Synopsis

A benign green ogre and his sidekick Donkey save the land from an evil lord and rescue a lovely princess from a terrible fate. Based on the blockbuster movie and the book by William Steig. 

A Note from the Director

Hey there, Fabulous Auditioners,

I wanted to take a moment before auditions to share a bit of what's on my mind for this production.

Shrek is a story about the parts of ourselves we're told to hide, and what happens when we finally let them loose. I'm building a fully immersive, experiential world for this one: a production that pulls the audience straight into the swamp, and I need actors that can make us both laugh and feel deeply the struggles of being oneself in the world. As you know, Shrek is a show that lives in extremes, side-splitting one moment, surprisingly tender the next, sometimes in the very same breath, and I couldn't be more excited to bring this piece to life.

What I'm looking for, more than anything, is generosity: actors willing to take up space, make bold choices, and help build a world that feels real, sincere, and lived-in, from Shrek down to the very last little pig. Every role matters to me here.

To those of you I already know and have had the joy of working with, I can't wait to reconnect and see what you bring to this one. And to those I haven't met yet, I'm genuinely looking forward to connecting with you too. Meeting new artists is one of my favorite parts of this job.

So please bring your onions. We've got layers to peel.

See you in the swamp,

Jenny Barlow, Director

Audition Requirements

Please read carefully and prepare only the materials required for the role(s) you are interested in. All elements may be completed either in person or via video.

All Audition Materials can be found here.

Additional Info

Production Team -

Director: Jennifer Hill-Barlow
Choreographer: Benjamin Roeling
Music Director: Erin Wilson
Associate Director: Brighton Sloan
Production Stage Manager: Jordan Liau

Callbacks - 

Callbacks will be held in-person and are scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, and will be by invitation only.

This page will be updated when callback invitations and casting have been sent. For any additional questions, please contact us at auditions@theruth.org.

Rehearsals & Performances - 

Rehearsals will begin on or around February 8, 2027.
Shrek The Musical runs April 19, 2027 – May 22, 2027.

A Note About Casting - 

At The Ruth & Nathan Hale Theater, we seek to honor the intentions of the works we produce. If nothing specific is given by the original playwright regarding the characteristics of any given role, and/or if those characteristics do not affect the intended story in any significant way, we will not consider any certain person or type over others when casting. 

We will be exploring double and single casting options based on availability and interest. At this time, we are unable to offer AEA contracts on this project. Rates per role are pre-budgeted and non-negotiable. The Ruth does not offer transportation to or housing in Utah.

We invite anyone and everyone to audition for any and all of our productions, regardless of any physical attribute, gender, race, age, ability, ethnicity, or experience. All are welcome at The Ruth.

Character Descriptions

All roles are available. We are seeking a diverse cast with strong storytelling, movement, and dance skills. Ensemble members will cover a variety of roles and play an integral part in bringing the story to life.

Storytelling will extend beyond traditional character work through movement, transitions, and puppeteering, with ensemble members helping create an immersive environment.

Shrek

Gender: Male presenting
Age: 30s to 40s
Vocal Range: A2-G#4
Character Notes: Our story's title character. A big terrifying ogre who prefers the solitude of his swamp, until his home is overrun by fairytale creatures. He sets out on a quest to reclaim his land, finding friendship, love, and a sense of himself along the way. Grumpy and guarded at first, he learns to let down his walls and becomes the hero of his own story.

Fiona

Gender: Female presenting
Age: 30s
Vocal Range: F3-G5
Character Notes: 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 ordinary princess.

Donkey

Gender: Male presenting
Age: 20s to 30s
Vocal Range: C3-B4
Character Notes: 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 optimist with heart.

Lord Farquaad

Gender: Male presenting
Age: 30s to 40s
Vocal Range: B2-D5
Character Notes: The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is in search of a princess 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.

Dragon

Gender: Female presenting
Age: 20s to 40s
Vocal Range: F3-Eb5
Character Notes: 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. Brassy, imposing, and flirtatious, but tired of her job as the glorified baby-sitter.

Gingy

Gender: Any
Age: 20s to 40s
Vocal Range: B3-C#5
Character Notes: 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. 

Pinocchio

Gender: Male presenting
Age: 20s to 40s
Vocal Range: E3-F#4
Character Notes: 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.

Young Fiona

Gender: Female presenting
Age: 7-12 (playable age)
Character Notes: The young version of Fiona. A spirited, imaginative princess who longs for adventure and her happily ever after. Must be under 4’11”.

Young Shrek

Gender: Male presenting
Age: 7-12 (playable age)
Character Notes: The young version of Shrek. A sensitive ogre who is beginning to discover what it means to be different. Must be under 4’11”.

Ensemble

Gender: Any
Character Notes: 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); Angry Mob; Happy People; Guards; Knights; Rats