Culture
The Actors Guild of Parkersburg: auditions for ‘Beauty and the Beast’
By: WOUB Culture Team
Posted on:
PARKERSBURG, West Virginia – Beauty and the Beast is the “tale as old as time” (or at least as old as the Greek myth about Eros and Psyche it’s based on). It’s the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
Audition Details:
Sunday, August 18 @ 2 p.m. – BELLE Auditions ONLY!
Sunday, August 18 @ 7 p.m. – General Auditions!
Monday, August 19 @ 6 p.m. – Advanced Dance Auditions!
Monday, August 19 @ 7 p.m. – General Auditions!
Tuesday, August 20 @ 7 p.m. – Callbacks! (if needed)
Anyone can audition for an Actors Guild show and people of ALL ethnicities are encouraged to audition! BELLE candidates should come to the Sunday at 2 p.m. call prepared to sing Belle (Reprise) and read Scene #2 from the Audition Packet. Further instructions will be given at that time.
General auditions for all other characters (and those still under consideration for Belle) will consist of readings and singing from the show and a short dance combination. Throughout the process, each auditioner will be asked to choose the ONE scene they specifically want to read.
All auditions will take place in the Actors Guild Rehearsal Hall. The Guild is located at 724 Market Street in downtown Parkersburg. Please enter through the black door on Market Street and go all the way to the top of the stairs!
Character Descriptions: (age ranges are approximate, and genders are those of the character not, necessarily, the actor)
Belle
A young woman with an independent spirit and a love of reading who exudes natural beauty
Gender: Female
Age: 20 to 25
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: E3
Beast
The cursed Prince and master of the castle
Gender: Male
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: F4
Vocal range bottom: A2
Maurice
Belle’s slightly addled genius inventor father
Gender: Male
Age: 55 to 65
Vocal range top: Db4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Gaston
A rude, narcissistic hunter who assumes the world belongs to him
Gender: Male
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: E4
Vocal range bottom: A2
Lefou
Gaston’s fawning friend, not too bright.
Gender: Male
Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: B2
The Silly Girls (3)
A group of Gaston’s fanatical female followers who energetically pursue him in the hopes of winning
Gender: Female
Age: 18 to 25
Lumiere
A charming French valet who fancies himself a ladies’ man; becomes a candelabra
Gender: Male
Age: 35 to 45
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: F#2
Cogsworth
An officious, excitable, English major-domo; becomes a mantle clock
Gender: Male
Age: 40 to 55
Vocal range top: E4
Vocal range bottom: A2
Mrs. Potts
A sweet, kind-hearted head of the kitchen staff and mother to Chip; becomes a teapot
Gender: Female
Age: 45 to 55
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: F#3
Chip
Mrs. Potts’s hopeful young son; becomes a teacup
Gender: Male
Age: 7 to 10
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Madame De La Grande Bouche
A grand, larger-than-life opera singer; becomes a wardrobe
Gender: Female
Age: 40 to 55
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: C#4
Babette
A flirtatious maid; becomes a feather duster.
Gender: Female
Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Monsieur D’arque
Proprietor of the local insane asylum
Gender: Male
Age: 35 to 55
Ensemble who will Play:
Villagers
Includes Shepherd, Marie, Tavern Master, Laundry Lady, Baker, Milkmaid, Flower Seller, Sausage Curl Lady, Candle Maker, Hat Seller, Bookseller, Cronies
Castle Staff
Becomes various objects, including a Gargoyle, Flatware, a carpet, salt & pepper, and Napkins, etc.
Narrator
Begins the tale of the young Prince who became a beast. May be on-stage, may be voice over, may be pre-recorded.
Young Prince
A spoiled, orphaned young man
Gender: Male
Old Beggar Woman
An enchantress in disguise
Gender: Female
Wolves
Show Dates:
Friday, November 8 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, November 9 @8:00 pm
Sunday, November 10 @ 2:30pm
Friday, November 15 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, November 16 @8:00 pm
Sunday, November 17 @ 2:30 pm
Friday, November 22 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, November 23 @ 8:00 pm
Sunday, November 24 @ 6:00 pm
Friday, November 29 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, November 30 @ 8:00 pm
Staff:
Director – R.J. Lowe
Music Director – Barbara Full
Choreographer – Alexis Parsons
Assistant Director – Kit Parsons
Assistant Director – Bethany Spurrier
Production Assistant – Rachel Martin
Costumers – Amy Snider & Tina Withrow
Technical Director – Nathan Arnold
Advisor – David Rexroad