Audition Information

Transcription

1 Audition Information A variety of things go into casting a show. Casting is an extremely difficult process and is prayed over, debated over, and looked at from many different angles. Here is a glimpse into what is included so that you can more fully understand our decisions and prepare yourself accordingly for auditions. When judging an acting monologue, I'm looking at clarity/projection, the student'sacting ability, how prepared they are, and stage presence. If I can see that the student spent time practicing and is memorized, dramatic, and clear, they had a good audition. Body language and moving around the performance area is great way to put your audition over the top. We take into consideration their attitude, work ethic, and how they treat their fellow actors. We do not give preference to seniors nor do we give inferior consideration to junior high students. We do, however, take into account previous performances and rehearsals when applicable. Did they project? Did they stay in character while on stage? Was their delivery understandable? Were they animated or stiff? How well did they do with smaller roles? These are some of the questions we ask regarding each and every student who auditions. Just because someone has received a large role in the past, does not mean they will get one in the future. It also does not mean that they can't have another large role. If someone receives a smaller role that does not mean that he or she is not a good actor. The person who is most fitting for the role is the one who will receive the role. Every student who wants to participate in Theatre will be required to audition. An audition consists of two parts: Your solo audition, which will be anytime from 10 am-2 pm and where you will perform a monologue/scene as well as sing for us. Then the group auditions from 2-5, where we will pair you up in groups and audition multiple students at the same time. Please print, sign, and bring the audition form below to class on Monday.

2 Audition Form Name: Age: Grade: Phone Number: Text or Call? Sizes worn (number, for costume team): List 2 parts that you want, with the part that you want the most first: The part you wouldn't like: Will you accept any role in the show? (Circle) YES or NO I am most interested in helping with (circle all that apply): Costumes Props Sets Set changes Program Sounds Lights Hair/Makeup Letter of Personal Commitment I have agreed to take part in ACS Theater's production of "Beauty and the Beast". I understand that this is a serious personal commitment. I hereby agree to show up on time for all rehearsals, performances and related activities, and to give my best to make this show a success. I will treat the other students and teachers with respect. I will memorize all lines required of me. I consider my participation in this show to be a special priority in my life. Both my parents and I have thoroughly read and agreed to the Parent Expectations and Student Expectations Student Signature: Parent Signature: Date:

3 Roles Belle: 134 lines, Belle is the original fairy tale heroine kind, gentle, and beautiful. A confident young woman who longs for adventure away from the small village where she is the odd one out. Strong singer and actress who is able to stand up to Gaston while showing compassion for Maurice, the Servants and eventually the Beast. She is brave, selfless, bookish, independent, and stubborn. 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. Beast: 98 lines, 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. A complex character: a dictator, a hurt child, a hero, a defender and a smitten prince. Must be able to portray a range of conflicting emotional states. (Requires some singing, but more of an acting role) Gaston: 44 lines, Gaston is pompous and dim-witted and will do whatever it takes to win Belle's hand. Gaston has all the confidence in the world but lacks the humility to balance it. Although he is physically handsome, he is shallow, completely self-centered, not very bright, and thrives on attention. The absolute antithesis of The Beast. He has to be able to sell his big eponymous number with gusto and arrogance as well as lead the Villagers in The Mob Song. When his ego is bruised he becomes a very dangerous foe for The Beast, Belle and Maurice. This role requires a strong singer and an actor who moves well. Lefou: 19 lines, Lefou is Gaston's equally dim-witted sidekick. This character needs to be Gaston's foil and should double the laughs for them both. 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 acting. Lefou should be able to sing, act and dance. Maurice: 44 lines, Despite being a bit scatter-brained, there is no mistaking Maurice s steadfast, adoring love for his daughter Belle. Kindly, gentle, enthusiastic and inventive, he becomes singleminded and determined when Belle faces danger. Eccentric crazy old man. Portrays real emotions of fear and fatherly love. Requires some singing with Belle. 3 Silly Girls: 7-9 lines, The Silly Girls are in love with Gaston and will do almost anything just to be near him. The three girls need to portray the comic nature of these roles and should enjoy playing off each other. The Silly Girls sing together in three numbers and their sound should mix well. Lumiere: 52 lines, Lumiere is a self-confident, charming, French mâitre d who (under the Enhantress spell) is becoming a candelabra. He has a never-ending give-and-take with Cogsworth, so should be able to play off other actors well. Lumiere should be a strong singer who can light up the stage in Be Our Guest. You should be willing to try the French accent. This role covers a range of emotions (from charming entertainer to brave soldier) and requires prominent song and dance.

4 Cogsworth: 58 lines, Cogsworth is a tightly-wound, enchanted mantle clock and the head of the Beast s household. He is a stuffy English man who loves perfection. He, like all of the castle s Servants, shows a fatherly compassion for Belle yet is perfectly submissive to their master, the Beast. Cogsworth has two sides he is a wee bit of a baby at times yet has no problem getting into it with Lumiere. Requires a strong actor who enjoys acting in charge and is willing to try a British accent. (Minimal solos, female or male) Mrs. Potts: 35 lines, Mrs. Potts is a warm-hearted, enchanted teapot. She sings the title song Beauty and the Beast. The actress should have a strong, sweet voice and should be able to convey comforting, maternal qualities amidst the chaos that is breaking out in the castle This character speaks with a British accent. Babette: 8 lines, Maid who has become a feather duster. She misses the finer things in life as well as just being a girl. Babette is happy to be at Belle s service at a moment s notice, but her true heart comes through in Human Again. Must be a good actress with solid vocal skills to handle Babette s harmonies. Madam De La Grande Bouche: 8 lines, An opera singer who is becoming a wardrobe. Madame is almost larger than life in everything she does, including her singing and dancing. Must be able to portray the ultimate diva with a heart with a big personality and a big voice who can handle harmonies. Chip: 10 lines, Chip is Mrs. Potts s son, who is becoming a teacup. Chip has a wonderful naïveté that endears him to all of the Servants. Must portray the honesty and the spirit of a young person. Has a few solo lines. (Female or male) Narrators: 34 lines split between 2 villagers who serve as storytellers (Non-singing) Monsieur D'Arque: 4 lines, dark, creepy proprietor of the lunatic asylum who adds more tension to the story. Sinister. (Female or male) Old Beggar Woman/Enchantress: Should be an actor with the ability to be visually dramatic. Her transformation in the Prologue from the Old Beggar Woman to the Enchantress should magically entice all into the story. (Non-speaking) Ensemble: Enchanted Objects and Villagers The ensemble is very busy, as they are both townspeople and enchanted objects. There are several solo lines in songs like Belle and The Mob Song, and many great dance numbers (Gaston, Be Our Guest, and Human Again). The Servants of the castle can include Statues, a Dust Pan, Flatware, Plates, Napkins, a Carpet, Salt & Pepper Shakers, etc. These enchanted characters are the Rockettes of the castle. They should be able to handle a potentially awkward costume while singing and dancing in two big production numbers. The Villagers are the inhabitants of Belle's town. There are some featured solos and lines that will come from this ensemble (Bookseller, Baker, etc.). The Villagers provide a colorful background singing throughout the show, and several also step into the action when needed to play in certain scenes. The featured roles vary in size and vocal requirements. This busy ensemble will provide vocal power throughout the show and dance in the production numbers.

5 Singing Requirements for Auditions Yes, everyone has to sing for auditions. If you really want a role, you'll know all their songs. Belle: Required to sing Belle, Home, or Something There, perhaps all 3. Beast: Required to sing Something There Gaston: Required to sing Gaston and The Mob Song, perhaps both. Lefou: Required to sing Gaston Silly Girls: Required to sing Gaston Lumiere: Required to sing Be Our Guest and Human Again, perhaps both. Cogsworth: Required to sing Human Again Mrs. Potts: Required to sing Beauty and the Beast Babette, Madame: Required to sing Human Again Ensemble: Required to sing Be Our Guest or Belle Monologues for Individual Auditions Everyone has to do a monologue, pick one below and be prepared to perform it during your solo audition, even if you do not want any of the parts listed below. If you really want a part, try to learn both monologues. Memorization required. Belle: Papa, who has done this to you? I won t leave you here! (senses the ) Who s there? I know someone s there. Who are you? Are you the one who s responsible for this! Release my father at once!...no...wait! Forgive me. Please, let him out. Can t you see he s not well? He s an old man. He could die! Wait, please, take me instead! If I stay, will you let him go?...come into the light. (She sees the.) Oh! I will stay. You have my word. Wait! No, don t take him away, not yet! Papa!...I ll never see him again... I didn t even get to say good-bye. Belle: (Speaking to the Bookseller) Good Morning! I ve come to return the book I borrowed. Oh, I couldn t put it down. Have you got anything new? That's alright... I'll borrow this one. It s my favorite. Far-off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince in disguise Mine? Well, thank you! Thank you very much! Mrs. Potts: Well, what would you have us do? Give up? I like this girl. I like her spunk. I think that may be the first time I ve ever heard him use the word please. ( pokes her head out of her room.) Hello, dearie. I hope the Master didn t frighten you too much. He can be a little temperamental...if there is anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable, let me know! Cogsworth, the lady needs some nourishment!...(to Cogsworth) Oh, pish tosh! I m not about to let the poor child go hungry!

6 Mrs. Potts: Try to be patient, sir. The girl has lost her father and her freedom all in one day. Lumiere, it s not that easy. These things take time. Master, you must help her to see past all that. Well, you could start by trying to make yourself more presentable. But be gentle. And above all you must control your temper! Narrator: Ashamed of his monstrous form, the beast concealed himself inside his castle, with a magic mirror as his only window to the outside world. The rose she had offered was truly an enchanted rose which would bloom until his 21st year. If he could learn to love another and earn her love in return by the time the last petal fell, then the spell would be broken. If not, he would be doomed to remain a beast for all time. As the years passed, he fell into despair and lost all hope for who could ever learn to love a beast? Lumiere: Enchanté, Mademoiselle! Nonsense Cogsworth, she s not a prisoner, she s our guest! We must make her feel welcome here!... Of course... of course! But what is dinner without a little music? Ma chere mademoiselle, it is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we welcome you tonight. And now we invite you to relax. Let us pull up a chair, as the Dining Room proudly presents... your dinner! Lumiere: Master have you thought that perhaps this girl could be the one to break the spell? Good! So. you fall in love with her, she falls in love with you and poof! The spell is broken! We ll be human again by midnight! But we don t have time! The rose has already begun to wilt! Impress her with your wit. And above all you must control your temper! Cogsworth: Hello, I am Cogsworth, head of the household. And this is Lumiere If there is anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable, anything anything at all! Except feeding you! Can t do that. You heard what the Master said! Oh fine. A glass of water, crust of bread and then Oh all right, dinner. But keep it down! It the Master finds out, it ll be our necks! What?? You want music too?? Cogsworth: Right this way (Points offstage) Now that is yet another example of the late neoclassic baroque period. And, as I always say, if it s not baroque, don t fix it! (laugh) Um perhaps mademoiselle would like to see something else. Over here we have exquisite tapestries dating all the way back to... Lefou: (To Gaston) You didn t miss a shot, Gaston. You re the greatest hunter in the whole world. (Gaston: I know) No beast alive stands a chance against you! And no girl for that matter. (Gaston: It s true, Lefou. And I ve got my sights set on that one) The inventor s daughter? (Gaston: She s the lucky girl I m going to marry) But, she s (Gaston: The most beautiful girl in town) I know, but (Gaston: And don t I deserve the best?) Well, of course you do! Gaston: (handing Belle a flower) For you madam. I know I shouldn t have, so don t mention it. Belle, this is the day your dreams come true! I know all about them. Picture this. A rustic hunting lodge. My little wife massaging my feet while the strapping boys play on the floor with the dogs. We ll have six or seven. Boys, not dogs. So Belle, what ll it be? (Belle leaves.) That Belle, always playing hard to get. She turned me down for now, but I ll have Belle for my wife. Make no mistake about that!

7 Gaston: (To Belle & Villagers) if I didn t know better, I d think you had feelings for this monster. She s as crazy as the old man! She says this creature is her friend. Well, I ve hunted wild beasts and I ve seen what they can do! The Beast will make off with your children. He ll come after them in the night! Forget the old man! I say we kill the Beast! Try and stop us! We ll rid the village of this Beast. Who s with me? Beast: There s a stranger here! Who let him in? You have all betrayed me! Who are you? What are you doing in my castle? You re not welcome here! I am hideous aren t I? You ve come to see the Beast, haven t you? I ll give you a place to stay! Beast: (To Belle) Belle, are you happy here? With me? Is something wrong? You miss your father? There is a way to see him again. This mirror will show you anything anything you wish to see. He is lost? You should go to him. You re not my prisoner, Belle. You haven t been for a long time. Take the mirror with you. So you ll always have a way to look back and remember me. Go Go. (She exits) I ll never see her again. Scene 1: Gaston, Belle, Lefou Scenes for Group Auditions (Feeling the VILLAGERS' eyes on her, whirls around. They go back to their activities then exit. heads for home. runs in front of her and strikes a pose.) Hello... Belle. Bonjour, Gaston. ( blocks 's way.) Excuse me. ( snatches Belle's book.) Gaston. May I have my book, please? (flipping through the book) How can you read this? There's no pictures. Well some people use their imagination! Belle, it's about time you got your head out of these books and paid attention to more important things. ( strikes a handsome pose.)

8 Hint... hint. Like you? Gaston, please! I have to get inside to help my father. That crazy old fool. He needs all the help he can get! ( and laugh heartily.) Don't talk about my father that way! ( thunks on the head.) Yeah! Don't talk about her father that way! My father's not crazy! He's a genius! Scene 2: Maurice, Belle, Beast Your hands are like ice! Who has done this to you? (The appears in the shadows.) Belle, you must leave this place. I won't leave you here! (senses the ) Who's there? (hears the panting) I know someone's there. Who are you? The master of this castle. Then, you're the one who's responsible for this! Release my father at once! I do not take orders from anyone. Get out! No! Wait! Forgive me. Please, let him out. Can't you see he's not well? Then he should not have trespassed here.

9 But he's an old man. He could die! There's nothing you can do! Wait, please... take me instead! No! Belle, you don't know what you're doing. You would do that? You would take his place? If I did, would you let him go? Yes. But you must promise to stay here... forever. No! Come into the light. (The draws near. cringes.) Belle, listen to me. I'm old... I've lived my life. You have my word. Done. (pulls from the cell; to the STATUE:) Take him to the village. (The STATUE comes to life and grabs.) Wait! No, not yet! (The growls. The STATUE drags away.) Let her go! Let her go! Belle! Belle! Papa! ( collapses in tears.) I'll never see him again... and I didn't even get to say good-bye.

10 Scene 3: Maurice, Belle Oh, I'll never get this bone-headed contraption to work! Yes, you will! And you'll win first prize at the fair tomorrow. Well... we'd better get cracking then! Now let me see, where did I put that dog-legged clencher? (holds out a funny-looking tool) Papa... Oh... thank you, dear! (takes the tool and starts tinkering) So... did you have a good time in town today? I got a new book. You do love those books. ( ducks behind the invention.) Papa... do you think I'm... odd? My daughter! Odd? (re-appears with silly-looking goggles) Now where would you get an idea like that? I don't know. It's just... I'm not sure I fit in here. There's no one I can really talk to. What about Gaston? He's a handsome fellow. He's handsome all right... and rude and conceited and oh Papa, he's not for me! Well, don't you worry, 'cause this invention's going to be the start of a new life for us. ( pulls a lever. The invention chugs to life.) It works! It does? It does! Papa, you did it! You really did it! (puts a scarf around 's neck) Here, I made you a scarf for good luck at the fair.

11 Now I know I'll win. And then, we'll get out of this town and travel to all those places you've read about in your books! Goodbye, Papa. Bye bye, Belle. Scene 4: Beast, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Maurice, (Suddenly, a loud roar echoes through the castle. Everyone gasps. The enters.) There's a stranger here! LUMIERE Master, allow me to explain Who let him in? (quaking in fear) M... Master... May I take this opportunity to say, I was against it from the start! You have all betrayed me! MRS. POTTS Oh dear! (to ) Who are you? (frozen with fear in the chair) M... Maurice. What are you doing in my castle? I lost my way in the woods You're not welcome here! I'm sorry. I... I'll just be on my way. ( looks up and gets a good look at the 's face. gasps with horror.) It's hideous, isn't it? You've come to stare at the Beast, haven't you? No, no! I meant no harm! I was merely looking for a place to stay!

12 I'll give you a place to stay. (The grabs and exits. The SERVANTS follow.) Scene 5: Lefou, Gaston You didn't miss a shot, Gaston. You're the greatest hunter in the whole world. I know. No beast alive stands a chance against you! And no girl for that matter. It's true, Lefou. (points to ) And I've got my sights set on that one. The inventor's daughter? She's the lucky girl I'm going to marry. But, she's The most beautiful girl in town. I know, but And don't I deserve the best? Well, of course you do! Scene 6: Silly girls, Gaston ( enters with three sobbing SILLY GIRLS.) SILLY GIRL 1 It can't be true! I don't believe it.

13 SILLY GIRL 2 Why would you go and do a thing like that? SILLY GIRL 3 I simply can't bear it! SILLY GIRL 1 Oh Gaston, say it isn't so. It's so. SILLY GIRLS Waaaaaaaahhhh! Girls... I'm just getting married. Don't tell me a little thing like that's going to change your feelings for me? SILLY GIRL 1 Oh no! SILLY GIRL 2 No! SILLY GIRL 3 Never! Good. Well... if we're going to have a wedding, I guess I'd better propose to the bride! SILLY GIRLS Waaaaaaaahhhh! (The SILLY GIRLS go off sobbing.) Scene 7: Cogsworth, Lumiere, Belle, Mrs. Potts, I am Cogsworth, head of the household. And this is Lumiere... LUMIERE (kisses 's hand) Enchanté, Mademoiselle. If there is anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable. Anything... anything at all! I am a little hungry. Except that. MRS. POTTS Cogsworth! Well, you heard what the Master said! MRS. POTTS Oh, pish tosh! I'm not about to let the poor child go hungry!

14 Fine. Glass of water, crust of bread and then LUMIERE Cogsworth! She's not a prisoner, she's our guest! We must make her feel welcome here! All right, dinner. But keep it down! If the Master finds out, it'll be our necks! LUMIERE Of course... of course! But what is dinner without a little music? Music? LUMIERE Ma chere mademoiselle, it is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we welcome you tonight. And now we invite you to relax. Let us pull up a chair as the Dining Room proudly presents... your dinner! Scene 8: Madame De La Grande Bouche, Belle, Mrs. Potts (Stunned, backs up into a wardrobe.) MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE Careful, darling! Who... who are you? MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE Madame de la Grande Bouche. Wait. This is impossible! MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE Well now, what shall we dress you in for dinner? Let's see what I've got in my drawers... That's very kind of you. But I'm not going to dinner. MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE Oh, of course you are. You heard what the Master said. He may be your master... but he's not mine! (a beat) I'm sorry. This is just happening so fast. MRS. POTTS That was a very brave thing you did, my dear. MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE We all think so.