[CayleeJo]

Okay, so I'm planning to audition for the role of Belle in our high school's production of B&B. The auditions are Dec. 8-9, and I've been prepping for the role for several weeks.
But, it wasn't until just recently that I remembered something.
I'm only a freshman,and therefore the youngest grade level in our 1,500 student school. The flyers said that auditions were open to 'ALL STUDENTS', but is there still a hope that I can get the part, even though I'm only a freshman? I don't want my age to be counted against me...

[SmallTownIngenue]

Unfortunately, seniority is a very common thing in high school, especially when it comes to the theater department, so I wouldn't get your hopes up. That doesn't mean you aren't good enough for the role, there are just a lot more factors in high school casting, some that aren't even ethical. I would still definitely give your all for Belle in the audition, but don't be discouraged if you don't get the part. I've never been in BATB, but the ensemble looks like a ton of fun! Plus, your only a freshman, you have so many more opportunities for lead roles!

[kozafluitmusique]

It depends on the school & your experience/ability.

Seniority is very common at my school. It really sucks. One example is one of my classmate's sister (who no longer goes to the school - the whole family moved minus my classmate) has an amazing singing voice (made international honor choir, etc.) and is an amazing actress got cast as ensemble in Blood Brothers last year. And this is a girl who currently now attends an arts school that is really hard to get into.

However, at this same school, when the most talented senior who just graduated in '08 (and one of my good friends) got a principle part all throughout high school (Jack in ITW freshman year, Marius sophomore year, Adam junior year, Narrator senior year) and was cast in a semi-professional show of Godspell a few months back (had to decline it because of scheduling, unfortunately) when he was the youngest who auditioned.

However, you shouldn't give up because of that. I rubbed too much in my sister's face for Gypsy that "I'm going to get a better part than you because you're a freshman" and I regret that now. Of course, I was also concerned that she was going to get a better part than me because her singing voice is so much stronger than mine.

Do the best you can. By preparing so much in advance, you're probably going to be ahead of anyone who does not prepare.

[ilovebway]

Do the best you can, but don't beat yourself over not getting Belle. Be happy with whatever you get! (I remember last year, as a freshman, I was so thrilled just to get ensemble) It's just the way it works. It sucks for you right now but you will be thankful for this "system" once you're a senior. You're only a freshman and have so much more time ahead of you to get bigger roles.

[ConverseSneaker]

I wouldn't get your hopes up, but I wouldn't give up on it either. I auditioned for BATB as a freshman and was one of 3 girls they considered for Belle and the only non-senior. I didn't get the part, but I was a Silly Girl and I actually learned more from that role than I think I ever could have as Belle.

Do your best...even if you don't get Belle, the auditors could be seriously impressed and remember you in the future!

[Disney-Bway27]

I'm in the same boat as you, unfortunately.
However, there are always acceptions. A guy who's crazy talented (he recently graduated) got really large parts as a sophomore...he was the title character in Jekyll & Hyde as a junior, and actually won some awards for his roles.
Good luck, though! I've always wanted to be in Beauty and the Beast!

[Eponine23]

Good luck! I think a few sophomores (the youngest grade in my high school) have gotten lead roles before, so just try your best and don't get discouraged.

[Brigantine]

If you haven't seen it yet, check out the "High School" thread on the auditions forum (can't remember exactly what it's called, but DaddyDiesel started it). This will help prepare you for auditions. As everyone else has said... your chances are slim, but you can always hope. Just be prepared for disappointment. But giving a great/ prepared audition will help you in the future as well.

[DaddyDiesel]

I pretty much echo everything everybody else has said. But you shouldnt be any less ambitious. But this is prety much everything I would tell you. http://www.musicals.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=54004 (thanks for the reference Brig. )

[CayleeJo]

[CayleeJo]

Thanks for all of the answers! My audition is Monday December 8th,2008. Wish me Luck!
-CayleeJo

[kozafluitmusique]

break a leg!!!! tells us everything

[Beagle On Stage]

It all depends on how your school operates. Maybe you could get in touch with the president of your school's theatre department (I suggest tracking down the president as misinterpretations may arise from asking the director) and finding out what the policy usually is. There's nothing wrong with asking, and as a former president I can tell you that this person will know exactly what goes on and be able to give it to you straight.

I'm really surprised to see so much cautioning about getting hopes up, honestly. I had the lead in the musical myself when I was a freshman, and we had a sophomore get the lead my junior year. So don't get discouraged from hearing about all the schools where seniors are always the leads...there ARE schools out there that don't buy into that, and the only way to find out how things work at yours is to either wait and see for yourself, or ask someone who's at the top now.

[CayleeJo]

thanks for all of the support. Our auditions went differently than expected, therefore you weren't allowed to specify your role/other talents/etc. In the end, I was cast as an enchanted object & the enchantress, I'm super excited. Thanks for everything.

[kozafluitmusique]