AUDITIONS

 May 23, 24 & 25^th @ 7pm

Kincardine Centre for the Arts

707 Queen St. Kincardine

 

To download all audition information Click Here

 

Auditions can be a nerve-racking experience for everyone. Hopefully, you will find the following information of help in answering your questions and generating excitement for this show. If you still have any questions prior to the audition dates, please check our website (www.kincardinetheatreguild.com) for updates, or contact Jennifer Neil (j.neil8525@gmail.com) or Wyonne Baribeau (wyonneb@gmail.com). At auditions, feel free to ask one of our volunteers with a name badge for help. If they do not immediately know the answer, they will find out for you.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Synopsis

In the Prologue, a selfish Prince offends an Enchantress, who retaliates by turning him and his entire household into non-humans. If he can find someone to love and who will love him in return, the spell will be broken.

Some years later, Belle and her inventor father, Maurice, have moved to a small village in France, where Maurice’s eccentricity and Belle’s independent spirit make them stand out as odd amongst the townsfolk. Belle, a reader, dreams of a different life, one with more excitement and romance. The town hunk, Gaston, has set his eyes on Belle as his future wife, ignoring her aversion to everything he can offer her.

Maurice is waylaid by a pack of wolves on his way to display his latest invention. He takes refuge in a huge castle, inhabited by a Beast and some strange characters. Fearing something has happened to her father, Belle rushes to the castle, finding him held prisoner. She offers to exchange her freedom for Maurice. In this magical setting, both Belle and the Beast discover that physical appearance means nothing where the heart is concerned. But Gaston is not so easily put off, and our lovers have one more hurdle to overcome.

This show is based on the animated Disney classic, with some extra music and magic to delight audiences of all ages.

NOTES ABOUT CASTING

• NO ROLES HAVE BEEN PRE-CAST—this means everyone who comes out has the same chance as anyone else to get a part.
• While there are children in this show, this is NOT a Disney, Jr. title, cast only with children. We are looking to cast 10 children, in addition to Chip. We regret we cannot cast more children.
• Any child being considered as Chip may be asked to participate with adult actors.

THE AUDITION PROCESS

1. Please read this entire document and complete the following. Bring these completed sheets with you to the audition.

• Scheduling Sheet
• Audition Form
• Release Form (for publicity purposes)

2. We will be taking a photo of you at auditions to refresh our memories as we discuss casting.
3. You will be asked to sing a short song of your choice (family-friendly!) for our production team to assess your range and find the best role for you, if any.
4. If you are interested in a named part (see descriptions below), you will be asked to read lines from the script with other actors.
5. There will be a 10-minute break for dance and movement, each night. This is mostly to get the nerves out, but we will be watching how you move.
6. The director will make all final decisions on casting and phone those who are cast on their preferred numbers by 8 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2023.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

We want you to succeed! We also want this to be a fun experience, so relax and do your best.

• From the moment you enter the room, your audition has begun.
• We will be watching how you handle mistakes (we all make them). As Taylor Swift says, “shake it off,” and try again.
• Your behaviour is as important as your skills. This is a community theatre, and we all work together to create magic for our audiences. We will be looking for people who can follow directions, are willing to try new things, and have a positive attitude.

SCHEDULING (complete and bring to auditions)

Circle the rehearsal dates you are UNAVAILABLE to attend. While we can accommodate some unanticipated conflicts (such as for illness), we are unable to move or change these dates. If you find you are circling more than five (5) dates, please be aware this could be a barrier to casting you in the show.

Tuesday Rehearsal Dates:

September 5, 12, 19, 26

October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (adults only, so the kids can Trick or Treat)

November 7, 14 (Tech), 21

 

Thursday Rehearsal Dates:

September 7, 14, 21, 28

October 5, 12, 19, 26

November 9, 16 (Tech), 23

 

Sunday Rehearsal Dates:

September 10, 17, 24

October 1, 15, 22, 29

November 5, 12 (Tech), 19 (Dress Rehearsal)

*Please note there is no rehearsal on October 8, for Thanksgiving.

 

MANDATORY DATES

These dates are essential for the success of the show, and so everyone in the cast MUST ATTEND. If these dates do not work for you, please do not audition.

All Weekend Rehearsal (times TBD): October 28 & 29.

Tech Week Rehearsals: November 12, 14, 16.

Dress Rehearsal: November 19.

 

PERFORMANCES (also Mandatory)

Friday, November 24, 7:30 p.m.                                 Saturday, December 2, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 25, 2:00 p.m.                             Sunday, December 3, 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 26, 2:00 p.m.                               Thursday, December 7, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 30, 7:30 p.m.                            Friday, December 8, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 1, 7:30 p.m.                                   Saturday, December 9, 2:00 p.m.

 

AUDITION SHEET

 The information provided on this form is being collected for the purpose of this audition. It will be stored securely and disposed of securely when the parts have been assigned. If the auditioner becomes a member, their contact information will be passed on to the Guild Membership Director for the purposes of communication.

 Name: ______________________________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________

Preferred Phone Number: ____________________________ Home? Cell? Can we text you? Y/N (circle)

E-mail: _______________________________________________________________________________

 

Please write any stage roles you have previously performed on the back of this sheet.

Role(s) you are auditioning for: ___________________________________________________________

Will you accept another role, including in the Ensemble? Y/N (circle)

Will you take on a crew role in the event you are not successful in your audition: Y/N (circle)

 

For Kids:

Age: ________   Grade: ______ School:_________________________________________________

Parent Names: ________________________________________________________________________

Parent Email: __________________________________________________________________________

Parent Phone: _________________________________________________________________________

 

Signature (if under 18, a parent’s signature):

 

_______________________________________________________

 

RELEASE FORM

I, ________________________________, acknowledge than my image will be captured for audition purposes, and for publicity of the show.

 

I also agree to help promote this show by engaging in media interviews, social media posts and other forms of advertising as my schedule permits.

 

Signed: _____________________________________ (if under 18, parent must sign)

 

ROLES

Prince/Beast (Male, age 18 – 25)

A spoiled, selfish, and unkind prince is transformed into the Beast.

Old Beggar Woman (Female, age 20+)

A haggard-looking woman reveals herself to be a beautiful enchantress. This part will be doubled with that of Babette, the feather duster.

Belle (Female, age 16 – 25)

An intelligent and insightful young woman who 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.

Songs: “Belle,” “No Matter What,” “Me,” “Belle Reprise,” “Is This Home?” “Something There,” “A Change in Me,” “Is This Home Reprise,” “Transformation/Finale.”

Maurice (Male, age 50+)

Belle’s loving and supportive father is an inventor. A bit of an eccentric, he often gets lost in his own world while tinkering on his contraptions. The villagers incorrectly label him as a “crazy old man.”

Songs: “No Matter What,” “No Matter What Reprise,” “Wolf Chase #1”

Gaston (Male, age 20+)

As the village celebrity, Gaston is in love with one person: himself. The epitome of toxic masculinity, Gaston unabashedly and earnestly 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.

Songs: “Belle,” “Me,” “Gaston,” “Gaston Reprise,” “Maison des Lunes,” “The Mob Song.”

LeFou (Male, age 16-30)

Gaston’s bumbling sidekick is always there to boost his pal’s spirits. LeFou loyally and energetically serves Gaston, but lacks good judgment and rarely thinks things through. LeFou will have strong comedic timing and physical comedy skills.

Songs: “Gaston,” “Gaston Reprise,” “Maison des Lunes.”

Monsieur D’Arque (Male, age 40+)

The scheming proprietor of the local asylum is the dark and sinister force behind Gaston’s scheme to win Belle.

Song: “Maison des Lunes”

The Beast (Male, age 18-25)

A spoiled prince turned into a terrifying beast, he struggles to maintain his humanity as the Enchantress’ spell grows stronger. His hot temper can frighten push people away, but a loving heart is buried beneath his gruff exterior. The actor who plays the Beast needs to have a strong physicality to convey intense emotion and animal behaviour; he must also be able to sell his agony of loss.

Songs: “How Long Must This Go On?” “If I Can’t Love Her,” “Something There,” “If I Can’t Love Her Reprise,” “Transformation/Finale.”

Cogsworth (Male, age 40+)

Head of the Beast’s household, he is a tightly-wound enchanted mantle clock. 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 is hard-working and loyal.

Song: “Something There,” he also participates in “Be Our Guest”

Lumiere (Male, age 25+)

He is a suave and debonair enchanted candelabra, who can find the light even in the darkest of places. He loyally serves the Beast, and counters his gloomy disposition. He remains an optimist, even when everyone else loses hope. This is a highly comedic role.

Songs: “Be Our Guest,” “Something There.”

Babette (Female, age 20+)

A fun-loving and flirtatious feather duster. Babette is the embodiment of a vain and enticing French maid. This character will be doubled with the Enchantress.

Mrs. Potts (Female, age 30+)

As a warm and comforting as the pot of tea she has been enchanted into, Mrs. Potts is a wise maternal figure who advises patience and gentleness to everyone. She is an alto who sings the title song.

Songs: “Is This Home Tag,” “Be Our Guest,” “Something There,” “Beauty and the Beast.”

Chip (Male or female, age 7-10)

Mrs. Potts youngest child is a playful and bright-eyed enchanted tea cup.

Madame de la Grande Bouche (Female, age 40+)

She is a former opera diva turned enchanted wardrobe. Her larger-than-life personality 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.

Villagers:

Aristocratic Lady (female, age 30+): best dressed woman in the village

Fishmonger (Male or Female, age 25+)

Egg Seller (Male or Female, age 25+)

Sausage Curl Girl (Female, age 7 – 15)

Baker (Male, age 30+)

Lady with a Cane (Female, age 30+)

Candle Maker Male or Female, age 30+)

Hat Seller (Male or Female, age 30+)

Milkmaid (Female, age 18-25)

Shepherd Boy (Male, age 10-15)

Bookseller (Male, age 30+), he kindly gives Belle her favourite book

Lady with Babies (Female, 25+)

Filles de la Ville/Silly Girls (Female, age 16-25, 3 – 5 individuals) Song: “Gaston”

Gaston’s cronies (Male, ages 16+, number varies)

Other Villagers of varying ages and genders

* Note: all of these actors will be doubled as servants in the Castle

Wolves (4 children, aged 7-14)

The wolves are menacing and frightening creatures of the forest; they attack Maurice and Belle in different scenes.

Servants:

Forks (4 individuals)

Knives (4 individuals)

Spoons (4 individuals)

Whisk (1 individual)

Plates (4 adult, 1 child)

Salt & Pepper (2 children)

Napkins (4 Females, aged 16+)

Wine Glasses (4 individuals)

Candlesticks (3 individuals)

Caryatids (4 females, aged 14-25)—A caryatid is a decorative column shaped like a young woman. These were fashionable in the post-Renaissance as a nod to the Greek “Daughters of Athena.”

*Note, these actors will also be villagers.

Ensemble songs: “Gaston,” “Be Our Guest,” “Human Again,” “The Mob Song,” “Transformation/Finale.”

OUR EXPECTATIONS

MEMBERSHIPS

All cast and crew of Beauty and the Beast must be paid members of the Kincardine Theatre Guild, for insurance purposes, by the beginning of rehearsal date, September 5^th.   Our memberships run October 1^st to September 30^th, annually, but in this instance your membership will be extended accordingly, when paid early. Unpaid memberships will be grounds for removal from the production.  In the case of financial hardship, please contact our producer, Wyonne at wyonneb@gmail.com, and she will do her best to make accommodations.

Memberships are $20 annually for an individual, or $50 for a family of three or more. These are payable in person by cash or cheque made payable to the Kincardine Theatre Guild, or through e-transfer to payments@kincardinetheatreguild.com.

As a member, you are covered under our insurance policy when you are in the building; you have privileges to vote at our AGM; and can participate in all activities within the Guild, including workshops and other productions.

POLICE CHECKS

All adults (18+) MUST have had a background check completed within the last 2 years in order to work with the children in this production. This is mandatory for all not-for-profit organizations. If you have had one done in the past two years, please bring a copy (if you have it) to the first rehearsal (September 5). For those of you who have not, at the September 5th rehearsal we will provide a letter from the Guild indicating what your role is in the show so that you can apply online to the OPP for a free check.

REHEARSALS

You must be signed in and ready to go by 6:45 p.m. each night. Persistent lateness and/or absenteeism will mean we have to remove you from the production. We do not have understudies, and most of the ensemble will have two roles, so it is extremely important to show the cast and crew your respect by being there, and on time.

ATTIRE

Please wear comfortable clothing that covers your body, suitable for moving freely. We recommend athletic shoes. Please DO NOT wear flip flops or the like, for safety reasons.

SCRIPTS

The Libretto books will be distributed in September, when the rehearsal materials arrive. A limited number of photocopied scripts may be available for borrowing over the summer from Jennifer Neil (j.neil8525@gmail.com), and you will have two weeks to read and return them to her so they are available for the next borrower.

COSTUMING

Our amazing team of costumiers, led by Holly McAdam, will measure you at auditions and make the costumes based on designs approved by the production team. However, you may be asked to provide foundation garments, such as tights, socks, etc. You may be asked to make yourself available during the summer for fittings.

CREW POSITIONS

We are always looking for help to bring our productions to life, and are willing to train. In particular for creative and resourceful people to fill in for props, set construction and dressing. If any parent wants to get more involved in the production, please see Wyonne for details.

And speaking of…

PARENTS

Our primary task is to put on a great show. There will be times when we cannot have eyes on all the kids, and so we require a Parent Monitor at every rehearsal. We will have a sign-up sheet at the September 5^th rehearsal. If we have enough volunteers, your commitment to this role will be minimized. The Parent Monitor’s role is to be available to watch and be responsible for the cast members under age 12.

RECORDINGS

We recommend finding the Original Broadway Soundtrack to hear the music as performed by Susan Egan, Terrance Mann and Burke Moses, among others.

If you are curious about what this show looks like, there are several previous productions posted on YouTube. For specific recommendations, email Jennifer Neil.

THANK YOU for reading this far. Again, if you have further questions, contact Jennifer Neil (j.neil8525@gmail.com) or Wyonne Baribeau (wyonneb@gmail.com)