2020 Community Production

The Embassy Theatre Skegness

Information Pack

2nd – 4th JULY 2020

Tickets on sale NOWEmbassytheatre.co.uk

Contents:

Introduction – Magna Vitae Productions

Story Overview

Full Synopsis

Song List

Cast Requirements

Character Breakdown

Professional Tour Images

Costume Design

Mask / Prosthetics

Production Team

Budget / Target

Cast Auditions

Rehearsal / Performance Schedule

Application to Perform / Costume Forms

Introduction

Magna Vitae Productions - AboutIn 2017 the Embassy Theatre created Magna Vitae Productions (MVP) as a sub-committee of MagnaVitae, charitable trust for leisure and culture - initially to deliver quality pantomimes for thecommunity of Skegness.

Following two years of inspiring productions breaking box office records, the production team havedecided to further extend their skills in the co-production of a professional Summer Season show for2019 and for 2020 a community delivered; project managed licenced production.

Why Community?

Committing to a major production financially has been no easy decision. We constantly see thestruggle, smaller amateur companies are facing regarding escalating costs in producing such aproduction, forcing some companies and individuals to stop doing what they love.

Due to this reality and in recognition of the talent and passion of performers within the local area,we took the decision to make this production a community venture. The technical and creative teamwill all be professional, however the performing elements will all be provided by the local talent ofLincolnshire.

Being able to offer such a high-level production to keen enthusiasts allows them to do what theylove without many of the financial stresses or concerns.

Commitment

Magna Vitae Productions commit to be open, honest and transparent throughout the whole process– the project sits beneath a strict business case in order to meet charitable objectives of being self-sustainable. To do this commitment is required from those participating in ensuring the venture is amutually enjoyable and viable: remaining within timeframes and agreed budgets is an essential partof making this first year a great community driven sucess.

As this is not an Amateur Dramatic Society, we will not charge a subscription fee, however due to thescale at which we want to produce this show there will be a “Performance Fee” of £65 levied foreach performer. This fee will contribute only towards your costume(s) and script hire.

It is responsibility of and for the benefit of everyone that early ticket sales are achieved in order tomake the project viable; future intention would be to deliver further large-scale; licencedcommunity-productions on a bi-annual basis – this can only be done if the debut title delivers areturn for Magna Vitae Productions and the venue.

Introducing - Shrek the Musical

In 2018 Magna Vitae Productions (MVP) secured the rights to perform “Shrek the Musical” .This production although produced professionally will be performed by amateur enthusiastsof Skegness and Lincolnshire. We hope everyone, whether regular enthusiast or completebeginner will want to be a part of the new venture in Skegness and provide a show thateveryone can be proud of.

This show was only released in 2018 and we are honoured that the holder of the rights(Musical Theatre International) felt our venue and team worthy of producing this show onits first season. We hope the buy in from the community is of a high level, and due to thiswe want to ensure everyone is welcome regardless of experience, or society's they currentlyperform with.

We hope this will be the first of many performances we produce with the community overthe years

Shrek the Musical - Story

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a TonyAward-winning fairy tale adventure featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (ThoroughlyModern Millie, Caroline or Change) and a side-splitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire.

Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and provesthere's more to the story than meets the ears.

"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…" And thus begins the tale of anunlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkeyand a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookiewith an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of messthat calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand...and his name is Shrek.

Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities including costumes, sets, puppets(there is a fire-breathing dragon after all), and more! Irreverently fun for the wholefamily, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.

Full Synopsis Act One

Opening like a storybook, our musical adventure begins with a large ogre named Shrek narrating thestory of his seventh birthday. As he narrates, the storybook comes to life and we see Shrek's parentstelling the seven-year old version of himself that it is time for him to venture out into the world onhis own. As he does, his parents' warning that everyone will hate him because of his hideous looksproves to be true, and he is forced to live alone, embittered, and angry in a swamp. Before our eyesShrek grows up, the adult ogre now stepping into the story he was previously narrating ("Big BrightBeautiful World"). His lonely solitude is interrupted one day, however, when all the Fairy taleCreatures of the land show up to his swamp, banished there by Lord Farquaad ("Story of My Life").Not at all pleased to have his home invaded, and encouraged by the Fairy tale Creatures, Shrekdecides to travel to see Lord Farquaad in order to regain the privacy of his swamp ("The GoodbyeSong"). Along the way, he rescues a talkative Donkey from Farquaad's guards, and after muchbegging on the Donkey's part ("Don't Let Me Go"), Shrek reluctantly allows him to tag along.

Meanwhile, in Duloc, we are introduced to Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror who is torturing Gingy, theGingerbread Man, into revealing the whereabouts of a princess he wishes to marry so that he mayfinally be a true king. Gingy claims Princess Fiona is locked in a nearby tower, surrounded by lavaand a dragon. Lord Farquaad decides to have a festival to draw the name of a Duloc citizen that willhave to fetch Princess Fiona for him. As the crowd gathers ("Welcome to Duloc"/"What's UpDuloc?"), Shrek and Donkey arrive and Lord Farquaad demands that in return for the deed to theswamp Shrek must find and bring back Princess Fiona.

While Shrek and Donkey set off, the lights come up on seven-year old Fiona, stuck in her castle anddreaming that she will one day be rescued by one a prince ("True Love's First Kiss"). As she growsinto a teenager, and then a headstrong woman, she never loses her faith in her fairy tales ("I KnowIt's Today"). As Shrek and Donkey continue their journey, Shrek becomes increasingly annoyed withDonkey's constant chattering ("Travel Song"). Somehow though, deep down, a friendship has begunto form. After crossing the lava-bridge, and arriving at the castle, Shrek sets off alone to rescue Fionawhile Donkey encounters a ferocious female Dragon ("Forever"). When Shrek reaches Fiona, shetries and fails to get him to play out romantic scenarios like all those in her storybooks, and at last heis forced to drag her off. Reunited with Donkey they must then escape angry Dragon. Fiona isthrilled to finally have her rescuer fighting for her ("This Is How A Dream Comes True"). Shrek trapsthe Dragon and the trio makes it to safety, where Fiona is appalled to find Shrek is an ogre and notPrince Charming. Shrek explains that he is merely her champion; instead, she is to wed LordFarquaad. As the sun begins to set, Fiona becomes apprehensive, insisting that they rest and thatshe spend the night alone. Donkey and Shrek stay awake and as Shrek finally opens up to his newfriend for the first time, we see Fiona transformed into an ogress, alone in the moonlight ("Who I'dBe").

Full Synopsis Act TwoThe next day, Princess Fiona rises, and excited about it being her wedding day, dances around singing

("Morning Person"). When she enquires about her groom-to-be, Shrek and Donkey let the "short" jokes fly,

and then Shrek begins to mock her childhood circumstances. Each thinking his/her own childhood is worse,

the two begin a contest of one-upmanship that culminates in a battle of disgusting bodily noises. ("I Think I Got

You Beat"). Through this, their pasts are revealed to one another, and a friendship is kindled.

Meanwhile, back in Duloc, Lord Farquaad plans his wedding, and he reveals his own sordid heritage ("The

Ballad of Farquaad"). As Shrek and Fiona's newfound camaraderie grows into love, Donkey insists, with the

help of the Three Blind Mice, that Shrek should tell Fiona how he feels ("Make a Move"). Before he can

though, the sun begins to set, and Fiona once again rushes away to bed. Refusing to give up on the thought,

Donkey goes to the barn where Fiona has retreated, only to discover that she turns into an ogress at night due

to a curse placed on her as a child by a witch. She tells Donkey that only a kiss from her true love will return

her to love's true form. Alone, Shrek tries to summon the courage to express his feelings ("When Words Fail"),

and when he finally goes to tell Fiona, he overhears the end of her conversation with Donkey, completely

misunderstanding her description of herself as an ugly beast as a reference to him. Hurt, he storms off.

The next day, transformed back to her human form, Fiona decides to tell Shrek about her curse ("Morning

Person (Reprise)"). When Fiona tries to explain, however, Shrek rebuffs her. Farquaad and his army approach

to claim Fiona, who now upset herself, not only agrees to the marriage, but also insist that it take place before

sunset. Donkey tries to appeal to Shrek, but Shrek rejects him, angry that Donkey would talk about him with

Fiona behind his back, and declares he will return to his swamp, alone ("Build A Wall").

Elsewhere, while the Fairy tale Creatures, evicted from the swamp, head for their new home, they decide

they've had it with Farquaad's discriminatory treatment ("Freak Flag"). With a newfound confidence, they

decide to return to Duloc and take on Lord Farquaad. Back at the swamp, Donkey and Shrek argue until Shrek

is convinced that Donkey and Fiona weren't talking about him. Each one forgives the other, and Donkey

convinces Shrek that Fiona cares about him. They rush to Duloc, and Shrek is able to stop the wedding just in

the Knick of time. He finally finds the words to express his feelings, declaring his love to and for Fiona ("Big

Bright Beautiful World (Reprise)"). Caught between love and her desire to break the curse, Fiona tries to

escape the event, but the exiled Fairy tale Creatures storm the wedding and protest their banishment. Amidst

the protests, the sun sets, turning Fiona back into an ogress in front of everyone. Farquaad is disgusted, but

insists the marriage is already binding, claiming he will lock Fiona in a tower and continue to rule as Duloc's

true King. Shrek whistles for the Dragon he met earlier, and she swoops in, destroying Farquaad in one fiery

breath. Finally free of Farquaad, Shrek and Fiona admit their love for one another and share a kiss. Fiona's

curse is broken and she takes her true form: an ogress. At first, she is ashamed of her looks, but Shrek declares

that she is still beautiful. Shrek and Fiona begin a new life together, as everyone celebrates what makes them

special ("This Is Our Story"). They all live happily ever after ("I'm a Believer").

Song list

• Big Bright Beautiful World/Overture

• Story of My Life

• The Goodbye Song

• Don't Let Me Go

• What's Up, Duloc?

• I Know It's Today

• Travel Song

• Forever

• This is How a Dream Comes True

• Who I'd Be

• Entr'acte

• Morning Person

• I Think I Got You Beat

• The Ballad Of Farquaad

• Make A Move

• When Words Fail

• Morning Person (Reprise)

• Build a Wall

• Freak Flag

• Wedding Procession

• This is Our Story (Big Bright Beautiful World Reprise)

• Finale

• Bows/ I'm A Believer

Cast Requirements

The main cast for Shrek could be quite small, however in order to give more people the chance to perform inthis production we have decided to split the roles over multiple cast members. Some of these roles may onlybe small but all very important to the show. Listed below is a complete cast list (some roles could double up.)

Shrek Lead role / Strong character / Scottish accent / Comediccharacter / rock vocal style.

Fiona Lead Role / Strong feisty character / Comedic character / TapDance required.

Donkey Lead Role / Comedic character

Lord Farquaad Lead Role / Comedic character / Physically demanding asperform on knees throughout

Dragon Vocal only / Soul voice performed off-stage

Gingy Gingerbread puppet / Normally voiced by the Sugar Plum fairy.

Pinocchio Small role but leader of the fairy tale revolution

Ensemble

• Young Fiona (1 scene only but could become chorus)

• Teen Fiona (1 scene only but could become chorus)

• Young Shrek (1 scene only but could become chorus )

• Shrek's Mum (1 scene only but could become chorus)

• Shrek's Dad (1 scene only but could become chorus)

• Big Bad Wolf

• Three Little Pigs x 3

• White Rabbit

• Fairy Godmother

• Peter Pan

• Wicked Witch

• Ugly Duckling

• Three Bears x 3

• Mad Hatter

• Humpty Dumpty

• Elf

• Dwarf

• Three Blind Mice x 3

• Guards / Knights x 6

• Rats x 6 (dance requirement)

• Chorus / Happy People / Angry Mob

Character Breakdown

ShrekOur story's title character. A big, green, terrifying ogre who lives alone on a swamp. He embarks on ajourney to rid his land of fairy-tale creatures and, along the way, falls in love with Fiona. Begins as agrumpy hermit but reveals his layers and eventually becomes the hero.

Gender: Male

Age: 25 to 45

Vocal range top: G#4

Vocal range bottom: A2

FionaThe 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 anordinary princess.

Gender: Female

Age: 20 to 30

Vocal range top: G5

Vocal range bottom: F3

DonkeyA talking donkey who joins Shrek on the run from Farquaad’s guards. Quite the chatterbox, he is notdeterred by Shrek's looks and practically forces himself into his good graces. Easily frightened andpushy, but also an optimistic with heart.

Gender: Male

Age: 20 to 35

Vocal range top: B4

Vocal range bottom: C3

Character Breakdown

Lord FarquaadThe comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is in search of a princes to marry so that he canbecome king. Has an intensely unfair bias against fairy-tale creatures that stems from a resentmentof his father. Self-absorbed, lonely, and cruel.

Gender: Male

Age: 30 to 45

Vocal range top: D5

Vocal range bottom: B2

DragonA dragon that has been charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. She eventuallyfalls in love with Donkey and attempts to keep him there forever. Imposing and flirtatious, but tiredof her job as the glorified baby-sitter.

Gender: Female

Age: 25 to 45

Vocal range top: Eb5

Vocal range bottom: F3

GingyA gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord Farquaad. His wit and resolution help him both avoidtrouble and inspire the rest of the fairy-tale creatures. Puppet. Can be operated by actress appearingas Sugar Plum Fairy.

Gender: Female

Age: 20 to 40

Vocal range top: C#5

Vocal range bottom: B3

Character Breakdown

PinocchioThe leader of the fairy-tale creatures. He is an animated puppet whose nose grows every time he lies. Plenty of sass with a penchant for lying.

Gender: Male

Age: 20 to 40

Vocal range top: F#4

Vocal range bottom: E3

EnsembleFairy-tale Creatures

• Big Bad Wolf

• Three Little Pigs x 3

• White Rabbit

• Fairy Godmother

• Peter Pan

• Wicked Witch

• Ugly Duckling

• Three Bears x 3

• Mad Hatter

• Chorus / Happy People / Angry Mob

• Humpty Dumpty• Elf• Dwarf• Three Blind Mice x 3• Guards / Knights x 6• Rats x 6 (dance requirement)

Professional Production Images

Costume Design – Molly Limpets Theatrical Emporium

In 2019 Molly Limpets Theatrical Emporium created a brand-new wardrobe of Shrek. We were ableto secure our booking and enjoyed viewing their new costumes only recently. Below are some artistimpressions of the design work undertaken at their studios.

Shrek / Fiona's Prosthetics

In order to create a great Shrek and Fiona we have sourced a professional latex mask which will needto be professional applied for each performance.

All these items are specialist supply at significant investment from America requiring adequate timefor delivery and testing.

.

Production Team

This production will be produced by Magna Vitae Productions at The Embassy Theatre Skegness.

Within this team is a hand selected team of individuals who have applied to take part – fromamateur as well as professional backgrounds and from all areas of the county.

Listed below is the current production team required to deliver this production.

Executive Producer on behalf of Magna Vitae - Pollyanne Trapmore-Shaw

Technical Producer on behalf of Magna Vitae- Matt Oscroft

Director - Andrea Hall

Musical Director - Steve Walker

Choreographer - Lisa Jay

Vocal Coach - Grahame Baumber

Wardrobe Mistress - Currently vacant

Wardrobe Assistant / Dresser – Danielle Deakin

Make up/Prosthetics Artist - Jazmyne Evans

Marketing Officer on behalf of Magna Vitae - Brendan Bugg

Junior Coordinators – Kerry Rye & Clare Allen on behalf of Magna Vitae Embassy Theatre Academy

Chaperones – TBC

Show Crew

Deputy Stage Manager on behalf of Magna Vitae - Sally Sharp

Lighting Designer / Operator on behalf of Magna Vitae - Matt Oscroft

Sound Operator on behalf of Magna Vitae - Ben Wainwright

Stage Crew 1 TBC

Stage Crew 2 TBC

Stage Crew 3 – Currently vacant

Stage Crew 4 – Currently vacant

Follow Spot 1 - Currently vacant

Follow Spot 2 – Currently vacant

Sound Number 2 (band) TBC

Income TargetTicket Prices

Tickets £15.50 - £23.00

Family and group offers.

Thursday 2nd & Friday 3rd July – 7.30pm

Stalls - £20.00

Balcony - £18.00

Under 14's - £15.50

Family of 4 Offer - £10 saving

Group offer – buy 10 tickets get 11th free

Saturday 4th July 2020 - 2.30pm

Stalls - £22.00

Balcony - £20.50

Under 14's - £15.50

Family of 4 Offer - £10 saving

Group offer – buy 10 tickets get 11th free

Saturday 4th July 2020 – 7.30pm

Stalls - £23.00

Balcony - £21.00

Under 14's – £15.50

50% of Gross Capacity (2100 seats) required

to be cost-neutral.Average of 525 tickets

per show.

THIS PRODUCTION MUST"WASH-IT'S-LOVELY-GREEN-FACE"

SO SPREAD THE WORD AND GET SELLING!

Cast Auditions:

28th NOVEMBER 2019PRE-AUDITION WORKSHOP

Upstairs at the Embassy7:00pm

SUNDAY 26th JANUARY 2020AUDITION DAY

Auditions will take place in the Arts Room 09:30am – 6:00pm

Auditions Registration will take place in The Embassy Theatre foyer

09:30hrs – 11:00hrs Dance Workshop11:00hrs – 12:00hrs Character Auditions12:00hrs – 12:30hrs Break12:30hrs – 15:30hrs Principle Auditions16:00hrs – 18:00hrs Re-Audition / Discussions

*Alternative Audition Date available

Principal Character Auditions pieces to be selected by the Creative Team

• Music and audition scene will be supplied by Magna Vitae Production Team

• Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable shoes for movement and

dance

Provisional Rehearsal / Performance Schedule

Day Date Time(s) Description Room

Monday 04 November 2019 7pm Community Production Forum(Public)

Upstairs at The Embassy

Thursday 28 November 2019 7pm Pre-Audition

Workshop

Upstairs at The

Embassy

DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFTSunday 26 January 2020 9.30am –

6pmAuditions & Dance Workshop

Arts Room

Every

Thursday

06 February 2020 to

25 June 2020

7pm – 10pm Rehearsals Arts Room or

Upstairs at The

Embassy

Every

Sunday

As we approach show

date

TBC Rehearsals Arts Room or

Stage (subject to

availability)TBC Blocking Stage

Tuesday 30 June 2020 TBC Tech Rehearsal Stage

Wednesday 01 July 2020 TBC Dress Rehearsal Stage

Thursday 02 July 2020 7.30pm Performance

Friday 03 July 2020 7.30pm Performance

Saturday 04 July 2020 2.30pm Performance

Saturday 04 July 2020 7.30pm Performance

Rehearsal Times & Dates may vary

Please attach a passport size photo of yourself

Application to Perform Please complete in advance and bring with you to register on the day

NameHeight

Weight

Playing Age

Eye Colour

Hair Colour

Hair Length

Character Applying For:

Do you wish to be considered

for addition Roles

Contact Details

Address (Block Capitals)

Postcode Email

Telephone Mobile

Facebook Instagram

Date of Birth Gender

Medical Information - Please advise us of any medical condition we need to be aware of – particularly on

audition day. (This information will remain confidential and is for welfare reasons only) *

*PLEASE INCLUDE ANY LATEX ALLERGIES AS SOME ROLES MAY REQUIRE LATEX PROSTHETIC MASKS

Additional Information to support your application

Experience / Credits - if no previous experience please state this – everyone must start somewhere!

Other Info. / Skills – anything you would like us to be aware of; pending commitments, planned holidays

etc.

CONSENT I understand that the decisions made by Magna Vitae are final. I also give permission for publicity photographs to be taken on audition day, and if successful, for photographs and video to be taken during rehearsals which will be used for publicity/production purposes as well as archived indefinitely. I understand that photographs and video may be taken by the audience during the show and posted on social media and I am aware and give permission for this. I understand my photograph will appear in the programme, and that a video of the production will be taken for advertising and archive purposes. Should you be successful in gaining a part in this production you will make a full contribution to the success of the production and will attend all rehearsals and performances you are called for and adhere to all rules and instructions given and all production requirements regarding costumes, makeup and any other performance related matters.If successful at audition you will be required to contribute £65 towards the cost of your participation – this is a non-refundable or transferable amount if in the event you (for whatever reason) do not appear in the production(s). Payment is required no later than Thursday 27th February 2020 via The Embassy Box Office. Please note – no script/materials will be released until in full payment has been made – nor will your role be confirmed.

If you are successful, due to the new GDPR Data Protection Laws, Magna Vitae will securely store relevant data. If unsuccessful, all data will be securely destroyed shortly after the date of audition. Please refer to the Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure and Culture privacy policy for more detailed information. This is at https://www.magnavitae.org/privacy-policy/

Signed

Block Capitals I am over 16 and will not require licence to performYES NO

Date

NAME

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

CHARACTER

PRODUCTION / COMPANY NAME

1 BUST 9 COLLAR

2 UNDER BUST 10 INSIDE LEG

3 BRA 11 HEAD

4 WAIST 12 UNDERARM

5 HIPS 13 HEIGHT

6 NAPE TO WAIST 14 SHOE

7 WAIST TO FLOOR 15 UK DRESS SIZE

8 NAPE TO FLOOR

Please provide all sizes in inches only. Costume notes – anything else that is helpful know e.g. body type, ethnicity, hair colour, skin tone etc?

1 2

4

6

7

5

9

12

Female Costume Measurement Sheet

NAME

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

CHARACTER

PRODUCTION / COMPANY NAME

1 CHEST 8 COLLAR

2 WAIST 9 INSIDE LEG

3 TROUSER SIZE 10 UNDERARM

4 HIPS 11 HEAD

5 NAPE TO WAIST 12 HEIGHT

6 WAIST TO FLOOR 13 SHOE

7 NAPE TO FLOOR

Please provide all sizes in inches only. Costume notes – anything else that is helpful know e.g. body type, ethnicity, hair colour, skin tone etc?

1

2

4

5

6

8

9

9

10

Male Costume Measurement Sheet