Everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, is coming to the San Juan Community Theatre Friday, May 5 through Sunday, May 21, and they are searching for 50 cast members. Auditions begin at 2 p.m. Jan. 7, at the PARC building at 70 Saltspring Drive.

“We haven’t had a cast of 50 on SJCT’s stage since ‘Beauty and the Beast,’” said San Juan Community Theatre’s Artistic Director and Shrek director, Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey.

Shrek was chosen, Kessler-Jeffrey explained, because of the abundance of fun characters.

“This is a great show for our island community—there are opportunities for anyone and everyone to shine,” he said, adding that he enjoys mixing classics like Cinderella with more modern selections. “I think what I like most about Shrek is that at its heart, it is a story about realizing we don’t need to change our identity to be loved and accepted.”

For those who do not know the story, Shrek follows an ogre of that same name. This is the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy-tale misfits, and suddenly there is the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there happens to be one on hand, the ogre named Shrek.

During the audition, Kessler-Jeffrey auditioners can expect to participate in music, movement, and reading.

“The auditions begin with a movement/dance portion. Then actors are released to sing a 16-32 measure portion (about 30 seconds) of a song of their choice for the music director,” he explained.

Anyone who is interested in a speaking part will read a little portion of the script, also called a side, for Kessler-Jeffrey.

One of the most important audition preparations, he explained, is to read the guidelines for auditions and try to stick to them. Guidelines can be found at www.sjctheatre.org/get-involved/auditions.

Plan on remaining at the auditions for a good portion of the afternoon. Kessler-Jeffrey said “I recommend people plan to stay for three to three and a half hours. We’ll do our best to let folks go as soon as we can.”

Wearing something that looks good, feels good, and moves easily for there will be quite a bit of dancing.

Then there is the singing. He advised choosing 16-32 measures of a song, the equivalent of 30 seconds, and practice, practice, practice.

For those who are trying out for a speaking part or even those that don’t, it helps to read through the script a couple of times. Scrips are available at the box office with a deposit. Auditioners should also spend time reflecting on what roles they would be interested in playing.

“There are three readings or ‘sides’ available. Pick one or more to practice.” Kessler-Jeffrey said. “You don’t need to memorize anything for auditions.”

He added that there are a few things that he is always looking for; excitement about the show and the role, preparation for the reading, connection to the other people auditioners are reading with, diction and projection, and how well an actor fits the part. “And one last thing—how well does an actor get along with other people?” Kessler-Jeffrey said. “We spend a lot of time together working on a show and being someone who encourages others and brings positivity to the room can make a huge difference.”

People should hear back within two days, according to Kessler-Jeffrey.

Callbacks will take place Saturday, Jan. 14, at 2 p.m. at the PARC building.

“Everyone will know if they are being asked to callbacks the following weekend, and the cast list should be finalized by Jan. 21,” Kessler-Jeffrey said. “I sometimes worry that there is a misconception that if a person isn’t invited to callbacks, that they won’t be in the show. That’s not accurate. I’ve often cast people that weren’t at callbacks.’

Callbacks, he explained, are for making decisions when there are multiple options for a role.” There may be two or three people who could play a particular role and we need to try them in combination with other actors,” Kessler-Jeffrey said. Callbacks are for working through those combinations.

“I hope everyone who is even interested in auditioning comes out,” Kessler-Jeffrey said. “Also, anyone who would like to audition but can’t make the audition date is welcome to email me for an alternative time nathan@sjctheatre.org.”