Saturday, Mar. 28
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Mar. 29
1 – 4 p.m.
John Peppers Law Office
235 3rd Avenue North
Franklin TN, 37064
Callbacks: Tues. or Weds., Mar. 31 or Apr. 1
Production
A queen imposes an impossible test to keep her son from marrying, and the kingdom from having any weddings, until a feisty swamp princess arrives to challenge the status quo. This retelling of The Princess and the Pea is filled with laughs and memorable songs such as “In a Little While,” “Shy,” and “Yesterday I Loved You.”
Director: Bryan Kratoska
Producer: Cindy Davis Massey
Performances: June 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20
Audition Requirements
Music: Prepare 16–32 bars (approx. 60 seconds) of a comedic or upbeat musical theatre song in the style of the show. Bring a recording of any outside-of-show music in your key; an accompanist will not be provided. Bluetooth hookup will be available. You may also pick a selection from the show itself; the cut of the song and the track will be provided for these.
Materials: Bring a headshot and résumé if available, along with a full list of schedule conflicts from Apr. 2 through June 20.
Acting: Be prepared for side readings from the script.
Dance: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for movement.
Paperwork: You may download, print, and complete the Audition Form to bring with you. Forms will also be provided at auditions.
Character Breakdowns
Note: We are looking for actors who can bring humanity to these comedic characters. Please bring yourself to auditions, not an impression of anyone who’s done this show before!
Prince Dauntless (Lead): 20s. A man-child seeking independence. While comedic, he must be played as a real person with genuine wants and needs. He feels suffocated by his mother and longs to connect with his father, to think for himself, and find approval outside of his mother’s shadow.
Princess Winnifred (Lead): 20s. Unconventional, energetic, and physically robust. She is bold and honest, seeking acceptance for her true self rather than fitting a royal mold.
Sir Harry (Supporting): 20s–30s. The quintessential “brave” knight, though often oblivious. He is Dauntless’s best friend and is driven by his secret love for Lady Larken.
Lady Larken (Supporting): 20s–30s. Romantic, anxious, and resourceful. She is caught between her love for Sir Harry and the fear of scandal, eventually finding her own strength.
Queen Aggravain (Supporting): 30s-50s. The domineering, manipulative, and talkative power behind the throne. She uses psychological manipulation to maintain control over Dauntless and the kingdom.
King Sextimus (Supporting): 30s-50s. Mute (due to a curse). Requires a strong physical actor skilled in mime and expressive gesture. He is a supportive father who works behind the scenes to help his son.
The Minstrel (Supporting): Any age. The show’s narrator. Observant, witty, and insightful. He seeks truth and justice, acting as the show’s conscience.
The Jester (Supporting): Any age. Playful, clever, and fiercely loyal to the King. Requires strong movement or dance skills.
The Wizard (Featured): 30s–60s. The Queen’s bumbling, scheming sidekick. He is the architect of the impossible tests designed to eliminate potential brides.
Ensemble – Knights, Ladies-in-Waiting, Soldiers, Servants, Musicians
The ensemble in Once Upon a Mattress is far more than a traditional chorus; they are the lifeblood of the kingdom, portraying Ladies-in-Waiting, Knights, Soldiers, Servants, and Musicians who are all personally invested in the plot. Because of Queen Aggravain’s decree, no one in the kingdom may marry until Prince Dauntless does, which creates a sense of comedic urgency and frustration among the court members. The ensemble members function as distinct characters who actively participate in the story through their reactions, judgments, and “whispers.” They are central to the narrative.
The Knights:
– Sir Studley: The court’s self-appointed “most handsome knight.” He spends more time polishing his armor than practicing his swordplay. He is particularly frustrated by the marriage ban because he believes his prime years are being wasted while he remains a bachelor.
– Sir Luce: A knight who thrives on court gossip. He is often seen whispering with the Queen’s ladies and is the first to know when a new princess arrives at the gate. He views the marriage ban as a fascinating social experiment rather than a burden.
– Sir Russell: A veteran knight who remembers the “glory days” before the King was cursed. He is fiercely loyal to the crown but finds the Queen’s constant talking exhausting. He just wants to see the kingdom settled so he can retire in peace.
The Ladies-in-Waiting:
– Lady Mabelle: A French lady-in-waiting who is hopelessly romantic. She often speaks in French when she’s excited and is secretly in love with a knight from a neighboring kingdom, making her the most desperate for Winnifred to succeed so she can finally marry.
– Lady Rowena: The most “proper” of the ladies. She takes the Queen’s etiquette rules very seriously and often corrects the other ladies. She secretly hopes that if no princess is found, the Queen might eventually choose a noblewoman from the court for Dauntless.
– Lady Merrill: A wide-eyed dreamer who loves fairy tales. She is the first to believe that Winnifred might actually be a “real” princess, despite her muddy clothes and swimming habits, because she wants to believe in magic.
Once Upon a Mattress is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
