IONA COLLEGE

2018 PRODUCTION

Beauty and the Beast

Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre lnternational (Australasia)

Information and Audition Pack

Who can audition?

Iona Students Years 5-12 – Register at Student Reception

Girls in Years 7-12 who attend the following schools:

Loreto College, Lourdes Hill College,

Moreton Bay Girls’ College, San Sisto College –

Register by email – cockburnd@iona.qld.edu.au

PRODUCTION TEAM

• Director/Producer: David Cockburn

• Musical Director/Conductor: Brian L’Huillier

• Musical Assistants: Carmel Massingham & Aimee McDonald

• Vocal Coach: Madonna Forster

• Choreographers: Megen Kelleher & Juanita Ryder

• Accent Coach: Rowena Luck-Geary

• Rehearsal Assistants: Emilia Keene & Bernadette O’Leary

• Stage Manager: Brian Townsend

• Front of House: Kirsten Hudson & Lisa Mugridge

• Theatre Manager: Sam Ould

Please Note: Further staff involved in the production will be announced in 2018. Any enquiries

should be emailed to David Cockburn at cockburnd@iona.qld.edu.au

All auditions will be held at IPAC (Iona Performing Arts Centre).

AUDITIONS - CAST

January: Sunday 28th (Girls Yrs 7-12: 8.30am-11.30am/Iona Yrs 7-12: 1-4pm)

January: Wednesday 31st (Iona Years 5 & 6: 3.15-5pm)

February: Friday 2nd (Call backs: 4-6pm)

AUDITIONS – ORCHESTRA

January: Wednesday 24th (Girls & Boys Yrs 7-12: 4-6pm)

Please note: Minimal levels are required: All instruments (AMEB 5th Grade/equivalent),

Strings (AMEB 6th Grade/equivalent), Keyboard/Oboe/English Horn/Flute/Piccolo (AMEB 8th

Grade/equivalent). Interested students are to contact Mr Brian L’Huillier by Friday 19th of

January by email lhuillierb@iona.qld.edu.au to request specific parts. A rehearsed piece and

sight reading will be done during the audition.

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals will be held at Iona College (Iona Performing Arts Centre) mainly on Sundays.

Please note: Apart from Sunday 11th of February (8.30-10.30am) Years 5 & 6 boys will

rehearse on Thursday afternoons in Term 1 (3.30-5pm). In Term 2, they will rehearse on

Sundays from 8.30-11am. Starting on Sunday 20th they are required for the entire rehearsal.

TERM ONE

February: Sunday 11th (8.30am-4pm)

COMPULSORY PRODUCTION MEETING FOR CAST’S PARENTS: (8.30-9.15am - IPAC)

February: Sunday 18th (8.30am-4pm)

February: Sunday 25th (8.30am-4pm)

March: Sunday 4th (8.30am-4pm)

March: Sunday 11th (8.30am-4pm)

TERM TWO

April: Sunday 22nd (8.30am-4pm)

April: Wednesday 25th (2-6pm * Leads Only)

April: Sunday 29th (8.30am-4pm)

May: Sunday 6th (8.30am-4pm)

May: Monday 7th (8.30am-4pm * Labour Day)

May: Sunday 13th Mother’s Day – NO REHEARSAL

May: Sunday 20th (8.30am-4pm)

May: Sunday 27th (8.30am-4pm)

May: Monday 28th (4-8.30pm)

May: Tuesday 29th (4-8.30pm)

PERFORMANCE DATES

May: Thursday 31st (call at 5.30pm, curtain at 7.30pm, finish 10.30pm)

June: Friday 1st (call at 6pm, curtain at 7.30pm, finish 10.30pm)

June: Saturday 2nd (call at 6pm, curtain at 7.30pm, finish 10.30pm)

June: Sunday 3rd (call at 11.30am, curtain at 1pm, students do not depart)

June: Sunday 3rd (call at 5pm, curtain at 6pm, finish 9.15pm)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A $60 levy is required to help cover some of the costs of your involvement.

Most resources will be provided. However, cast members will need to provide the following:

• Shoes (chorus shoes for girls)

• Makeup essentials (eg. foundation, mascara, lipstick, etc…)

At the Director’s discretion, you may be asked to supply other fundamental items once

rehearsals have commenced.

If you are unable to attend all rehearsals and performances, please do not audition. If you

accept a role, you are entering into a commitment and there are no excuses for non-attendance.

These dates are non-negotiable and MUST be attended by all cast members.

A binding commitment is made by every performer to attend all rehearsals and performances.

However, if family bereavement or sickness prevails, a phone call needs to be made to the

Director.

Performers are to commit themselves professionally and with dedication. This ensures a

smooth–running show and one that is enjoyed by all.

Parent support is greatly valued and opportunities will be made available for parent

involvement.

What happens at the audition?

All students will participate in an individual singing audition, an acting audition and a group

movement audition. Please ensure you wear comfortable and appropriate clothes and shoes,

that you can move in. If you already own them, please wear chorus or jazz shoes. All hair is to

be set back away from the face. All students must be prepared to sing in the keys the songs are

written in for the auditions.

Group Movement Audition

The group movement piece will be explained on the day; no preparation is required.

Individual Singing Auditions

Singing auditions will be held during the audition period.

Download a Word version of the Audition Form (a copy is at the end of this Information

Pack). Complete your Audition Form (either inserting into it or attaching your 2017 school

individual photo), print it out and bring it to your audition.

Both the songs and the script extracts must be memorised.

A repetiteur will accompany all auditions.

ROLES

BELLE Belle is the original fairy tale heroine – kind, gentle, and beautiful – but with a modern twist.

She is a strong, intelligent, spirited and independent young woman. Belle is the moral

conscience of the story, elevated by her thoughts and deeds. 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.

This role requires a very strong singer and actor who portrays innocence, passion and courage

in her singing and speaking voice.

Mezzo-Soprano: E3 – F5

THE BEAST The Beast’s tortured soul is evident for all to see. He is larger than life, 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 behaviour, 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. This role requires a

very strong singer and exceptional actor with a strong speaking voice and stage presence.

Baritone: A3–F4

GASTON Gaston is the absolute antithesis of The Beast. Although he is physically handsome,

he is shallow, completely self-centered, not very bright, and thrives on attention. However,

when his ego is bruised he becomes a very dangerous foe for The Beast, Belle and Maurice.

This role requires a strong singer and character actor who moves well.

Baritone: A3–F4

LUMIERE Lumiere is the French butler who was transformed into a Candelabra. He is light-hearted,

suave, romantic, smooth talking and charming. He has a romantic involvement with Babette.

This character speaks with a French accent. This role requires strong character acting, and he

should move very well.

Tenor/Baritone: F#2–F#4

LEFOU Lefou is Gaston’s dim-witted, servile sidekick. 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 character acting.

Tenor/Baritone: B3–G4

MAURICE

Despite being a bit scatter-brained, there is no mistaking Maurice’s steadfast love for his

daughter Belle. Kindly, gentle, enthusiastic and inventive, he becomes single-minded and

determined when Belle faces danger.

Baritone: Bflat3 - D flat4

COGSWORTH 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. This character speaks with a British accent.

This role requires strong character acting.

Tenor/Baritone: F#2–G4

MRS. POTTS Mrs. Potts is a warm-hearted, maternal enchanted teapot. She sings the title song “Beauty and

the Beast”. She is loyal, caring, and spunky. This character speaks with a British accent.

Mezzo-Soprano: F#3–G5

MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE

Madame is a former opera diva turned enchanted wardrobe. She is very melodramatic and

requires strong character acting.

Mezzo-Soprano: F#3–G5

BABETTE Babette is a saucy, enchanted feather duster, and the object of Lumiere's affections. This role

requires good character acting and she should move well, as she dances a tango with Lumiere

during “Be Our Guest”. This character speaks with a French accent.

Soprano: F#3–C6

MONSIEUR D'ARQUE

D’arque is the creepy, scheming proprietor of the local insane asylum, The Maison De

Lune. He will also be an ensemble member, roles that include townsperson and enchanted

objects.

Tenor: D2–A5

THREE SILLY GIRLS The silly girls are three pretty young maids who swoon over Gaston. They are also in the

ensemble as dancers who double as enchanted objects.

Mezzo-Soprano: C4–F5

CHIP Chip is an inquisitive little teacup who is the son of Mrs. Potts.

Soprano: F#3–G5

ENSEMBLE

TOWNSPEOPLE / THE ENCHANTED OBJECTS / GARGOYLES / BEGGAR WOMAN /

ENCHANTRESS / CRONIES

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST MONOLOGUES FOR AUDITIONS

All audition pieces must be FULLY MEMORISED. All students (Yrs 5-12) do this piece:

ENSEMBLE: Once upon a time in a faraway land, a young prince lived in a shining castle.

Although he had everything his heart desired, the Prince was spoiled, selfish and unkind. But

then, one winter’s night, an old beggar woman came to the castle and offered him a single rose

in return for shelter from the bitter cold. Repulsed by her haggard appearance, the Prince

sneered at the gift and turned the old woman away. The old woman warned him not to be

deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within.

FEMALE: All female students must prepare both of these two sections as well.

BELLE: (Speaking to the Bookseller) Good morning! I’ve come to return the book I borrowed.

I couldn’t put it down. I wondered if you have got anything new? If not, I will just borrow one I

have already read. It’s my favourite. Far-off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince

in disguise… (To the Bookseller) Mine? You are giving it to me? Well, thank you! Thank you

very much!

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!!!! But 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.

MALE: All Years 7-12 boys must prepare all three of these sections as well.

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! You’ve come to see the Beast,

haven’t you? I am hideous aren’t I? Why would I 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 . . . I’ll never see her again.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST SONGS FOR AUDITIONS

All audition pieces must be FULLY MEMORISED

All students: “Be Our Guest” – Bars 110-126

Girls: “Is This Home?” – Bars 24-37

Boys Years 7-12: “If I Can’t Love Her” – Bars 67-87