wed, Nov 6 12:30-3:30 Rehearsal

Mon, Nov 11 NO REHEARSAL

Wed, Nov 13 12:30-3:30 Costume Parade

Mon, Nov 18 12:30- 2:30 Rehearsal

Wed, Nov 20 12:30-3:30 Rehearsal

Mon, Dec 2 2:30-4:30 RUN THROUGH

Wed, Dec 4 12:30-3:30 RUN THROUGH

Tech Week

Mon, Dec 9 5-8pm Costume TECH

Tue, Dec 10 5-8pm Full Dress TECH

Wed, Dec 11 3-7pm Full Dress TECH

Thu, Dec 12 SCHOOL SHOW DAY 2 Performances

Thu, Dec 12 2:30-5:30 Full Dress TECH

Fri, Dec 13 SHOW 5:30 CALL 7:00 SHOW

Sat, Dec 14 SHOW 11:30 CALL 1:00 SHOW

Sat, Dec 14 SHOW 4:30 CALL 6:00 SHOW

Sat, Dec 14 SHOW 8:30 STRIKE

Volunteer groups!

We couldn't do it without you!! To put on a production, we need all parents to help by being involved on a parent committee. Below are descriptions of duties and notes about the timeframe when your help will be needed.

Backstage Assist crew members with planning set changes during dress rehearsals and productions. Maintain crowd control in dressing rooms; keep kids quiet and orderly backstage during show. Wear basic black depending on area. Timeframe: Dress rehearsal week and all shows; can divide up time among committee members.

Costumes

Assist the Costumer in locating costume pieces, and in sewing necessary additional costumes. Enjoy thrift store shopping, sewing, and/or altering clothes. Help with any necessary costume repairs during the show. Help facilitate collection of all costumes after strike. You do not need to be able to sew to be an asset to the costume committee! Ask your costumer how! Timeframe: During rehearsals through end of show, can divide up time among committee members.

Greenroom

The Greenroom is the designated area for performers to remain when not on stage. Make musical synopsis, clean-up charts and circulate supervision sheet to make sure each rehearsal and show is covered. Need to be a good disciplinarian – maintain quiet and order between scenes. Create simple activities for actors in the Greenroom. Award prizes for Green Room activities at the Strike Party (optional).

Timeframe: Dress rehearsal week and all shows; divide up time among committee members.

Hair & Makeup

Help implement the director's vision for makeup for kids in the show. Attend dress rehearsals and shows to help with makeup and hair. Timeframe: Dress rehearsal week and all shows; can divide up time among committee members.

Historian

Takes photos of the students during rehearsals, and dress rehearsals. Takes photos for the program and the bio boards for the lobby; Takes photos of sets, props, and costumes to create a technical record of the show. Timeframe: Throughout the run of the show.

House Management

Must enjoy dealing with people and money. Work the box office, process will call, assist patrons with ticketing issues, sell tickets, set up and ushers for all performances. Timeframe: During show; can split up time among committee members.

Programs

Assist in the collection of necessary information for the show program. Proofreading skills are helpful.

Timeframe: Rehearsals.

Props

Gather props from the prop list (provided by Director or CC). Search garage sales and thrift stores for treasures and/or be creative at making additional props. Supervise prop table during dress rehearsals and shows. Timeframe: Before show searching/building; dress rehearsal week and during show checking to make sure props are there and in order; after show, return props to CYT and put away; can divide up time among committee members.

Refreshments

Plan and purchase refreshments and supplies. Set up before the show, sell refreshments during intermission, then clean up the refreshment area. Timeframe: Before opening to buy items; shows: before show and at intermission; can divide up time between committee members.

Sets

May need to attend a workday at the CYT Production Shop, load out sets before dress rehearsal. Unload sets at the theater, construct sets onsite. Help make repairs as needed during the run of the show. Strike the sets after the performance. Timeframe: Before show opens, dress rehearsal week as needed, and after show closes.

Special Activities

Plan and supervise raffle, souvenir booth, and additional activities as selected. Timeframe: Before and during shows to create and implement fundraisers