Step Two:
Register for an in-person audition slot here. If the in-person audition slots are all full, video submissions are accepted by Nov 9 to the email lmccomas@saltpa.com. In-person auditions are preferred. See below for audition prep.
About This Production
We are so excited to produce Once Upon a Mattress in SALT 2.0's renovated space in Chester Springs! New video wall! New surround-sound system! New scene shop! New special FX! This will be a truly magical production! This show will also be in partnership with Acting Antics, who will perform the show for two weekends after our run.
Audition Dates
​​​Initial auditions will take place at our WEST CHESTER LOCATION (19 Hagerty Blvd, 19425) in person via time slots (register above) on Nov 9 & 11, 2025. If you absolutely cannot make an in-person time slot on either evening (which is much preferred), video submissions will be accepted, emailed to LMcComas@saltpa.com by Nov 9. Please put "Mattress Audition" in the subject of the email. Callbacks will take place if necessary and by invitation-only on Nov 17.
Performance Dates
Once Upon a Mattress performances will take place on the weekends of Feb 6-22, 2026. All performances will take place at SALT's Chester Springs location (1645 Art School Rd, Chester Springs, PA 19425).
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will typically take place primarily in Chester Springs on Sundays, Tuesday evenings, & Thursday evenings (with a few exceptions). A full production schedule can be found here. Please note that the Mainstage production details on this document are in BLUE; please indicate all conflicts with the blue schedule on your audition form.
Please note that any conflicts with blue Mainstage tech rehearsals or performances will not be accepted.
Audition Format
Please prepare to sing two song cuts (32 measures each) in the style of the show; one or both can be from the show, but they do not have to be from the show. Bring your sheet music with cuts clearly marked in a binder for our live accompanist. If you are auditioning for the King, please be prepared to tell us a short joke, and then afterwards act out the joke with no words.
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Compensation
This is a community theatre production performed on a volunteer basis.
Roles
All roles are open and SALT encourages all performers to submit for any role regardless of type, gender, ability, race, ethnicity, sexuality, neurodiversity, and similarity to the source material or original Broadway cast. ​​​
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We are seeking to cast:
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PRINCESS WINNIFRED: Lead (20s– 30s). Vocal Range– Belt (A3 to F5).
Character Description: She is the antithesis of a storybook princess. She can swim moats, lift weights and prefers her home in the swamp to a fancy castle. She is energetic, adventurous, independent and optimistic.
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QUEEN AGGRAVAIN: Lead (50s–60s). Vocal Range– Alto (A3 to B4).
Character Description: Overly protective of her only son, Dauntless. When in a room, she dominates the scene. She is overbearing, energetic, domineering, and comedic.
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JESTER: Lead– Any Gender (20s– 50s). Vocal Range– Tenor (C#4 to Ab5).
Character Description: Secretly loves show business and the “good old days”. Especially loyal to the King & the Minstrel.
PRINCE DAUNTLESS: Lead– (20s–30s). Vocal Range– Baritone (A3 to E5).
Character Description: Still a “mama’s boy,” but clearly ready to move on. He is child-like, naïve, with an affable sense of innocence. He adores Winnifred and is in awe of her every step.
LADY LARKEN: Lead–(20s–30s). Vocal Range– Soprano (B3 to Aâ™ 5).
Character Description: She is graceful, charming and in love with Sir Harry. She is very anxious for Dauntless to marry so she can wed Harry before her little bundle arrives. Is eager to please and would never cause embarrassment to her beloved Sir Harry.
SIR HARRY: Lead– (20s–30s). Vocal Range– Tenor (C4 to F5).
Character Description: He is a handsome and manly knight, but a bit of a “stuffed shirt.” He may one day become the Prime Minister, if he can find a Princess to marry Dauntless, which will allow him to wed Lady Larken. He is chivalrous, brave, determined and a bit full of himself.
MINSTREL: Supporting– Any Gender (20s– 40s). Vocal Range– Tenor (D4 to Aâ™ 5).
Character Description: Attractive and “worldly”. Has an air of confidence and enjoys telling the real story to the audience. Likeable and cunning when necessary.
WIZARD: Supporting– Any Gender (40’s– 60’s). NON-SINGING role.
Character Description: The Queen’s loyal confidante. Magical, mysterious and able to do several magic tricks. Possesses a sense of “the dark side” and showmanship.
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KING SEXTIMUS, THE SILENT: Supporting– (50s- 60s). NON-SINGING role.
Character Description: An eye for the ladies! Due to a curse, he is mute, but you always know what he is thinking. He is expressive, mischievous and playful with strong facial and physical comedy. (Strong pantomime skills a plus)
ENSEMBLE: Supporting- (Ages 16+) Multiple featured roles: Sir Studley, Sir Luce, Princess No. 12, Kitchen Wench, Emily, Lady Mabelle, Nightingale, Ladies-in-Waiting: Rowena, Merrill and Lucille, Knights #1, #2, #3, Soldiers, Servants, Musicians. ​​​