Lethbridge Musical Theatre is thrilled to roll out the royal carpet for auditions to our 2025 production of Once Upon a Mattress! We’re on the hunt for talented dreamers, dancers, and singers to help bring this charming, fairy-tale musical to life.
Check out the audition details below and get ready to make some magic!
This story begins in a faraway kingdom long ago. Due to an unhappy curse, King Sextimus is unable to speak. Meanwhile, his terror-of-a-wife, Queen Aggravain, has taken over control of the kingdom. Most importantly, in an attempt to keep Prince Dauntless single, she has decreed that only the princess that can pass her test may marry her son. Further, no one else in the kingdom may marry until Prince Dauntless does. Lady Larken and Sir Harry are extremely disturbed by this fact since Lady Larken is now pregnant with Sir Harry's baby.
Luckily, Sir Harry is able to find an amazing princess, Winnifred the Woebegone. She instantly catches the attention of Prince Dauntless, and in the end, is able to pass the Queen's supposedly impassable sensitivity test. When the Queen still tries to prevent the Prince Dauntless from marrying, he tells her to 'shut up' which ends up breaking the curse on the king. Now able to speak, King Sextimus regains his rightful position as leader of the kingdom, and all is well.
Mary Rodger’s classic Once Upon A Mattress is a delightful musical that is sure to become a fan favourite in theatres everywhere!
Please note: Music rehearsals will begin mid-August, with a read-through around the same time. Rehearsals run on weekday evenings with some weekend commitments. We’ll schedule efficiently to respect your time. The show runs October 23–November 1, with strike on November 2. A full calendar will be provided before rehearsals begin
Once Upon a Mattress
Directed by Laurie Mitchell
Music Direction by Monica Baczuk
Choreography by Gerry Unger
Audition Dates:
Wednesday, May 14 – CASA Dance Studio, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 18 – CASA Dance Studio, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you are unable to attend these dates, we will also accept self-tapes. Please follow the instructions on the audition form for submission.
Callbacks:
Monday, May 26 – CASA Community Room, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
How to Audition:
To prepare for your audition, please complete the provided audition form and submit it along with a headshot and full-length body shot. You’ll sign up for a specific date and time slot to audition. Song selections are attached with the audition form and under each audition package button.
A pianist will be available to accompany you. Alternatively, you are welcome to perform a cappella if you prefer.
Each audition will be structured as follows:
5-minute individual audition: You’ll introduce yourself, answer a few questions based on your resume, and then perform the provided songs.
Short reading session: After singing, you’ll stay for a brief group reading with approximately five other auditionees. Please review the included sides so you’re familiar with the reading material.
Total audition time per person is approximately 40 minutes. This includes the individual singing portion (around 5 minutes) and a group reading session (about 10 minutes).
Virtual Audition Option:
If you cannot attend in person, we are offering a virtual audition. To audition virtually, please submit a video of yourself including the following:
Your name
The role you are interested in
Any other key facts about yourself (such as your experience or why you are interested in the show)
A maximum of 90 seconds of a song of your choosing from the audition package (sung with or without accompaniment)
Please send your video along with the completed audition form, headshot, and full-length body shot to info@lethbridgemusicaltheatre.com.
We look forward to seeing you at auditions—whether in person or virtually—and are excited to find the perfect cast for Once Upon a Mattress!
Audition Information
Character Breakdown
Prince Dauntless
Role: Lead | Sex: M | Voice: Baritone (A3 to E4)
A handsome, young prince who desperately wants to get married but is prevented by his mother’s strict tests for all potential candidates.
Princess Winnifred the Woebegone
Role: Lead | Sex: F | Voice: Belt (A3 to D♭5)
An outspoken, strong, and optimistic princess from the swamp lands who also wants to get married but must face the queen’s unfair test.
Queen Aggravain
Role: Lead | Sex: F | Voice: Alto (A3 to B4)
A loud, talkative woman who rules the country and is determined to keep her son, Prince Dauntless, from marrying.
Jester
Role: Supporting | Sex: M or F | Voice: Tenor (D♭3 to A♭4)
An energetic and peppy man, the King's right-hand, who helps foil the Queen’s plans along with the Minstrel.
King Sextimus the Silent
Role: Supporting | Sex: M | Voice: Mute
A kind, expressive, and playful man who is silent due to a curse. He enjoys chasing girls through the castle corridors.
Lady Larken
Role: Supporting | Sex: F | Voice: Soprano (D♭4 to A♭5)
A beautiful woman who desperately wants to marry Sir Harry as she’s pregnant with his baby. She tries to flee the Kingdom but is convinced by Winnifred to reunite with Sir Harry.
Minstrel
Role: Supporting | Sex: M | Voice: Tenor (D3 to A♭4)
The handsome narrator who falls for Lady Larken and attempts to persuade her to flee with him. He joins forces with the Jester to thwart the Queen's plans.
Sir Harry
Role: Supporting | Sex: M | Voice: Tenor (C3 to G4)
A macho, romantic knight who leaves the kingdom to search for a princess. He cannot marry Lady Larken until Prince Dauntless find his bride.
Wizard
Role: Supporting | Sex: M | Voice: Baritone (low: A2)
An egotistical ex-performer who serves the Queen directly.
Kitchen Wench
Role: Cameo | Sex: F | Voice: N/A
A woman chased around the castle by King Sextimus.
Lady Lucille
Role: Cameo | Sex: F | Voice: N/A
Lady Mabelle
Role: Cameo | Sex: F | Voice: Alto
A beautiful woman with a French accent.
Lady Merril
Role: Cameo | Sex: F | Voice: N/A
Lady Rowena
Role: Cameo | Sex: F | Voice: N/A
Princess No. 12
Role: Cameo | Sex: F | Voice: N/A
A ditsy princess.
Sir Studley
Role: Cameo | Sex: M | Voice: N/A
A member of the court who dances.
Ladies-in-Waiting, Knights, Soldiers, Servants, Musicians
Role: Chorus
We’re looking for a talented and diverse cast to bring the whimsical world of Once Upon a Mattress to life!
Below is a list of the characters in this enchanting musical, along with their descriptions and vocal requirements. Whether you're vying for a lead role or a cameo, there’s a part for everyone in this hilarious, fairy-tale comedy. Take a look at the breakdown to see where you fit into the royal story!
Audition Location
Join us at Casa Dance Studio for auditions for our upcoming production of Once Upon a Mattress. We can't wait to see your talent!
Address
230 8 St S, Lethbridge, AB
Contact Us
For audition inquiries regarding Once Upon a Mattress, please reach out through our contact form.