Registration coming soon for our Fall/Winter production of Shrek Jr!
PM&L Theatre is pleased to announce t that our Fall/Winter production for 2024-25 will be “Shrek, Jr”!
This program allows youth of all ages to participate in a real theatrical production with the goal of enriching their lives with unique experiences. The program culminates with live performances in January 2025.
Backstage positions are available as well for working on stage crew, assisting with creation of props or working in tech booth on sound, lights and projections.
Sign up for the wait list to be notified when registration opens, as spots are limited!
About The Production
Fall / Winter 2024-25
- DreamWorks Theatrical’s Shrek Jr
- Open to ages 7 – 18.
Production Dates – January 2025
About PM&L
As stated in the preamble to our bylaws:
The purposes for which the corporation is organized are: to promote the fine arts by producing plays, art exhibits, music concerts, musical comedies and instructing the same. PM&L, Inc. does not discriminate against any prospective member or participant because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or unfavorable discharge from military service.
Production Details
Ages 7-18
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
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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.
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
Ages 12-18
Based on the original Broadway production that ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, and the Academy Award-winning motion picture, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. is a fantastic adaptation of the story of transformation and tolerance. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
- Belle – Smart, confident young woman from a small village. She stands up to Gaston while showing compassion for Maurice, the Servants and eventually the Beast.
- Beast – A young prince transformed by an enchantress’s spell.
- Narrators – These actors guide the focus and pace of this beautiful tale.
- Old Beggar Woman/Enchantress – Portrays the transformation in the Prologue.
- Gaston – Pompous and dim-witted, will do whatever it takes to win Belle’s hand.
- Maurice – Belle’s aging and eccentric father, a protective inventor.
- Lefou – Gaston’s dim-witted lackey, provides comic relief.
- Les Filles de la Ville – These girls are in love with Gaston and will do almost anything to be near him. Performers need to be able to portray the comic nature of these roles and enjoy playing off each other.
- Lumiere – Confident, charming French mâitre d’ who has been turned into a candelabra under the enchantress’ spell. He has an incessant bickering rapport with Cogsworth.
- Cogsworth – The majordomo of the castle (highest ranking person in the castle) who has been turned into a clock. Like all of the castle’s servants, he shows fatherly compassion for Belle yet is perfectly submissive to the master, the Beast. He enjoys feeling like the boss and has no problem getting into it with Lumiere.
- Mrs. Potts – Mrs. Potts is the castle’s endearing cook who has been turned into a teapot. She needs to be able to convey comforting, maternal qualities amongst the chaos that is breaking out in the castle. This actor should be able to play a loving mother figure to all the characters.
- Chip – Chip is Mrs. Pott’s son who has been turned into a teacup. Chip has a wonderful innocence that endears him to all of the servants.
- Madame De La Grande Bouche – Madame is an opera singer who has been turned into a wardrobe. She is larger-than-life in everything she does including her singing and dancing. This performer must be able to portray the ultimate diva with an outsized personality and voice.
- Babette – Babette is the maid of the castle who has been turned into a feather duster. She misses the finer things in life but is happy to be at Belle’s service at a moment’s notice. Her true heart comes through in her song ‘Human Again’.
- Monsieur D’Arque – Monsieur D’Arque is the owner of the mental asylum. Looking for a solid actor who can believably exude his sinister personality.
- Villagers, Servants – The Servants of the castle might include Statues, Dust Pan, Flatware, Plates, an Egg Timer, Napkins, Salt & Pepper Shakers, etc. These enchanted characters are the Rockettes of the castle. The Villagers are the inhabitants of Belle’s town. These include the Bookseller, Baker, Egg Lady, etc.
Ages 10-18
The “denizens of the deep” admire the famous Rainbow Fish, the most beautiful fish in all the ocean. But when Rainbow Fish refuses to share his (or her!) vibrant, shimmering scales (played by separate actors who are an extension of Rainbow Fish), the whole ocean seems to turn against the vain creature. Unhappy that no one adores him anymore, the Rainbow Fish seeks out the wise Octopus (whose tentacles are also played by separate actors). Octopus helps the young fish learn that it’s far better to be admired for being kind than for being beautiful.
Based on the international bestseller and award-winning book, The Rainbow Fish, with its wonderful message of friendship and belonging.
- Rainbow Fish
- Silver Scale 1 & 2
- Starfish
- Barnacle
- Octopus
- Narrator
- School Fish
- Fancy Fish
- Other Sea Creatures
StageStruck Waiting List
PM&L presents a Youth Theatre program every summer. By signing up for our StageStruck mailing list you will get emails with important program details as soon as they are available. This mailing list is not used for any other purpose.
Dreamworks Shrek JR is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
Crew - ages 10 - 18
Shrek Jr Cast - ages 7 - 18
A link will be provided after registration to sign up for an audition slot.
All registered participants will receive a role appropriate for their unique abilities.
All those interested in a singing role should prepare one of the music selections. There are non singing roles as well and no one has to sing solo but those who do not sing will not be considered for a solo role.
Additional details regarding songs and scenes will be in the Audition Packet provided after registration.
Each child is encouraged to choose and practice a character in one of the audition sides. They should familiarize themselves with all the sides as they may be asked to read any character, but they will have the opportunity to read the character/side they practiced.
Those interested in a singing solo should prepare a music selection and will have the opportunity to sing it by themselves at the audition.
Auditions will be held in groups based on age range. Those aged 7-11 will audition separately from those ages 12-18. Auditions for ages 7-11 will be in a more relaxed group setting, and those 12-18 will be more of a traditional audition in a group setting.
Each participant will sing the song they prepared and we will end with cold readings from the provided sides. Each participant will have a chance to read the side they practiced.
Roles will be communicated to all participants by email.
- There will be a parent meeting and audition workshop on Saturday, September 7 at PM&L Theatre from 9-12.
- Auditions for Shrek JR participants will be by appointment, on September 9, 10, 11 in the evening. You only need to attend one of these dates.
- Callbacks will be held on Saturday September 14.
Roles will be communicated to all participants by email.
All registered participants will be cast.
- Shrek Jr - Musical - $175
- Crew/Tech - for Shrek Jr. - $25
The registration fee covers all materials needed for the production, including scripts, costumes, set materials, props, etc. Each student will also receive a production t-shirt and one complementary ticket to one performance.
Actors may be asked to provide basic costume pieces from home, such as shoes, socks/hosiery, jeans/shorts, etc, as well as other personal items, such as hair accessories and make-up. Any specialty items for costuming will be provided by the theatre.
Yes! If your child is between the ages of 10 and 18 and interested in lights, sound, props, set painting, stage management, choreography or helping backstage, please sign up for the "tech" class or reach out using the red "Contact Us" button.
Rehearsals will be scheduled for Saturdays between 9 am and 1 pm, starting September 21 ,2024
Our rehearsal schedule is created based on participant conflict, so please share detailed conflicts when completing your child's audition form.
Not all actors will be called for the duration of every rehearsal.
We will do our best to work around conflicts, so please disclose all known conflicts on your audition form. The rehearsal schedule will be created with conflicts in mind, so knowing this in advance will help the production team make the best use of everyone's time. Excessive absences may result in a role being re-cast.
Refunds are available until the cast list is posted. Once auditions and/or casting have been completed, there are no refunds.
We welcome parent volunteers! If you have a particular talent or area of interest, please let us know.
Yes, during times where there are multiple productions, you are welcome to sign your child up for as many productions as they would like to participate in. The directors of all productions will work closely together to coordinate rehearsals.
Additional Audition Information
Audition Notes
Each child should prepare a song from the set of songs provided for the production they are registered for, and should be prepared to read along with one of the scene selections. Memorization, while not required, is strongly recommended. Please be prepared to audition emphasizing your use of voice, facial expressions, and your understanding of the character and material. We encourage parents or other responsible adults to talk about the audition process with their child(ren). Please make sure to set expectations: not every child will be able to receive a lead / supporting role, but every role is crucial to the telling of the story. Auditions will be held in 1-hour blocks with small groups of children.
Audition Scheduling
- After registering, you will receive an email directing you to complete your child’s audition form.
- After completing your audition form you will be emailed a link to schedule your audition. It is important you use this link in order to schedule your proper audition time slot.
- Your registration email will also include a link to all materials needed for your audition.
