Senior Company
Students continue to advance their skills in singing, dancing & acting while working on a full Broadway Musical Production!
For Students entering
Grades 7 – 10 in September, 2025
REGISTRATION NOW FULL
The Show
Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in
Shrek The Musical JR.
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film
and fantastic Broadway musical.
It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favourite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family. Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way! With a host of over-the-top roles for an expandable cast, there’s a part for everyone in this dazzling adventure story.
Show Research
If you watch the Dreamworks cartoon version of Shrek, it will give you a basic idea of the plot and the characters…but it doesn’t contain the music that’s in the stage show. And FYI…we may or may not “go green” for Shrek! There are multiple versions of the stage musical available online but I would encourage you NOT to watch them and instead, just listen to the music! (it’s amazing and SO much fun!!) We have lots of plans in mind for our production that may differ from what you see online so it will be more fun for all of you to go into this show without preconceived ideas! Let’s make it our own! We will be doing the Junior Version which has been edited to make the music more manageable for young performers, as well as taking out some of the more difficult music and dialogue. But be assured…there will be tons for everyone to do, solos and lines for everyone who wants them and, as usual, LOTS and LOTS of costume changes!
Why We Chose this show…
We were looking for a show that would continue our tradition of providing a “fun, upbeat and magical experience” for our young performers. While many shows we looked at were great, some had darker themes, difficult casting or had current licensing restrictions that would prevent our company from producing them this year. Some have been placed on the back burner for future years but this year felt like the right year for Shrek Jr! The main themes of Shrek Jr are about being yourself and accepting and celebrating who you are…a very important message in today’s world! The show is full of wonderful characters and tons of fun, upbeat dance numbers in a variety of styles that will allow us to showcase and challenge our cast throughout the year. We can’t wait to get started and to share this joyful show with you all!!
The Musical Numbers
Big Bright Beautiful World
Ensemble Singing / Dance Number with solos
Story of My Life
Ensemble Singing / Dance Number with solos
What’s Up in Duloc? (Pt 1 & 2)
Ensemble Singing / Dance Number with solos
What’s Up in Duloc ? (Reprise)
Ensemble Singing / Dance Number
I Know It’s Today
Trio
Travel Song
Solo & Ensemble Singing/ Dance Number
Forever
Solo & Ensemble Singing/ Dance Number
This is How Dream Comes True
Solo
Morning Person
Solo & Ensemble Singing/Dance Number
I Think I Got You Beat
Duet & Ensemble Singing/ Dance Number
Make A Move
Solo & Ensemble Singing/Dance Number
Morning Person (Reprise)
Solo
Freak Flag
Ensemble Singing / Dance Number
Big Bright Beautiful World
Solo & Ensemble Singing/ Dance Number
Finale
Solo & Ensemble Singing/ Dance Number
I’m A Believer
Ensemble Singing/ Dance Finale Number
The Characters
The CharacterMost actors will be cast in more than one “Character Role” as well as play a variety of ensemble roles as well.
**All Character Roles have speaking and singing lines throughout the show.
Storytellers
Wonderful roles for performers with natural stage presence and big, clear voices. These roles may be cast from the variety of Fairy Tale Characters
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, needs an actor with comedic chops.
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 humour and – surprising manners! Needs a comic performer with a strong voice!
Young Fiona
Young Fiona and Teen Fiona are younger versions of Fiona and should have solid singing voices.
Teen Fiona
Young Fiona and Teen Fiona are younger versions of Fiona and should have solid singing voices.
Lord Farquaad
A very short man with gargantuan ambition! He is solely interested in gaining as much power as possible. This is a role has lots of singing but most importantly, it needs a comedian who isn’t afraid of making bold choices or looking silly. Note: This actor will NOT be working on their knees for this role…we have other plans!
Donkey
A brash, loud, fast-talking animal with no concept of “quiet time.” Needs a performer who can sing and has a whole lot of presence and character. Lots on singing.
Dragon
A role with a lot of soul and spunk. She is a ferocious fire-breathing dragon but finds a surprising love in Donkey. This role had a very big, belting/jazzy solo number!
Mama Ogre
This role kicks off the show so needs an actor with a lot of energy and presence. Sings solo
Papa Ogre
This role kicks off the show so needs an actor with a lot of energy and presence. Sings solo.
Little Ogre
A smaller non-speaking role but needs lots of acting!
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. Lots of singing!
The Three Little Pigs
The classic three little pigs with a twist. Trio singing.
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. Solo lines.
The Three Bears
Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear…these work as a trio. Trio Singing.
Wicked Witch
A great role for a character actor. She has a big personality! Solo lines.
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. Solo Lines.
Gingy
Gingy is based on the Gingerbread Man who runs away like a fugitive from his baking captors. Lots of fun with comic bits. Solo lines.
Peter Pan
The boy who never grew up, and he continues to act the part in this story. Needs someone who will have fun physicalizing the character. Solo lines.
Captain Of The Guard
Has a big, booming voice and who isn’t scared to put all the Fairy Tale Creatures in their place.
Dwarf
Farquaad’s comparably short and grumpy father.
Knights – Ensemble roles with solo singing
The Dragon’s background singers who all tried at some point to save Fiona from her tower but were held hostage by the Dragon.
Additional Ensemble Roles
Many have speaking and solo singing lines. 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.
The Guards, Duloc Performers, Puss in Boots, Rooster, Pied Piper, Rats and the Bishop, Birds, Trees, Woodland Creatures and other Fairy Tale Creatures
Course Details
This course rehearses from September 2025- June 2026.
Course concludes with a year end production & 3 performances of a musical onstage at Metro Theatre.
There are no auditions to enrol in this course…students just need to have a positive attitude, strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. However, while it isn’t necessary, we do recommend that students have some experience in singing, dancing or acting for our Senior Course. All students will have the opportunity to audition for a variety of roles within the show.
We encourage parents to remind their children that every role is an important one and that being part of a strong ensemble group is what theatre is all about!
**Students registering for this course must commit to being at EVERY possible rehearsal unless absent for illness or a required activity for school.
Dates
Course Dates:
Sept 10th, 2025 – June 10th, 2026
Rehearsal Day & Time:
Wednesdays 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Rehearsal Location:
Knox United Church Sanctuary Building
PERFORMANCE DATES – Mandatory Attendance
Tech Rehearsal:
Thursday, June 11th, 2026
Performances:
Friday, June 12th, 2026 (7pm)
Saturday, June 13th, 2026 (1:30pm & 7pm)
IMPORTANT: This is a performance course. Participants MUST be available for the TECH REHEARSAL on June 11th and ALL 3 PERFORMANCES on June 12th & 13th. Please do not register if students have conflicts on these dates.
Senior Company Course Fees:
Registration Fee:
$1300 (includes $150 non-refundable deposit)
Ticket Fee:
$480 (20 tickets @ $24 each)
**All fees must be included with your registration package
Payment Options:
Registration Fee
Cheque Option
If paying by cheque, the registration fee may be paid in 2 instalments of $650.
1st Cheque:
Dated for day of registration
2nd Cheque:
Post dated for January 1, 2026
**Both Cheques are due at time of registration
Registration Fee
E-transfer Option
If paying by e-transfer, the total amount of $1300 is due at time of registration.
*e-transfers can be sent to actingupmusicaltheatre@gmail.com
Ticket Fee
Payable by Cheque Only
Each student’s family is required to sell 20 tickets for the shows.
A $480 post dated cheque for May 1st, 2026 is required with your registration package.
**Families will receive their 20 tickets in May which can then be sold for $24 each to help recover this cost.
SENIOR COMPANY REGISTRATION:
If you would like to register for the Senior Company:
**PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL AT actingupmusicaltheatre@gmail.com TO CONFIRM.
Spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.
ONCE YOU HAVE RECIEVED AN EMAIL CONFIRMING THAT A SPOT IS BEING HELD FOR YOU :
You will be sent all of the registration material including forms, policies, a complete rehearsal schedule and a detailed list of what to include in your registration package.
Audition material will be sent out once we have received your registration package.
Auditioning for Roles
NOTE: While we do not audition students for the actual Company, we do need to audition within the group to help us assign roles for the show. Specific audition information will be sent out to those who confirm their spots. But here are a few general notes:
ALL STUDENTS will be asked to submit a video of themselves singing a short song (or two) that we choose in order to help us cast the show.
We’ll make sure you have everything you need to help you learn and prepare the song, including a practice vocal track, music and lyrics and a performance track for you to use in your video. We will also send out detailed recording instructions.
Videos will not be due until September so students will have lots of time to practice and prepare their audition video over the summer. We’ll keep it simple!
In Person Auditions:
In person auditions will take place during our first few rehearsals.
Our in person auditions are as low stress as we can make them. They are simply designed to help us cast everyone in a role that suits them the best.
In person auditions consist of group singing, various styles of dancing and reading through scenes 6from the script.
Our goal is to help the students learn so we try to cast students in roles that will challenge them or allow them to try out new skills.
Those students who wish to take on a solo singing role may be asked to sing one of their songs again in person at this time.
Individual Practice – VERY IMPORTANT!
Students will be expected to practice at home and to arrive at rehearsals each week having reviewed what was taught the previous week.
Practice tracks & performance tracks will be sent out to students so they can practice their songs at home.
All choreography will be filmed where possible, with videos emailed to the students after rehearsals so they can practice throughout the week.
If a student misses a rehearsal, they will be expected to use these videos to practice so that they don’t fall behind.
Detailed practice notes will also be sent out regularly so students know what to prepare for the coming week.