Character Breakdown

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• 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.

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• SHREK:
  Our story's title character. A big, green, terrifying ogre who has spent most of his life as an outcast, living in a swamp far from civilization; crass and brutish exterior disguises a soulful, lonely heart. A reluctant hero, Shrek begins as a grumpy hermit, but eventually reveals his layers and becomes the hero. Powerful presence with great wit. A Scottish accent is a plus.
  NOTE - the actor playing this role will be required to wear latex make-up appliances.

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• 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.
  NOTE - the actor playing this role will be required to wear a latex nose.

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• 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 other ensemble roles.

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• 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.

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• LORD FARQUAAD:
  The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. A pompous, power-hungry little villian with a raging Napoleon complex and intense dislike of all fairytale creatures. Sets out to take a beautiful princess as his bride in order to claim himself a kingly throne. Self-absorbed, lonely and cruel.
  NOTE: The actor playing this role will execute all blocking and choreography on their knees.

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• DONKEY:
  Shrek's self appointed side-kick. A talking donkey who joins Shrek on his epic adventure. Quite the chatterbox, he is not deterred by Shrek's looks and practically forces himself into his good graces. While easily frightened and pushy, Donkey has optimism and heart, charm and wit. Donkey is a bright-eyed motormouth whose eagerness and quick wit barely disguise his desperate need for a friend and to be liked.

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• 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 forever. Imposing and flirtatious, but tired of her job as a glorified baby-sitter.
  NOTE: This actor may control/interact with some puppeteer/moving costume elements.  This role may also be sung as voice over.

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• MAMA & PAPA OGRE:
  Good roles for a dynamic duo that can kick off the show with a lot of energy and presence.

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• LITTLE OGRE:
  Young Shrek is 7 years old when his parents send him out into the world, warning him that because of his looks he will not have a happy ending.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• SUGAR PLUM FAIRY/GINGY:
  The Sugar Plum Fairy is among the fairytale creatures who are sent to Shrek's swamp by Lord Farquaad. Based on the character of the same name from the ballet, The Nutcracker. This actor will also voice the Gingy puppet. Gingy is a gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord Farquaad. His wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble and inspire the rest of the fairy tale creatures.
  NOTE: Character voice is necessary for acting and singing as this actor is essentially playing two Fairy Tale Creatures.
   

• 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.