MACT
Auditions for Once Upon a Mattress
Northern Light Opera Company
Northern Light Opera Company is currently casting for our summer production of Once Upon a Mattress.
Rehearsals start June 17, and performance dates will be July 26-August 3.
If you would like to be considered for the cast, please fill out the online form below.
The sides (excerpts) we will use for the invited Call-backs will be uploaded by March 1.
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS – Character breakdown
Minstrel – male, tenor, 20-35
The handsome narrator of the story, as well as in the musical story line. He becomes smitten with Lady Larken and tries to persuade her to flee to Normandy with him. He and the Jester join forces to stop the Queen’s plans.
Queen Aggravain – female, alto, 50-65
The loud, talkative woman who really rules the country. She is an overprotective, stubborn, sly Mom who is trying to keep her son, Prince Dauntless, from getting married.
King Sextimus the Silent – male, mute, 50-70
A kind, expressive, playful, and comedic character who is silent due to a curse placed upon him by a witch before the birth of Dauntless. He likes to chase girls through the corridors of the castle. Needs good improv skills.
Prince Dauntless – male, baritone, 22-35
A nice, naive & simple, everyday type of young Prince who desperately wants to get married, but is prevented by his mother’s strict tests that she gives to all potential candidates.
Princess Winnifred the Woebegone – female, mezzo-soprano (good belt), 20-35
A feisty, outspoken, independent, strong, optimistic, and free-thinking princess from the swamp lands. She is unrefined and comfortable in her skin. She wants to get married, but must go through the queen’s unfair test as well.
Lady Larken – female, soprano, 18-30
The Queen’s beautiful Lady-in-Waiting, put in charge of Princess Winnifred. She is madly in love with Sir Harry and desperately wants to marry him because she is pregnant with his baby. She tries to flee the Kingdom after having an argument with Sir Harry, but is convinced by Winnifred to reunite with him.
Sir Harry – male, strong tenor, 20-35
He is the Queen’s Champion-in-Arms – the Lancelot of Knights – the macho, slightly egotistical, brave, romantic knight who cannot marry his love, Lady Larken, until Prince Dauntless has found a suitable bride. He decides to leave the kingdom to search for a princess for Dauntless and finds Princess Winnifred in the swamp. Easily jealous, but loves Lady Larken with all his heart.
Wizard – male, baritone, 35-80
The egotistical, ex-performer who directly serves the Queen. He is the Queen’s Henchman, and he devises all of the Princess’ tests. He prides himself in his position & basically obeys all of the Queen’s orders.
Jester – male, tenor, 20-40
An energetic and peppy man who is the King’s right-hand man and assists him with every endeavor. The Jester also plots with the Minstrel to spoil the Queen’s plans.
Sir Studley – male, n/a, good dancer, 25-45
A member of the court who dances
Lady Mabelle – female, n/a, 18-28
She’s French and doesn’t understand English to well – she just tends to say “Yes” a lot.
Princess No. 12 – female, n/a, 16-27
She is the first Princess that the audience sees who is performing the rounds of tests. Very eager, smart, thinks well on her feet – of course the Prince wants to marry her.
Nightingale of Smarkand – able to whistle, any age
A royal pet that sings a lullabye to put Winnifred to sleep
3 Knights – Sir Luce, Sir Russell, Sir Michael, Sir Humphrey – various vocal
Knights of the kingdom, singing & dancing (moving) roles.
3 Ladies-in-Waiting : Rowena, Merrill, Lucille, Helena, Sarah – various vocal
Ladies of the kingdom, singing & dancing roles
Kitchen Wench – female, n/a, 18-50
Woman chased around the castle by King Sextimus.
Emily – female, n/a, 15-30
A chambermaid of the castle.
Pantomime Characters
Servants
Soldiers
Musicians