Casting

Character Breakdown

Storytellers
Wonderful roles for performers with natural stage presence and big, clear voices. These characters are important for setting up the world and moving the story forward, so cast some bold, energetic young actors.
Gender: Any

Shrek
He may be a big, scary, green ogre to the rest of the world, but as the story reveals, he's really just a big fellow with a big heart. It is great if Shrek is a solid singer, but most importantly, snag a young man who is an excellent actor with comedic chops.
Gender: Male

Fiona
She may appear to be an ideal princess straight from the fairy tale books, but there is more to her than that stereotypical image. She is an audacious young lady with a wonderful sense of humor and - surprisingly - manners akin to those of a teenage boy. Cast a girl who can do it all: act, sing and dance. This is a premiere role for an experienced performer with a loveable spirit.
Gender: Female

Young Fiona
Young Fiona and Teen Fiona are younger versions of Fiona and should have solid singing voices.
Gender: Female
Teen Fiona
Young Fiona and Teen Fiona are younger versions of Fiona and should have solid singing voices.
Gender: Female

Lord Farquaad
A very short man with gargantuan ambition! He is solely interested in gaining as much power as possible. This is a role for a good singer, but most importantly, your very best comedian who isn't afraid of making bold choices or looking silly.
Gender: Male

Donkey
A brash, loud, fast-talking animal with no concept of "quiet time." Cast an experienced performer who can sing well and has a whole lot of presence and character. Be sure to choose a performer who complements Shrek well as his loyal and ever-faithful sidekick.
Gender: Male

Dragon
A breakout role for a young girl with a lot of soul and spunk. She is a ferocious fire-breathing dragon but finds a surprising love in Donkey. Cast a performer who has tremendous presence and a good pop singing voice.
Gender: Female

Mama Ogre
Good roles for a dynamic duo that can kick off the show with a lot of energy and presence. Make sure to cast good singers.Gender: Female
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Papa Ogre
Good roles for a dynamic duo that can kick off the show with a lot of energy and presence. Make sure to cast good singers.Gender: Male
Vocal range top: E4
Vocal range bottom: C3

Little Ogre
A role just right for a smaller, younger performer who is new to the stage. He may not have lines but he is very important to the storytelling. Gender: Any

Pinocchio
The wooden boy who cannot tell a lie without being belied by his growing nose. Pinocchio begins in a sour mood about his second-class status but ends the story as a natural leader among the Fairy Tale Creatures. Cast a young performer with a lot of personality who can sing well.
Gender: Male

The Three Little Pigs
Pig 1, Pig 2 And Pig 3. The classic three little pigs with a German twist. It isn't necessary that they look identical; focus on finding a fun and dynamic trio. Gender: Any

Ugly Duckling
He may be bitter about his unfortunate appearance, but he does find camaraderie among his fellow fairy tale outcasts. This is a fun comedic role for a new performer.
Gender: Male

The Three Bears
Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear. Great cameo roles for young performers who have little performing experience but make a complementary group.

Gender: Any
Vocal range top: C4
Vocal range bottom: D3

Wicked Witch
A great role for a young performer destined to be a character actress. She has a big personality, so find a performer who is up to the task.
Gender: Female

Big Bad Wolf
He doesn't need to be a scary, threatening big-bad-wolf type. At this point, he's a pretty tame wolf who is reduced to wearing Little Red Ridinghood's grandmother's dressing gown. This is a fun role for a newcomer to the stage.
Gender: Any

Gingy
A great cameo role for a young performer who is as earnest as can be. Gingy is based on the Gingerbread Man who runs away like a fugitive from his baking captors. Find a performer with great energy.
Gender: Any

Peter Pan
The boy who never grew up, and he continues to act the part in this story. Cast a boy (or girl, if you want to give a nod to the traditional theater casting) who will have fun physicalizing the character.
Gender: Any

Captain Of The Guard
This role is just right for an actor with some inherent strength and authority. He or she doesn't have to have a lot of stage experience; just be sure to cast somebody who has a big, booming voice and who isn't scared to put all the Fairy Tale Creatures in their place.

Gender: Any

Knights
The Dragon's background singers who all tried at some point to save Fiona from her tower but were held hostage by the Dragon. Cast young performers who can sing well and have some soul just like the Dragon.
Gender: Any

Dwarf
Farquaad's comparably short and grumpy father. This is a perfect cameo role for a young performer.
Gender: Male

Ensemble
The Fairy Tale Creatures make up the heart of the show. These characters are taken from the story books but have a bit of a comedic twist. Be sure to cast a diverse group of kids with lots of personality and different strengths. Your performers should be proficient singers but most importantly, great actors. Other standout ensemble roles include : The Guards, Duloc Performers, Puss in Boots, Rooster, Pied Piper, Rats and the Bishop. Ensemble roles like Birds, Trees, Deer, Woodland Creatures and Fairy Tale Creatures help make up the backbone of the musical. Remind your actors that the story demands everyone jump on board as you create the hilarious and lovely world of Shrek The Musical JR.
Gender: Any