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.
Audition Form
Name: _________________________________ Age: _____ Grade: ______
Phone Number: _________________ Text or Call? __________________
E-mail: ____________________________________
Sizes worn (number, for costume team): _______________________________
List 2 parts that you want, with the part that you want the most first:
1.
2.
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:__________________
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.
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.
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 BEAST) 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 BEAST.) 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. (BELLE 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!
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!
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.
Scenes for Group Auditions
Scene 1: Gaston, Belle, Lefou
(Feeling the VILLAGERS' eyes on her, BELLE whirls around. They go back to their activities
then exit. BELLE heads for home. GASTON runs in front of her and strikes a pose.)
GASTON
Hello... Belle.
BELLE
Bonjour, Gaston.
(GASTON blocks BELLE's way.)
Excuse me.
(GASTON snatches Belle's book.)
Gaston. May I have my book, please?
GASTON
(flipping through the book)
How can you read this? There's no pictures.
BELLE
Well some people use their imagination!
GASTON
Belle, it's about time you got your head out of these books and paid attention to more
important things.
(GASTON strikes a handsome pose.)
LEFOU
Hint... hint.
BELLE
Like you? Gaston, please! I have to get inside to help my father.
LEFOU
That crazy old fool. He needs all the help he can get!
(GASTON and LEFOU laugh heartily.)
BELLE
Don't talk about my father that way!
GASTON
(GASTON thunks LEFOU on the head.)
Yeah! Don't talk about her father that way!
BELLE
My father's not crazy! He's a genius!
Scene 2: Maurice, Belle, Beast
BELLE
Your hands are like ice! Who has done this to you?
(The BEAST appears in the shadows.)
MAURICE
Belle, you must leave this place.
BELLE
I won't leave you here!
(senses the BEAST)
Who's there?
(hears the BEAST panting)
I know someone's there. Who are you?
BEAST
The master of this castle.
BELLE
Then, you're the one who's responsible for this! Release my father at once!
BEAST
I do not take orders from anyone. Get out!
BELLE
No! Wait! Forgive me. Please, let him out. Can't you see he's not well?
BEAST
Then he should not have trespassed here.
BELLE
But he's an old man. He could die!
BEAST
There's nothing you can do!
BELLE
Wait, please... take me instead!
MAURICE
No! Belle, you don't know what you're doing.
BEAST
You would do that? You would take his place?
BELLE
If I did, would you let him go?
BEAST
Yes. But you must promise to stay here... forever.
MAURICE
No!
BELLE
Come into the light.
(The BEAST draws near. BELLE cringes.)
MAURICE
Belle, listen to me. I'm old... I've lived my life.
BELLE
You have my word.
BEAST
Done.
(pulls MAURICE from the cell; to the STATUE:)
Take him to the village.
(The STATUE comes to life and grabs MAURICE.)
BELLE
Wait! No, not yet!
(The BEAST growls. The STATUE drags MAURICE away.)
MAURICE
Let her go! Let her go! Belle! Belle!
BELLE
Papa!
(BELLE collapses in tears.)
I'll never see him again... and I didn't even get to say good-bye.
Scene 3: Maurice, Belle
MAURICE
Oh, I'll never get this bone-headed contraption to work!
BELLE
Yes, you will! And you'll win first prize at the fair tomorrow.
MAURICE
Well... we'd better get cracking then! Now let me see, where did I put that dog-legged
clencher?
BELLE
(holds out a funny-looking tool)
Papa...
MAURICE
Oh... thank you, dear!
(takes the tool and starts tinkering)
So... did you have a good time in town today?
BELLE
I got a new book.
MAURICE
You do love those books.
(MAURICE ducks behind the invention.)
BELLE
Papa... do you think I'm... odd?
MAURICE
My daughter! Odd?
(re-appears with silly-looking goggles)
Now where would you get an idea like that?
BELLE
I don't know. It's just... I'm not sure I fit in here. There's no one I can really talk to.
MAURICE
What about Gaston? He's a handsome fellow.
BELLE
He's handsome all right... and rude and conceited and oh Papa, he's not for me!
MAURICE
Well, don't you worry, 'cause this invention's going to be the start of a new life for us.
(MAURICE pulls a lever. The invention chugs to life.)
BELLE
It works!
MAURICE
It does? It does!
BELLE
Papa, you did it! You really did it!
(puts a scarf around MAURICE's neck)
Here, I made you a scarf for good luck at the fair.
MAURICE
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!
BELLE
Goodbye, Papa.
MAURICE
Bye bye, Belle.
Scene 4: Beast, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Maurice,
(Suddenly, a loud roar echoes through the castle. Everyone gasps. The BEAST enters.)
BEAST
There's a stranger here!
LUMIERE
Master, allow me to explain
BEAST
Who let him in?
COGSWORTH
(quaking in fear)
M... Master... May I take this opportunity to say, I was against it from the start!
BEAST
You have all betrayed me!
MRS. POTTS
Oh dear!
BEAST
(to MAURICE)
Who are you?
MAURICE
(frozen with fear in the chair)
M... Maurice.
BEAST
What are you doing in my castle?
MAURICE
I lost my way in the woods
BEAST
You're not welcome here!
MAURICE
I'm sorry. I... I'll just be on my way.
(MAURICE looks up and gets a good look at the BEAST's face. MAURICE gasps with horror.)
BEAST
It's hideous, isn't it? You've come to stare at the Beast, haven't you?
MAURICE
No, no! I meant no harm! I was merely looking for a place to stay!
BEAST
I'll give you a place to stay.
(The BEAST grabs MAURICE and exits. The SERVANTS follow.)
Scene 5: Lefou, Gaston
LEFOU
You didn't miss a shot, Gaston. You're the greatest hunter in the whole world.
GASTON
I know.
LEFOU
No beast alive stands a chance against you! And no girl for that matter.
GASTON
It's true, Lefou.
(points to BELLE)
And I've got my sights set on that one.
LEFOU
The inventor's daughter?
GASTON
She's the lucky girl I'm going to marry.
LEFOU
But, she's
GASTON
The most beautiful girl in town.
LEFOU
I know, but
GASTON
And don't I deserve the best?
LEFOU
Well, of course you do!
Scene 6: Silly girls, Gaston
(GASTON enters with three sobbing SILLY GIRLS.)
SILLY GIRL 1
It can't be true! I don't believe it.
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.
GASTON
It's so.
SILLY GIRLS
Waaaaaaaahhhh!
GASTON
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!
GASTON
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,
COGSWORTH
I am Cogsworth, head of the household. And this is Lumiere...
LUMIERE
(kisses BELLE's hand)
Enchanté, Mademoiselle.
COGSWORTH
If there is anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable. Anything... anything at all!
BELLE
I am a little hungry.
COGSWORTH
Except that.
MRS. POTTS
Cogsworth!
COGSWORTH
Well, you heard what the Master said!
MRS. POTTS
Oh, pish tosh! I'm not about to let the poor child go hungry!
COGSWORTH
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!
COGSWORTH
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?
COGSWORTH
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, BELLE backs up into a wardrobe.)
MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE
Careful, darling!
BELLE
Who... who are you?
MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE
Madame de la Grande Bouche.
BELLE
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...
BELLE
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.
BELLE
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.