• FCT Audition Form for Once Upon a Mattress

  • Casting Call! There are roles for a Princess…and a Prince…and a Queen and King…and ladies, knights, a jester, and for a whole cast of characters in FCT’s youth musical, Once Upon a Mattress. The 1959 comedy musical about the Princess and the Pea, famous for launching Carol Burnett into stardom, is making its Fauquier Community Theatre premiere this summer! With director Jack Tessier, choreographer Gabrielle Tessier, and music director Catie Murray, you are invited to bring this medieval, iconic, hilarious musical to life.

    Join a show with such fun songs like, “Normandy,” “Song of Love,” and the highly energetic dance, “Spanish Panic.” We need strong singers, dancers, and actors, ages 8 to 18! Please prepare a 90 second portion of a musical theatre song - I recommend researching the show and its characters to pick a song that will match the genre of the show. Read the form below carefully and fill out every field - see you at auditions!

  • Audition Dates

    Fauquier Community Theatre has chosen the musical "Once Upon a Mattress" as their annual youth production for a cast of ages 8-18. Auditions for the musical are open to the public and will take place on Friday, March 3, 2023 and Saturday, March 4, 2023. Pre-registration is required and choice of dates are below on this form. Auditions will take place at the John Barton Payne Building (in Old Town Warrenton) located at 2 Courthouse Square, Warrenton, Virginia.(Please note that callbacks will be by invitation only on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at a location to be determined.).

  • Plot Synopsis

    “Many moons ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the prince, but none could pass the impossible tests given to them by the Queen. That is, until the “shy” swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up. Would she be able to pass the Sensitivity Test, marry her prince and help Lady Larkin and Sir Harry to the altar? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the classic tale The Princess and the Pea provides some side-splitting shenanigans. For after all, a princess is a delicate thing.” "Once Upon a Mattress" is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

  • Audition Roles

    Character Breakdown

  • Once Upon a Mattress — Cast List

     

    PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS (in order of appearance)

     

    Minstrel: May be cast as male or female. Functions as the narrator, has a direct link to the audience, and is attractive and “worldly”. Has an air of confidence and enjoys telling the real story to the audience. S/he is likeable and cunning when need be. Works at foiling the Queen’s plans. 

    Vocal requirements: strong singer, tenor/soprano

    Dance requirements: good physical skills required, light choreography

     

    Wizard: The Queen’s Loyal Confidante. He is magical and mysterious and can do several magic tricks. He possesses a sense of showmanship. Kind of a buffoon though.

    Vocal requirements: Primarily a speaking role, baritone

    Dance requirements: Minimal


    Lady Larkin: A classic beauty. She is graceful, charming, and in love with Sir Harry. She is very eager for Dauntless to marry so she can wed Harry before her little bundle arrives. She is eager to please and would never cause embarrassment to her love, Sir Harry. She sings the romantic ballads.

    Vocal requirements: strong singer, soprano

    Dance requirements: moderate but must move well


    Queen Aggravain: Very protective of her only song, Prince Dauntless. She is a strong character that takes the stage with her presence. She is overbearing, lively, domineering, but should be played comically.

    Vocal requirements: strong singer, alto

    Dance requirements: minimal but must move well


    Prince Dauntless: Still a “mama’s boy,” but it is evident that he is ready to move on. He is child-like, naïve, with a likeable sense of innocence. He adores Winnifred and is in awe of her every step.

    Vocal requirement: baritone

    Dance requirement: moderate but must move well


    King Sextimus the Silent: He is mute, due to a curse, but you always know what he is thinking. He is expressive, mischievous, and playful. Must have strong facial and physical comedy.

    Vocal requirements: primarily a mimed role

    Dance requirements: minimal


    Jester: May be cast as male or female. Must be flexible, agile, and full of energy. Has a hidden passion for show business and the “good old days.” His/her loyalty lies with his/her friends, the King and the Minstrel.

    Vocal requirements: strong singer, tenor/mezzo

    Dance requirements: strong dancer and special talents (juggling, gymnast, contortionist) a bonus


    Sir Harry: He is a handsome and masculine knight, but quite pompous – a bit of a “stuffed shirt.” He fancies that he may one day become the Prime Minister, if he can find a Princess to marry Dauntless, so he can wed Lady Larkin. He is chivalrous, brave, determined but a bit taken with himself.

    Vocal requirements: strong singer, tenor


    Princess Winnifred: She is not the “classical” princess in any sense of the word. She can swim moats, lift heavy weights, and prefers the swamps of home to a fancy castle. She is energetic, adventurous, independent, and optimistic

    Vocal requirements: strong singer, mezzo/soprano

    Dance requirements: strong dancer

     

    ENSEMBLE
    Singing and dancing ensemble consisting of Ladies-in-Waiting, Knights, Soldiers, Servants, and Musicians.

  • Audition Preparation

    Come prepared to audition with a verse and a chorus from a favorite musical or broadway number. It can be with tracks that you provide, sheet music for our accompanist, or a cappella. You may be asked to read from the script, sing with the group, and learn some choreography. Please wear comfortable clothing such as athletic wear or dance wear and tennis shoes or jazz shoes since you may be asked to learn and perform basic choreography. Specifics: Your song should be a short section of a Broadway or Disney song, no longer than one minute and not from this musical.  You may sing acapella, however, sheet music or a backing track is preferred.  A Bluetooth speaker will be available to connect to devices. A monologue is not required, however, you will be expected to characterize your song!

  • Performances of Once Upon a Mattress

    Performances for "Once Upon a Mattress" will be performed on June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11 in 2023 at the Vint Hill Theatre on the Green located at 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, VA. Tickets for reserved seating will be available online at www.FCTstage.org.

  • Registration for Auditions for Once Upon a Mattress

    Please complete the following form and click the submit button.
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  • Rehearsals and Schedules for Once Upon a Mattress

    Rehearsals will be three or four times a week, though not everyone will be called to every rehearsal. Anticipated days for rehearsals are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings. Rehearsals will be held in Warrenton, Virginia. Please list any and all conflicts below; you will have another chance to submit an updated conflict sheet before callbacks. Any dates not listed as conflicts below or by callbacks will be considered unexcused and may be cause for dismissal from the production if it becomes a problem.

  • Fauquier Community Theatre Policies

    Please note the following FCT policies:·If you are cast in the youth production of Once Upon a Mattress, there will be a $20 junior youth production level membership at FCT. Payment is preferred to be made online or a check payable to Fauquier Community Theatre may be given to the Producer. FCT has a zero tolerance policy toward sexual harrassment and abuse and may conduct background checks.There is no smoking, vaping, drug use, or drinking alcoholic beverages at any time in the theatre, dressing room trailer, or any rehearsal location. You may not smoke or eat at any time while in costume, indoors or outdoors. Adherence to the policies of Fauquier County Department of Parks and Recreation and to those of our rehearsal hosts is expected of all participants.It is the responsibility of all participants to assure that all aspects of the production are conducted in a safe manner. Participation in this production is strictly voluntary. The participant agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Fauquier Community Theatre - Story Painters, Inc., its Board of Directors, employees, and associated representatives from any and all claims, judgments or settlements resulting from the participant’s involvement in any rehearsals or performances of this show.
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