OPEN AUDITIONS – Beauty and the Beast
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST – AUDITION INFORMATION
Audition Dates:
KIDS Tuesday, 8/20 @ 5pm Saturday, 8/24 @ 12:30pm
ADULTS Saturday, 8/24 @ 2pm Monday, 8/26 @ 6:30pm Tuesday, 8/27 @ 6:30pm
All auditions will include singing, line readings, and some choreography. Please wear appropriate shoes (avoid flip flops).
The Garfield’s limited back stage space and the vast number of characters in this script create a situation that several people will be cast in double or even triple roles. Come to the audition with a target role. I will endeavor to distribute the roles in a way that meets my vision for this production. Helping behind the scenes is just as important to the success of any production. The audition form will give you the opportunity to express your interest in working on the crew. If you have questions, email me at kafkasmith@gmail.com – Please place BEAUTY AND THE BEAST in the Subject Line.
You should also be aware that Disney and MTI have made recent revisions to this script/score. Songs have been deleted and added – in part to make the story more family friendly and to expedite story telling. Specifically, Maurice’s song, “No Matter What” and “Maison des Lunes” have been cut and Belle’s new song, “A Change in Me” was added.
Chart #1 - PRINCIPAL ROLES
Description – Audition song – YouTube resources
The chart includes the preferred audition material for your singing auditions. Please audition from this provided song list. Any other vocal audition must be: 1) from a Broadway show, 2) limited in time to approximately 1 minute, and 3) you must provide a link to backing tracks (YouTube or Spotify). No a capella auditions.
I’ve provided YouTube resources with time markings (with and without vocals) for the specific section of the song you will be asked to sing. Some of you may want copies of the sheet music. Email me (kafkasmith@gmail.com) to request a copy (please focus on a single song). I will have lyrics and sheet music at the auditions for your use. You are not expected to memorize lyrics.
The Town BELLE, an intelligent and insightful young woman, longs for a life of adventure and belonging. Willing to sacrifice herself to save her father, she exhibits heroic altruism and selfless love. While kind-hearted and gentle, Belle proves her strength when she stands up to the brutish Gaston. Belle should have a strong mezzo voice and discernible chemistry with the actor playing the Beast. In the current version of the play, a new song has been added for Belle, “A Change in Me”. Mezzo-Soprano. No specific age is identified. | |
“Home” | Vocals: https://youtu.be/uPuSboE9x4Y?si=CZx9q8Mas_sYNqPv (Time Stamp 2:41 to End) Accompaniment: https://youtu.be/jDzEtbB-7CE?si=nCUFyTwW-tbWFfud (Time Stamp 1:50 to End) Lyrics provided with Track. |
The BEAST, a spoiled prince turned into a terrifying beast, struggles to maintain his humanity as the Enchantress’s spell grows stronger. His hot temper can frighten and push people away, but a loving heart is buried beneath his gruff exterior. The actor who plays the Beast needs to evince a strong physicality to convey intense emotion and animal behavior; he must also be able to sell his agony of loss., so look for an actor who can sing “If I Can’t Love Her” with strength and commitment. Bass-Baritone. No specific age is identified. | |
“If I Can’t Love Her” | Vocals: https://youtu.be/BNfmf0UvI0E?si=t_tJXLeeg661C8″FN (Time Stamp 2:58 to End) Accompaniment: https://youtu.be/2A_aQdlH67Q?si=_bS4JrvFR2PHYkVF (Time Stamp 2:58 to end) Lyrics provided with Track. |
MAURICE, an inventor, is Belle’s loving and supportive father. A bit of an eccentric who often gets lost in his own world while tinkering on his contraptions, the villagers incorrectly label him a “crazy old man.” If you are familiar with older productions, you are aware of Maurice’s song (“No Matter What”). In the current version of the show, Maurice’s song, “No Matter What” has been cut. Baritone. A role for a more mature actor. | |
“Human Again” (same audition song as Ensemble – See below) |
GASTON, the village celebrity, is in love with one person: himself. The epitome of toxic masculinity, Gaston earnestly and unabashedly harasses Belle, whom he values only for her beauty. Charming and manipulative, Gaston is the village’s de facto leader whose lack of understanding and compassion ultimately leads to his own downfall. Gaston is a high baritone with a large vocal range. Baritone, Bass-Baritone. No specific age is identified. | |
“Me” | Vocals: https://youtu.be/fcc25NoBDPU?si=98vYTdbGQ1M8W4vq (Time Stamp 1:44 to end) Accompaniment: https://youtu.be/pJXvZo-hdgU?si=NwDB6DM11o1FsfN9 (Time Stamp 1:37 to end) Lyrics provided with Track. |
LEFOU, Gaston’s bumbling sidekick, is always there to boost his pal’s spirits. Lefou loyally and energetically serves Gaston, but lacking in good judgement, rarely thinks things through. Lefou should have good physical comedy skills. Baritone. No specific age is identified. | |
“Gaston” | Vocals: https://youtu.be/xycQyTgvEuU?si=xhXqci-gtuy6Sp5s (Time Stamp 0:40 to 1:10) Accompaniment: https://youtu.be/Okr1Ge2TkH0?si=bxFws6NezuL5z-TP (Time Stamp 0:40 to 1:10) Lyrics provided with Track. |
**Mrs. Potts and Lumiere will audition with individual songs AND also in a group audition of “Human Again” – see below.**
Cogsworth, Madame Grande Bouche, Babette, and Chip will all audition the same section of “Human Again” per these instructions. In order to provide solo opportunities for the featured enchanted characters, I will ask the group of 6 to sing the song together. Each solo will be featured as noted in the music.
Vocals: https://youtu.be/Zf9aXVEEbRI?si=IU6WohSPu3ZFl27r
(Time Stamp :20 to 2:38) Do not be concerned with harmonies for this audition – sing in unison.
Accompaniment: https://youtu.be/TFAK8Rk0uCE?si=1gGOMQ41lAkspFkB
(Time Stamp: :16 to 2:30)
MRS. POTTS, a warm-hearted enchanted teapot, is the comforting caretaker among the castle staff. A wise and patient maternal figure, she is quick to offer a spot of tea and a dash of advice to anyone in need. Mrs. Potts is an alto who sings the title song. She speaks with a proper British accent. Mezzo-Soprano. No specific age is identified. | |
“Beauty and the Beast” and “Human Again” | Vocals: https://youtu.be/EFEP5yUFAMk?si=eJMZ1FEWM07EXZPH (Time Stamp 1:57 to end) Accompaniment: https://youtu.be/Cn8hxtw44h0?si=rjH7OQnPTelnlG_X (Time Stamp 1:11 to end) Lyrics provided with Track. |
LUMIERE, a suave and debonair enchanted candelabra, finds the light even in the darkest of places. He loyally serves the Beast and counters his gloomy disposition with an optimistic flare. Looking for a strong actor who can first and foremost pull off his flirtatious and funny nature. Lumiere will speak with a French accent. Baritone. No specific age is identified. | |
“Be Our Guest” & “Human Again” | Vocals: https://youtu.be/E-p5lzbnPzk?si=QuUzCVUnWTGXWk8i (Time Stamp beginning to 1:00) Accompaniment: https://youtu.be/LcWrZz7vAIo?si=-C5T2tAyu89iPOso (Time Stamp beginning to :55) |
COGSWORTH, a tightly-wound and enchanted mantle clock, serves as the head of the Beast’s household. Never one to disobey the Beast, he spends most of his time trying to talk Lumiere out of whatever convoluted plan he’s devising. Despite his tendency to appear uptight and strict, Cogsworth proves hardworking and loyal. He speaks very properly with a British accent. Baritone. By professional reputation as part of the Prince’s staff, Cogsworth is likely a mature actor. | |
“Human Again” (See ** details above) |
MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE, a former opera diva turned enchanted wardrobe, is a larger-than-life personality who helps lift Belle’s spirits when she first arrives at the castle. Without her elaborate and theatrical costuming, Madame finds life difficult, but always manages to retain an air of elegance and refinement. She speaks with a British accent. Soprano. No specific age is identified – however, her professional accomplishments suggest she is more mature. | |
“Human Again” (See ** details above) |
BABETTE, an enchanted feather duster, is fun-loving and flirtatious. Bold and brazen, Babette is the embodiment of the vain and enticing French maid. Babette will speak with a French accent. Soprano. No specific age is identified. | |
“Human Again” (See ** details above) |
CHIP, Mrs. Potts’s darling child, is a playful and bright-eyed enchanted teacup. Chip’s innocence and cheer make sipping tea a delightful experience, winning over even the grumpiest of hearts. Either Gender. Treble/Boy Soprano. The age for this role is flexible, ideally, Chip is grade school age. | |
“Human Again” (See ** details above) |
“Human Again” | Vocals: https://youtu.be/Zf9aXVEEbRI?si=Ax9ymVZZWxFl_xvi From time stamp: 3:17 to End Accompaniment only: https://youtu.be/TFAK8Rk0uCE?si=1gGOMQ41lAkspFkB Time Stamp: 3:15 to End (lyrics provided with track) |
Chart #2 - SUPPORTING ROLES AND ENSEMBLE
This chart identifies the Supporting Roles/Ensemble to be cast. I will be casting a limited number of children ages 8 and up. There are 3 specific roles that are a good fit for teenage girls.
The following roles are part of the Ensemble. Some players may be double/triple cast:
1.NARRATOR, a voiceover who will deliver the prologue. | Male | – | Speaking Role |
2. OLD BEGGAR WOMAN, a haggard-looking old woman, reveals herself to be a beautiful enchantress. | Female | – | – |
3. LES FILLES DE LA VILLE (3), French for “village girls,” are a group of Gaston’s fanatical female followers who energetically pursue him in the hopes of winning his affections. Though only three filles have lines, they do sing as a group often. Teen girls are strong candidates for these parts. Mezzo-soprano. | Female | – | Speaking Role |
4. MONSIEUR D’ARQUE, the scheming proprietor of the local asylum, is a dark and sinister force behind Gaston’s scheme to win Belle. Tenor. | Male | – | Speaking Role |
5. CRONIES, frequenters at the tavern, are Gaston’s drinking companions. Loud and rowdy, they love a good laugh, even at the expense of innocent and eccentric villagers, like Maurice. | Male | – | Speaking Role |
6. Other VILLAGERS create the hustle and bustle of daily life in the small provincial town. The adult ensemble will be between 8-12 players. They may include: | |||
a. Shepherd | Flex | Singing Solo | |
b. Marie | Female | Singing Solo | |
c. Tavern Master | Flex | Singing Solo | |
d. Laundry Lady | Female | Singing Solo | |
e. Baker | Male | Speaking Role | |
f. Milkmaid | Female | Singing Solo | |
g. Flower Seller | Flex | Singing Solo | |
h. Sausage Curl Lady | Female | Singing Solo | |
i. Candlemaker | Flex | Singing Solo | |
j. Hat Seller | Flex | Singing Solo | |
k. Bookseller | Flex | Singing Solo | |
7. WOLVES, violent and frightening creatures of the forest, are known to attack innocent wanderers. Kids 8 and up are ideal for these roles. | Flex | – | – |
8. Other enchanted CASTLE STAFF, including the: gargoyles (2), flatware, dishes, napkins, etc. Kids 8 and up are ideal for these roles, mixed with adults, as needed. | Flex | – | – |