We are thrilled to announce auditions for
Beauty and the Beast!

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LOCATION: Portland Players, 420 Cottage Road, South Portland
 

AUDITION DATES:

Sunday, September 17 - 6:00 PM
Monday, September 18 - 6:00 PM
(You only need to attend one night of auditions.)

Callbacks will be scheduled if required by the directing team.
 

Director: Michael Donovan

Music Director: Rebecca Caron

Choreographer: Kristin Sutton

Producer: Tracy Pratt

Rehearsals start September 24th and are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6:30-9:30.
You must be available for all tech week rehearsals and performances to be cast.

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MUSIC:
Please prepare a 32-bar cut of a song from the Disney canon, or similar. We will have sheet music for the show available. If you are not singing from Beauty and the Beast, you must bring sheet music with you. You may NOT sing a capella, or with a backing track. An accompanist is provided.

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DANCE:
Please be prepared to dance. A short dance combination will be taught. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

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CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
Please note there are only a few characters with age restrictions. Please audition for the role desired even if outside the character description. Casting will be based on talent, preparedness for audition and willingness to work as a team player. All roles open to non- traditional casting and encourage people of all races, ethnicities, sexuality, orientation, and physical abilities to audition.

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Belle – Mezzo-Soprano
Belle is the original fairy tale heroine-kind, gentle and beautiful – but with an important 21st century twist. She is a strong, intelligent, spirited, and independent young woman. Belle is the moral conscience of the story, elevated by her thoughts and deeds. The maturity and depth of her character allow her to see the true beauty and spirit within the Beast, and to love him for it. This role requires a strong singer who portrays innocence with her singing and speaking voice.

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The Beast – Baritone
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 beyond wishing 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 endearing side as he interacts with Belle. It becomes clear that he is a loving, feeling, human being trapped within a hideous creature’s body. This role requires a very strong singer, and the actor must have a strong speaking voice and acting ability.

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Gaston – Baritone
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.

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Lefou – Tenor/Baritone
Lefou is Gaston’s dim-witted, servile sidekick. He goes to extraordinary lengths and suffers repeated humiliation in his efforts to please his master. The actor must be comfortable with physical comedy, and the role requires strong character acting.

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Maurice – Baritone
Despite being a bit scatter-brained, there is no mistaking Maurice’s steadfast love for his daughter Belle. He is kind, gentle, enthusiastic, and inventive yet he becomes single-minded and determined to rescue Belle.

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Babette – Alto
Babette is a saucy, enchanted feather-duster, and the object of Lumiere’s affections. This role requires good character acting and she should move well, as she dances a tango with Lumiere during Be Our Guest. This character speaks with a French accent.

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Lumiére – Tenor/Baritone
Lumiére is the French butler who was transformed into a Candelabrum. He is light-hearted, suave, romantic, smooth-talking, and charming. He has a romantic involvement with Babette. This character speaks with a French accent. This role requires strong character acting, and he should move well.

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Cogsworth – Baritone
Cogsworth is a tightly wound enchanted mantle clock and the head of the Beast’s household. He is a stuffy Englishman who loves perfection. This character speaks with a British accent. This role requires strong character acting.

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Mrs Potts– Mezzo-Soprano
Mrs. Potts is a warm-hearted maternal enchanted teapot. She is loyal, caring, and playful.

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Chip – CHILD ROLE
Chip is an inquisitive little teacup who is the son of Mrs. Potts. We will be casting two Chip’s, who will share roles and double into ensemble. Looking for boys or girls ages 8-14.

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Madamé de la Grande Bouche – Soprano
Madame is a former opera diva turned enchanted wardrobe.

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Monsieur D’Arque – Tenor
D’arque is the creepy, scheming proprietor of the local insane asylum, The Maison De Lune. Also doubles as a townsperson.

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Three Silly Girls – Mezzo-Soprano
The silly girls are three pretty, young maids who swoon over Gaston. They are featured dancers who double as enchanted objects.

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ENSEMBLE:
Four Men and Four Women (16+). Individual track lists will be available at auditions. Actors will play 4-6 roles each. 

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If you cannot make the audition dates and times listed, please email a video audition to info@portlandplayers.org.