Northern Light Opera Company Announces Auditions for Once Upon a Mattress
Location: Park Rapids, MN
Audition Dates: March 21-22, 2025
Performance Dates: July 25 – August 2, 2025
The Northern Light Opera Company (NLOC) in Park Rapids, MN is seeking performers for its upcoming summer production of Once Upon a Mattress. Auditions will take place on Friday, March 21, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday, March 22, at 10:00 a.m. at the Armory Arts and Events Center (203 Park Avenue, Park Rapids). Callbacks and dance auditions will follow on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
About the Northern Light Opera Company
Since 2002, NLOC has brought the magic of musical theater to the Northwoods of Minnesota. Each summer, the Park Rapids community unites to create vibrant productions, with volunteers and professionals collaborating to bring classic musicals to life. The company is known for its high-quality performances, dedicated cast and crew, and commitment to theatrical storytelling.
About Once Upon a Mattress
Originally debuting on Broadway with Carol Burnett as Princess Winnifred, this hilarious musical reimagines the fairy tale of The Princess and the Pea. With memorable music, whimsical characters, and a fast-paced story, it’s a perfect blend of humor and heart.
Audition Information
- Location: Armory Arts and Events Center, Park Rapids, MN
- Dates & Times:
- Friday, March 21: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, March 22: 10:00 a.m. (General Auditions)
- Saturday, March 22: 1:00 p.m. (Callbacks & Dance Auditions)
- What to Prepare:
- A short song (musical theater or similar style)
- Cold readings from the script
- Comfortable clothing for movement/dance auditions (if called back)
Please see our theater section for auditions in other locations.
Character Breakdown
NLOC welcomes performers of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels.
- Minstrel (Male, Tenor, 20-35) – The charming narrator of the show who falls for Lady Larken and helps thwart the Queen’s schemes.
- Queen Aggravain (Female, Alto, 50-65) – The overbearing and cunning Queen who refuses to let her son marry.
- King Sextimus the Silent (Male, Non-Speaking, 50-70) – A comedic and expressive king who has lost his voice due to a curse.
- Prince Dauntless (Male, Baritone, 22-35) – The eager yet naïve prince desperate to find a wife.
- Princess Winnifred the Woebegone (Female, Mezzo-Soprano, 20-35) – A strong-willed and unconventional princess from the swamps.
- Lady Larken (Female, Soprano, 18-30) – A beautiful lady-in-waiting who is secretly pregnant and desperate to marry Sir Harry.
- Sir Harry (Male, Tenor, 20-35) – A noble knight determined to find a princess for Dauntless so he can wed Lady Larken.
- Wizard (Male, Baritone, 35-80) – The Queen’s sneaky henchman who devises impossible tests for potential princesses.
- Jester (Male, Tenor, 20-40) – A lively performer and loyal companion to the King.
- Supporting Roles: Various knights, ladies-in-waiting, castle staff, and townspeople to complete the ensemble.
For a full list of characters and descriptions, visit www.northernlightopera.org.
Additional Information
- Rehearsals begin in June with a schedule to be announced after casting.
- Costumes: Actors are encouraged to provide or create their own period-appropriate attire (with assistance from the costume department).
- All roles are volunteer-based.
Interested performers should visit www.northernlightopera.org for more details.
