Francis Wilson Playhouse will be holding Auditions on Sunday June 14th and Mon June 15th at 7pm for their 91st Season Opener – DISNEY’S BEAUTY & THE BEAST
Director: Jason Fortner Musical Director: Emi Stefanov.
We are seeking a large high energy cast for this spectacular Broadway musical. Auditioners will be asked to sing a 16-32 Bar musical piece, providing their own piano sheet music or recorded accompaniment. Additionally, there will be a dance movement audition. Some auditioners will be asked to read from the Libretto.
Rehearsals will be held at the Playhouse in July & August. Three weekends of shows begin August 20th and continue through September 6th, 2020.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Belle – Mezzo-Soprano. A smart, plucky young woman from a provincial town. Quite literally different from the rest of her village, and yearning for something more. She is a strong, intelligent, spirited, and independent young woman. Belle is the moral compass of the story, elevated by her thoughts and deeds. The maturity and depth of her character allows her to see the true beauty and spirit within The Beast, and to love him for it. This role requires a strong singer who can portray Belle’s maturity for her age. Songs: “Belle”, “No Matter What”, “Me”, “Belle Reprise”, “Is This Home?”, “Something There”, “A Change in Me”, “Is This Home Reprise”, “Transformation/Finale”
The Beast – Baritone. Master of the castle who used to be a prince. The Beast’s tortured soul is evident for all to see. He is paying the ultimate price for a moment of mean-spiritedness, and wishes that he could rectify his mistake. There is anger and menace in The Beast’s appearance and behavior, but increasingly we see his soft and enduring side as he interacts with Belle and recaptures his humanity. It becomes clear that he is a loving, feeling, human-being trapped within a hideous creature’s body. This role requires a strong singer, with a strong speaking voice and stage presence. Songs: “How Long Must This Go On?”, “If I Can’t Love Her”, “Something There”, “If I Can’t Love Her Reprise”, “Transformation/Finale”
Gaston – Baritone. A pompous and dim-witted “ladies man”. Gaston is the absolute antithesis of The Beast. Although he is physically handsome, he is shallow, completely self-centered, not very bright, and thrives on attention. However, when his ego is bruised he becomes a very dangerous foe for The Beast, Belle, and Maurice. This role requires a strong singer and character actor who moves well. Songs: “Me”, “Gaston”, “Gaston Reprise”, “Maison des Lunes”, “The Mob Song”
LeFou – Baritone. A dim-witted lackey to Gaston. He goes to extraordinary lengths and suffers repeated humiliation in his efforts to please his master. The actor must be comfortable with physical comedy, should move well, and be a strong character actor. Songs: “Gaston”, “Gaston Reprise”, “Maison des Lunes”
Maurice –Baritone. An inventor and Belle’s father. Despite being a bit scatter-brained, there is no mistaking Maurice’s steadfast love for his daughter Belle. Kindly, gentle, enthusiastic and inventive, he becomes single-minded and determined when Belle faces danger. Requires strong character acting and good chemistry with Belle. Songs: “No Matter What”, “No Matter What Reprise”, “Wolf Chase #1”
Mrs. Potts – Mezzo-Soprano. A cook who is becoming a teapot. Mrs. Potts is warm-hearted and the mother-figure of the enchanted castle. British or Cockney accent required. Songs: “Is This Home Tag”, “Be Our Guest”, “Something There”, “Beauty and the Beast” “Human Again”
Lumiere – Baritone. A French maître d’ who is becoming a candelabra. He is light-hearted, suave, romantic, smooth-talking, and charming. He has a romantic involvement with Babette. This role requires strong character acting, and he should move well. French accent required. Songs: “Be Our Guest”, “Something There” “Human Again”
Cogsworth – Baritone. An English major-domo of the castle who is becoming a mantle clock. He is a stuffy English man who loves perfection. Performer should be a strong character actor. British accent required. Songs: “Something There” “Be Our Guest” “Human Again”
Babette – Soprano. A maid who is becoming a feather duster. Saucy and the object of Lumiere’s affections. Role requires strong character acting and strong dancing. French accent required. “Human Again” “Be Our Guest” “
Madame de la Grande Bouche – Soprano. An opera singer who is becoming a wardrobe. Role requires great comedic timing, strong character acting, and strong singing voice. “Human Again” “Be Our Guest”
Chip – Tenor. Mrs. Potts’ son, who is becoming a teacup. He is innocent, playful, and bright-eyed. Performer should be comfortable in confined spaces. Songs: “Be Our Guest” “Something There”
Monsieur D’Arque – Baritone. Proprietor of the lunatic asylum. Requires strong character acting. Will double in ensemble.
Narrator – Non-singing. A voiceover during the Prologue. Only in Prologue. Performer will double as another role or ensemble member. Requires a strong speaking voice.
Young Man – Non-singing. A selfish prince. Only in Prologue. Performer will double as another role or ensemble member. Requires strong pantomime acting.
Old Beggar Woman – Non-singing. An enchantress in disguise. Only in Prologue. Performer will double as another role or ensemble member. Requires strong pantomime acting.
Silly Girls – Sopranos/Mezzo-Sopranos. Require strong character acting. Will double in ensemble. Songs: “Gaston”
Ensemble – All ensemble members will play both the Townspeople of the Village as well as the magical Servants of the Beast’s castle. Individual ensemble roles will be given out during rehearsals. Lots of high energy songs and dances plus the chance to play many roles. Great fun for all involved. Numbers include “Belle” “Gaston” “Be Our Guest” “Human Again” “The Mob Song” and more.
For the Auditions the Playhouse will adapt the following social distancing measures. We want everyone to have a safe theatre experience.
1. If feeling ill do not attend the physical audition. You may send a video singing audition and online resume via email to: happgood@aol.com
2. Contactless Body Temperature readings will be taken at Sign In Desk for all participants. Those who read over 100 degrees may not audition at that time.
3. Face masks are required in Lobby but not for individual solo singing auditions on stage.
4. Social Distancing Spacing will be used inside auditorium for group audition portions. Taped Marks on stage will delineate areas.
5. Please do not bring extra friends & family to auditions. For “Chip” audition a parent may be present. We cannot overcrowd the Lobby.
6. Theatre will have Masks and Hand Sanitizer available.
Thank you for your participation and understanding. (As conditions change/improve these guidelines may change for rehearsals. Full Performance guidelines have not been determined.) **