Cincinnati Landmark Productions to hold auditions for ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
*** ALL INDIVIDUALS MUST ARRIVE AT 6:00PM TO LEARN THE DANCE CALL ***
- Sunday, May 31,2026 from 6:00-9:00pm
- Monday, June 1, 2026 from 6:00-9:00pm
Invited Callbacks:
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Audition & Callback Location:
The Warsaw Federal Incline Theater – 801 Matson Place, Cincinnati, OH 45204
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
October 8 – November 1, 2026
Music by Mary Rodgers Lyrics by Marshall Barer
Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer
Many moons about in a far-office place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son Price 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 Larken 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.
Production Team: Colin Waters, Director; Joseph Rivers, Music Director; Rachael Petranek, Choreographer; Jenny Lutes, Production Stage Manager
PRODUCTION TIMELINE:
Rehearsals will take place at our rehearsal space located at The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts. Rehearsal dates are subject to finalization based upon cast selections/availability. Not all cast is required at all rehearsals.
Rehearsals:
– Rehearsals begin Monday, August 31st
– Rehearsals run every Sunday-Thursday through Thursday, October 1st
– Sunday rehearsals run 6:00-10:00; Weeknight rehearsals run 6:30-10:30
– A detailed rehearsal schedule will be published for the cast closer to the start of rehearsal
Tech Rehearsals:
– May Not Be Missed
– Sunday, October 4-Wednesday, October 7 from 6:00-11:00pm
Performances:
– October 8-November 1, 2026
– Thursday-Saturday Performances at 7:30pm
– Sunday Performances at 2:00pm
IMPORTANT AUDITION INFORMATION:
Production Notices
– The production team is planning to follow the contemporary revival of the production rather than the traditional golden age style
– Must be a minimum of 16 years of age
– No roles have been precast
– All roles are paid positions
– Housing and transportation are not provided and are the responsibility of the actor
Audition Information
– All Individuals must arrive at 6:00pm to learn the dance call
– Please prepare a 16-32 bar cut of a musical theatre song in the style of the show
– Please bring sheet music that is clearly marked for our accompanist
– Must have a resume listing theatrical experience
– Complete the following audition form Once Upon A Mattress Audition Form
– All auditionees will receive notice within 1 month of auditions about final casting decisions
– If you are unable to attend auditions, but would still like to be considered for this production, please contact Shannon Eaton at shannoneaton@clpshows.org no later than Friday, May 29th at 5:00pm.
Please contact Shannon Eaton at shannoneaton@clpshows.org for any questions.
ROLES: Cast members do not have to be the actual ages of the characters in any of the productions, but must be able to look age-appropriate and act accordingly
Princess Winnifred the Woebegone Female, Age 20-30, Mezzo-Soprano (A3-C#5/Db5)
A feisty, outspoken, independent, strong, optimistic, and free-thinking princess from the swamp lands. She isn’t too good with manners. She wants to get married, but must go through the queen’s unfair test as well. The Prince, naturally, falls madly in love with her.
Prince Dauntless Male, Age 22-35, Tenor (C3-C5)
A nice, not too smart, 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.
Queen Aggravain Female, Age 50-65, Alto (A3-B4)
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, Age 50-65, Silent
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.
Minstrel Male, Age 20-35, Tenor (D3-G#4/Ab4)
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.
Jester Male, Age 25-40, Tenor (C#3/Db3-G#4/Ab4)
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.
Wizard Male, Age 60-85, Baritone (A2-G3)
The egotistical, ex-performer who directly serves the Queen. He is the Queen’s Henchman and thinks of all the Princess’ tests. He prides himself in his position and basically obeys all of the Queen’s orders.
Lady Larken Female, Age 18-27 Soprano (C#4/Db4-G#5/Ab5)
The Queen’s Lady-in-Waiting but is 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, Age 25-35, Tenor (C3-G4)
The Queen’s Champion-in-Arms – the Lancelot of Knights – the macho, slightly egotistical, brave, romantic knight who decides to leave the kingdom to search for a princess, and finds Princess Winnifred in the swamp. Easily jealous, but loves Lady Larken with all his heart. Harry cannot marry Lady Larken until Prince Dauntless has found a suitable bride.
Female Ensemble
Assorted Ladies including featured roles such as Lady Mabelle, Lady Rowena, Princess No. 12, and the Nightingale of Samarkan
Male Ensemble
Assorted Lords and Knights including features roles such as Sir Studley and Sir Luce.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 