LAURIE LEVY ISSEMBERT – EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
DARNELL MORRIS – PRODUCING DIRECTOR
Music byAlan Menken
Lyrics byHoward Ashman and Tim Rice
Book byLinda Woolverton
One Act, Book Musical, Rated G
Broadway Junior Version
Step into the enchanted world ofDisney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR.Featuring songs from the Academy-Award winning animated feature, this stage version includes music by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice.
Your audiences will be transported to the heart of provincial life in a lovely French town. When Maurice becomes lost in the woods on the way to the fair, he seeks shelter in an old castle, but the master of the castle is a horrible beast that takes him captive. Maurice's daughter, Belle, must then give up her freedom to save his life. Belle's taming of the unfortunate Beast and his ultimate transformation back into a handsome prince is a beloved fairy tale about very different people finding strength in one another and learning how to love.
Proposed grades: 3-8
(Some roles may be double cast and others may be played by older or younger students at the discretion of the production team)
Proposed Cast Size: 35-45 students
Director – Darnell Morris
Co-Choreographers - Darnell Morris/Eben Logan
Music Director – Mayumi Baker Griffie
Stage Manager – Andrew Dodge
Set Designer – Bill Pressly
Sound Designer – Mike Taylor
Lighting Designer – Andrew Dodge
Costumer – Frederick Costume Shop (Susie Graham)
Production Assistant – Katie Coulson
Producer – Laurie Levy Issembert
AUDITIONS
Sunday, September 8, 12 noon – 4:00 pm
The Dancing Club, 5050-D Nicholson Lane, Rockville, MD
(next to Repeat Performance)
CALLBACKS
Monday, September 9, 6:00 – 10:00 pm
Washington Hebrew Congregation, Julia Bindeman Suburban Center, 11810 Falls Road, Potomac, MD
There is a $100 audition fee payable at the audition.
• If you are selected to be a member of the cast and choose to do the show, your audition fee will be applied to your production fee.
• If you are selected to be a member of the cast and choose not to do the show, the audition fee is non-refundable.
• If you are not selected to be a member of the cast, your audition fee will be refunded.
FEES
$800 withoutvolunteer hours
$700 with 10hours of volunteerism
There is an additional $100 costume feefor all cast members.
There is no financial aid available for this production but some short term payment plans will be considered.
Please arrive 5minutes before your appointment (there is really no waiting room except outside) with your completed paperwork (audition sign in and conflict form are at the end of this announcement). Please print and attach a current photo if you are new to the BRAVO production family.
If you are unableto schedule an appointment because you will be out oftown or have anunavoidable prior conflict, please contact the Executive Producer theproduction is seeking additional cast membersafter the first auditions, aneffort will be made to schedule alternateauditions if possible.
The cast list will be posted online at on the BRAVO@KAT page by Wednesday, September 11.Prospective cast members need to email the Executive Producer at with an acceptance or rejection by Friday, September 13.
BRAVO reserves the right to change the theater venue or cancel the production before rehearsals begin for any reason, returning the audition fees.Full payment of the tuition by all cast members will be due at the first rehearsal. If you need a special payment plan, you must make a prior arrangement with the Executive Producer.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Cast size: / MediumCast Type: / Children in Cast, Ensemble Cast - Many featured roles, Showcases trained singers, Star Vehicle - Female, Star Vehicle - Male, Strong/Large Chorus
Dance requirement: / Standard (Musical Staging/Some Dance/Optional)
BABETTE / Babette is the maid and “resident flirt” of the castle who is turning into 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.” Look for a good actor with solid vocal skills to handle Babette’s harmonies.
A3 - B4
BEAST / The Beast is the master of the castle who was transformed by the Enchantress’s spell. Casting for size is not as important as choosing a student that can handle this complex character: a dictator, a hurt child, a hero, a defender and a smitten prince. Cast an actor who can deliver a range of conflicting emotional states. While the Beast does sing a small bit during “Something There” and the “Finale,” this is truly an acting role with no demanding singing required. It is absolutely possible to cast a non-singer as the Beast and have the student speak/sing his lyrics. Also, keep in mind that if you choose to cast the Prince separately from the Beast, the Prince would end up singing the Beast’s lines in the “Finale.”
A3 - E5
BELLE / Belle is a smart, confident young woman from a small village. You will want to cast a child who is a strong singer and actress. Belle needs to be able to stand up to Gaston (and the Beast!) as well as those who don’t seem to understand her, while being able to show compassion for her father, the Servants, and eventually the Beast. During auditions, you can bet that most of the girls will be trying out for the role of Belle. If there are several female students in your school that could perform the role, you should consider casting two girls to play Belle on alternating nights, sharing the responsibility of this large role.
G3 - F5
CHIP / Chip is Mrs. Potts’s son, who is becoming a teacup. You can certainly cast a much younger child for this role, but it is not imperative. Chip has a wonderful naïveté that endears him to all of the Servants. Cast an actor who can portray the honesty and the spirit of a young person and is comfortable trying to sing Chip’s few solo lines. If convincing, Chip will win the hearts of the entire audience.
D4 - D5
COGSWORTH / Cogsworth is the English major-domo of the castle who is becoming a mantle clock. 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. Cast a strong actor and singer who enjoys acting “in charge” and is willing to try a British accent.
A3 - E5
GASTON / 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. A strong singing and speaking voice and acting ability are more important than size and stature for this role. He has to be able to sell his big number, “Gaston,” with gusto and arrogance as well as lead the troops in “The Mob Song.” Biceps can humorously be added, but the bravura needs to be there on the inside!
A3 - F5
LEFOU / Lefou is Gaston’s equally dim-witted lackey. You might consider auditioning Lefou and Gaston in pairs. This character needs to be Gaston’s foil and should double the laughs for them both. Lefou should be able to sing, act and dance. As a nice touch, you may choose to cast a student who has some gymnastic training if you wish to embed a lanky, awkward style into Lefou’s movement.
B3 - E5
LUMIERE / Lumiere is a self-confident, charming, French mâitre d’ who (under the Enhantress’s spell) is becoming a candelabra. He has a never-ending give-and-take with Cogsworth, so the student playing Lumiere must work well with the child you cast for that role. Consider auditioning in pairs. Lumiere should be a strong singer who can “light up” the stage in “Be Our Guest.” If you have a child who can handle the French accent, fantastic! This role covers a range of emotions (from charming entertainer to brave soldier) and requires prominent song and dance, so try to cast a strong, reliable performer.
A3 - D5
MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE / Madame De La Grande Bouche is an opera singer who is becoming a wardrobe. Madame is almost larger than life in everything she does, including her singing and dancing. Look for that student who can portray the ultimate “diva with a heart” with a big personality and a big voice. Madame has some harmony lines with Mrs. Potts and Babette, so cast a singer who can hold her own, but also knows when to pull back in order to sound good with the others.
A3 - C5
MAURICE / Maurice is an eccentric, older inventor, yet more importantly, the adoring and protective father of Belle. This non-solo singing role is perfect for the student who can have fun interpreting this “crazy old man” while conveying some very strong emotions: fear and fatherly love!
MONSIEUR D’ARQUE / Monsieur D’Arque is the dark, creepy proprietor of the lunatic asylum who adds more tension to the story. Cast an actor who can believably interpret this sinister personality. While Monsieur does have a few lines of solo singing in “The Mob Song,” this is primarily a non-singing role, so look for a solid actor first.
MRS. POTTS / Mrs. Potts is the castle’s endearing cook who has been enchanted to become a teapot. Mrs. Potts needs a strong, sweet voice and should be able to convey comforting, maternal qualities amidst the chaos that is breaking out at the castle. See if you can find an actress who can portray a character whom every audience member would want for a mom.
F3 - E5
NARRATORS / The Narrators provide great opportunities to involve children that are more comfortable speaking than singing. The script is written to feature four Narrators, but you could adapt the roles to incorporate more students (or fewer) depending on the size of your cast. Be sure the students you cast in these roles can enunciate and project, as they are key to the momentum of this beautiful tale. You can cast the school principal, a teacher or a wellknown community member as the one of the Narrators to get your entire community involved. These roles can be completely non-singing, but the actors could be cast from your ensemble if desired.
OLD BEGGAR WOMAN/ENCHANTRESS / The 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.
SERVANTS / The Servants of the castle can include Statues, a Dust Pan, Flatware, Plates, an Egg Timer, Napkins, a Carpet, Salt & Pepper Shakers and whatever other household items or kitchenware you choose to cast in your show. These enchanted Servants are the “Rockettes” of their time. These students should be able to handle a potentially awkward costume while singing and dancing. These are great roles to cast multiple ages of children if you are trying to augment a cast. Look for good singers and dancers as they have two big production numbers to sell.
SILLY GIRLS / The Silly Girls are in love with Gaston and will do almost anything just to be near him. Look for three girls who can portray the comic nature of these roles and who also enjoy playing off each other. The Silly Girls sing together in three numbers and their sound should mix well.
C4 - F5
VILLAGERS / 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. The Ensemble will be needed to provide vocal power throughout the show and dance in the production numbers, so be sure to cast performers with a wide base of ability. These actors can double as the castle Servants if necessary.
As is our BRAVO tradition, we will cast 6-10 VILLAGE KIDS who will perform in a production number or two at the discretion of the creative team.
Visit MTIshows.com and pull down DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR for more information.
DRAMATICPREPARATION
Be prepared toact your audition song. Watch the Disney movie if you are not familiar with the show.
DANCEPREPARATION
Auditionees arerequested to wear appropriate dance attire (black leotardsand jazz pantspreferable) but no T-shirts with any writing or pictures ofany kind, plusappropriate footwear (jazz slippers, jazz sneakers, balletslippers).Auditionees will learn a short dancecombination.
MUSICALPREPARATION
Please prepare16-32 bars of a song, any style or tempo.Bring sheetmusic, preferably in a 3-ring binder; an accompanist will beprovided.Yourselection shoulddemonstrate your vocal range and abilities, but it is mostimportant to choosesomething you love and that you are comfortablesinging. Note: you may be asked tosing scales or other vocal exercises; nopreparation required.
REHEARSALS
SUNDAYS 12:30 – 3:30 pm – The Dancing Club
5050-D Nicholson Lane, Rockville, MD 20852
(next to Repeat Performance)
MONDAYS 6:30 – 8:30 pm - Washington Hebrew Congregation
Julia Bindeman Surburban Center, 11810 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854
(most cast members will be dismissed by 8:30 pm – principals may be asked to stay until 9:00 pm)
First rehearsal: Sunday, September 15
TECH WEEK–Olney Theatre's Historic Stage
Saturday, January 25 – Thursday, January 30
PERFORMANCES (6)
Friday, January 31 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, February 1 @1:30 pm, 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm
Sunday,February 2 @ 1:30pm, 4:00pm
IF ANY OF THE SHOWS ARE CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, AN ADDITIONAL SHOW WILL BE ADDED ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 AT 7:30 PM. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO ACCOMMODATE PATRONS BUT IN NO CASE WILL TICKET FEES BE REFUNDED.
CONFLICTS
Please review and complete the conflict form at the end of this notice priortoauditioning.Allconflicts will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis andwill be taken intoconsideration for the casting of the show.There can beno conflicts during the week prior to tech week as well as during the actual tech/performanceweek.If aperformer is forced to withdraw because of too manyconflicts, no tuition willbe refunded.
AUDITION SIGN IN
Remember to attach and bring sheet music in an appropriate key.
There is a $100 audition fee payable at the audition.
• If you are selected to be a member of the cast and choose to do the show, your audition fee will be applied to your production fee.
• If you are selected to be a member of the cast and choose not to do the show, the audition fee is non-refundable.
• If you are not selected to be a member of the cast, your audition fee will be refunded.
Please print clearly and fill out completely.
Name______Age____ Birth date______
Grade (September 2013) ____ School______
Home address______
City______State______Zip______
Home phone______Home parent email______
Mother’s name______Mother’s cell phone______
Father’s name______Father’s cellphone______
Performer’s email______Performer’s cell phone______
All production correspondence is handled through emails – ie rehearsal schedule changes. If parents want to include work email addresses, please list below.
How did you learn of this audition?______
Are you currently taking voice lessons? Y/N Teacher______
Are you currently taking dance lessons? Y/N Teacher______
Do you play a musical instrument? Which one?______
Do you have any special skills? (ie juggling, gymnastics)______
PLEASE LIST YOUR EXPERIENCE/CREDITS
(attach resume)
______
______
______
______
CONFLICT FORM
Auditionees Name______
Auditionee’s Email______
Auditionee’s Cell Phone______
Parent Email______
Parent Cell Phone______
I understand the rehearsal and performance schedule as set forth in the audition notice. I further understand that rehearsals are an essential part of performing and that BRAVO@KAT is requiring casts members to attend ALL rehearsals, barring a family emergency. All conflicts listed on this form will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will be taken into consideration in the casting of the show. No conflicts, however, are permitted during the week prior to tech week the tech week/performance weekend. All known conflicts must be stated at the time of the audition, and should a performer be forced to withdraw because of too many conflicts once the rehearsal process has begun, no tuition will be refunded.
Please circle one statement below.
- My child has no known conflicts at this time.
- My child has the following conflicts.
Date______
Signature of Auditionee______
Signature of Parent______