Once Upon a Mattress

Once Upon a Mattress

Audition Info

Packets will be given out on week 1

Dear Musical Theater Students & Parents,

We are thrilled to begin preparations for our upcoming production of Once Upon a Mattress Jr!

Auditions will be held during class on September 9th (and possibly Sept 16th). If your student will be absent, please contact me as soon as possible to arrange an alternate audition time.

The audition process includes three components:

1. A monologue
   
   

2. A song(s)
   
   

3. A short choreography segment
   
   

We take great care in the casting process to match students with roles that highlight their strengths. Every student will be cast, and each role—whether lead or chorus—is important and provides a chance to shine.

Audition Preparation

1. Monologue

• Choose one monologue from the provided packet to memorize and perform.
  
  

• You may select a monologue that reflects a role you’re interested in, but casting is based on overall audition performance and please understand you may be cast in a different role.
  
  

• Be familiar with a second monologue (no need to memorize) in case you’re asked to read for another character.
  
  

• What we are looking for in your monologue: 

  • Voice projection.  Speak loud and clearly.  Do not use your regular speaking voice volume.  THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!

  • Be expressive.  Facial expressions, body language and the inflection in your voice should represent the tone of your monologue.

  • Become your character, bring the character to life by portraying their personality.  Show confidence.

  • Add a bit of movement so you aren’t standing in one spot the entire time.  Don’t move so much that it’s distracting, just enough to add to the energy to your character.
    
    

2. Song

• Learn the song provided in this packet for boys and girls.  See below.
  
  

• Students only need to learn a selected portion of the songs.
  
  

3.  Choreography

• Students will learn and rehearse a short  choreography piece during class.
  
  

• This will be performed in a group setting during auditions.  We are looking for ENERGY in movement, not perfection!  

Song Options:  Learn the small excerpts indicated in lyrics.

GIRLS and BOYS: "Yesterday I Loved You" 

(girls sing this song if you are comfortable singing high notes and interested in Lady Larken role.)

14 Yesterday I Loved You (Guide Vocal).mp3

Music   

LYRICS:

BOYS: (1st verse)

Yesterday I loved You

As never before

But please don’t think me strange

I’ve undergone a change

And today I love you even more

GIRLS: ( 2nd verse)

My heart cannot be trusted

I give you fair warning

I tremble at your touch

Not nearly half so much

As I will tomorrow morning

Girls (Option #2) :  "Shy" 

(girls sing this song if you’re interested in the role of Winnifred or other roles.  Girls can also prepare both songs if they wish)

Guide Vocals Link: 04 Shy (Guide Vocal).mp3  (Begin at 23 seconds)

Music  

LYRICS: 

Someone’s being bashful

That’s no way to be

Not with me, can’t you see

That I am just as embarrassed as you

And I can understand your point of view

I’ve always been shy!

I confess it, I’m shy!  Can’t you guess that this confident air

Is a mask that I wear cause I’m shy

Monologues

*Memorize 1 monologue of your choice.  Be familiar with a second one, just in case. 

Princess Winnifred (“Fred”) 

Energetic, bold, and unapologetically herself.

“Okay, let’s just get one thing straight — I did not swim the moat just to sit here and smile pretty! I mean, sure, I might not be all lace and sparkle like those other princesses, but I’m strong, I’m smart, and I can burp the alphabet. (beat) You think that’s not royal material? Fine. But you can’t say I’m not trying. I want to be here. I want to be part of this kingdom. And if climbing the castle wall is what it takes to prove I belong, then just point me to the ladder!”

Queen Aggravain 

Overbearing, dramatic, and convinced she knows best.

“Oh, you think choosing a princess is simple? Ha! Hardly! I am protecting the kingdom! These girls — with their perfect posture and their perfect hair — most of them couldn’t rule a teacup, let alone a throne! (beat) No. My son deserves the best. And if that means every suitor has to pass my little ‘test,’ then so be it. I won’t have some ordinary girl come in here and ruin everything I’ve carefully planned. Besides… I do enjoy a good quiz.”

Prince Dauntless 

Kind and sweet who’s trying to find his voice.

“I just want to fall in love. Is that really so terrible? Everyone thinks I’m just this… sheltered prince who does whatever Mother says. But I’m not a child. I know what I want. And I want someone who makes me laugh… who sees me, not the title. (beat) I met her — Fred. She’s loud, and muddy, and unlike anyone I’ve ever met. And you know what? I like that. Maybe it’s time I stop waiting for permission and start living my own story.”

Lady Larken 

Hopeful, romantic, and daydreamy.

“I’ve always dreamed of something more. Not castles or riches — but real love. The kind from stories where the music swells and everything else fades away. Sir Harry makes me feel like that. When he looks at me, I don’t feel like just another lady at court. I feel… seen. Like I matter. (beat) Sometimes I catch myself staring out the window, imagining the adventures we’ll have. Riding through the kingdom. Dancing under lanterns. I know life isn’t always a fairy tale — but just maybe, ours could be a little bit of one.”

Sir Harry 

Proud, chivalrous, and genuinely in love.

“Being a knight isn’t just about armor and quests — it’s about honor. And my heart? It belongs to Lady Larken. She’s clever, kind, and — don’t tell her I said this — far braver than most knights I know. I want to marry her. Truly. But not until the prince marries first — it’s royal law. So yes, I volunteered to find a real princess. One who can pass the queen’s impossible test. Because if I succeed… then Prince Dauntless can marry. And if he can marry… so can I. For love, for duty, and for Lady Larken — I’ll ride as far as it takes.”

Jester 

Quick-witted, playful, and clever with a heart beneath the jokes.

“They think I’m just here for laughs — juggling, rhyming, tossing out riddles like candy. But there’s more to me than bells and banter. You see, when you’re the Jester, you learn to watch. People let their guard down around you. They talk. They plot. They drop all their royal seriousness. And me? I file it all away — like a magician hiding cards up his sleeve. (grins) Don’t let the funny shoes fool you — I might be the only one in this castle who knows what’s really going on.”

Minstrel 

Poetic, observant, and loyal — a storyteller at heart.

“Ah, what a tale this will make. A prince, a moat, a princess who swam across it — and a queen with more rules than a riddle scroll. I’ve traveled far and wide, sung songs in every village and vale, but this… this kingdom? It’s a story waiting to be told. And I’ll be the one to tell it. Not just with music — but with truth. Because every good minstrel knows: a great song isn’t just about rhymes or notes — it’s about heart. And this place? It’s full of it. Even if it’s hiding under a lot of royal nonsense.”