[disneybeauty]

Hey y'all,
I've read alot of the psts here, and this is my first time here, and I am asking for serious help. I am auditioning for Belle in 6 weeks, and I need all the advice I can get. I audition well, but this part is so near and dear to my heart that I fear over-selling myself. Years ago I worked at Disneyland, and played Belle, so I know the character very well. I am just very scared that I'll over-sell and the panel will hate me.
What advice can you give me? (FYI I am singing "God Help the Outcast)
Thanks again!

[Theatregeeke]

Did they ask for a musical theatre audition song? Cuz another disney song may not be the best way to go.

[disneybeauty]

It's a very large community theatre show, and no, they did not specify to audition with a song from a broadway show. The reason I picked God Help the Outcast is because it's a Menken song, and it shows a good portion of my range.
Pretty much the only stipulation that the board makes is that you bring sheet music. They do not like minus track CD's because the actual show is performed with a live orchestra. This last year, the show was Kiss Me, Kate; I had forgotten what a rush you get from having live musicians playing with you.
I know that I cannot predict who else will audition. But I am hoping that my prior experience with Disney would only help me.
If you can think of another song choice, I am very open. My audition is Nov 11, and I do work with a vocal coach so I have someone to help me learn new material (my sight reading is only so-so).
Please, please, please, I would love to hear any advice.

[DaddyDiesel]

Coming from a vocal stand point work on the sight reading. It does more than just help with reading music. it helps with intonation and Pitch, once you know a song. But thats not the kind of advice your looking for. I think going with "god help the outcasts" could be good but it might show a lack of musical experience plus any disney song is going to be overdone at the B&TB audition. I saw a girl in my group do 16 measures from a duet from Secret Garden. I think it was "How could I ever know." It was very beautiful and Melodic like many of belles songs. I also saw a girl do "Somwhere thats green" it sounds like an odd song to do at an audition for Belle but it captured that whole wanting somthing more thing shes got going. Just dont do it like ellen Greene. OUt of the 20 - 30 girls in my audition these two girls stuck out in my mind. Neither one of them got the part. But they were both cast. Both got called back for Belle. One ended up as Babbette the other was a silly girl. I never saw the girl that got Belle Audition so I have no idea what she auditioned with. She was better vocally then the two girls that Auditioned, so she did deserve it.

[disneybeauty]

Thank you for your input. . . . I will talk with my vocal coach about other options. As of this weekend, there are over 120 people going out for this show, and I am working on the assumption that every brown-eye brunette is going to want to be Belle. So my goal is to stand out enough to make it to call-backs, and then hopefully blow the panel away(The director is the only one I haven't worked with before. The rest of the panel knows me). If you have any other song choices please let me know, as I would love to have as many ideas as possible.
I hadn't really considered that many people would think of God Help the Outcasts. But, hey, there are only so many original thoughts in the world, and mine wasn't one of them.
Thank you so much!

[DaddyDiesel]

You would be surprised. And I not just every browned eyed brunette well be auditioning for belle. There will be plenty of blondes, red heads, Black haired girls also. But no worrys. Relax and have fun. Be really down to earth also. Belle is a really centered charactor. Oh yeah and be confident. Its easy to get flustered if you see and hear someone better. If by chance you feel somone edges you out in some aspects of he audition dont worry you never know what a director is looking for.

[disneybeauty]

Thanks so much for your input. Playing Belle has been a dream of mine, and getting to be her at Disneyland was so awesome. I have done all of the research on Belle's character, and that paired with my Disney training should hopefully give me a shot.
Thanks again!

[disneybeauty]

Hello,
This is just a quick update . . . huge turn of events today. The board of directors for this production of B+B just fired the director. FIRED! Evidently, he had precast almost the entire show and the board got wind of it.
So, now the new director is one of the best ones in town, and she happens to be a friend of mine. I worked with her on the last show I did, so now I am feeling alot better about the auditions.
Still, if anyone has any suggestions, tips, advice, I would still love to hear it. Thanks so much!

[Theatregeeke]

Like DaddyDiesel said, "how could I ever know" from the Secret Garden. It definitely requires a trained voice, and if you pick the right cut to perform, can greatly show off you range.

It's actually what I sang for my BATB audition. I got a call back for Belle. I ended up being cast as Madame de la Grande Bouche (a really fun part) and Belle's u/s. I actually did get to perform the part once, which was amazing. So yeah, you should really consider that song.

[broadwaybabe40]

That seems to be really good news. However I would really lean away from a disney song for an audition. I learned last year when I received the chance to audition in front of a broadway judge on a trip, you don't want to do something similar. I'd say find a song that shows of your range that isn't as well known to people. It should spark their interest and they will end up paying more attention to you. I hope all goes well.

[disneybeauty]

Thanks so much for your input! I will check with my vocal coach about "How could I Ever Know" and see if I can get it together in time. The good thing is that it's still community theatre, so there will be alot of inexperienced performers. Hopefully, this will set me apart, as I have had a lot of experience.
Once again, thanks so much for everything! I'll let you know how it goes. Auditions are Nov 11, and call-backs are the following day.

[disneybeauty]

Okay, sorry to double post, but I am having trouble finding an age-range for Lily from the Secret Garden. All I can find is that she died 10 yrs ago and Uncle Archibald never recovered from his loss. Is she about the same age range as Belle?
Once again, thanks so much for your help.

[Theatregeeke]

Age range for Lilly 25-35. I got my info from http://www.musicaltheatreaudition.com/shows/secretgarden.html

This website is actually really helpful for auditioning.
I think that age would work for Belle, I would say Belle is about late teens to mid 20's.

Good luck on your audition!

[jazzygirlsings]

I think people are pointing you in the wrong direction. I think your initial song is much more appropriate.

I don't know what Broadway judge you went in front of, but I've been in front of and gone to workshops with MANY Broadway casting directors, and ALL have said that acting is definitely the most important.

They hear people screeching high C's all day...People put WAY too much emphasis on range.

And the vocal color from "God Bless the Outcasts" is PERFECT for Belle, as are the acting intentions...I don't think it shows a lack of musical knowledge at all. In fact, I don't think that there would be too many other people that would think of that song...When I first saw it, I thought it was a great choice!

Go with your gut, sweetie! I think you made a good decision!

[disneybeauty]

Wow! Thank you so much! I just downloaded "How Could I Ever Know" just in case. At least I have a back-up.
Jazzygirlsings, you totally got why I chose "Outcast", and I thank you for your kind words. I have two weeks to decide what to do. At least this way, I have two songs ready to go, and I can see what other people are doing and judge from there. Thank you!
I have done professional theatre in the past, and this production I am going for is as close as I will ever get again to that. Yes, it is community theatre and no one is getting paid (the whole production depends on donations from local people and businesses).
You guys don't know how much you have all helped tremendously.

[jazzygirlsings]

^I have done a number of professional productions as well, so maybe we just totally "get" each other! LOL!

But seriously, I've learned that it is usually the most intelligent thing to go with your gut in audition situations...



BTW...in your initial post, you said that you were afraid you would "over-sell" the song...Let me remind you that it is a lot easier for a director to ask an actor to pull back than it is to ask an actor to give more...

Just believe in what you're doing and you'll be fine!

[DaddyDiesel]

To where as I disagree a little with Jazzys words on a disney song for auditions I respect her experience. So I dont know In my much less/ amature type experience I have seen directors not like the fact that it wasn't a song from a musical. BUt on the other hand if you say the directors your friend I dont think you have to worry about the director not knowing your knowledge and ability. So I think going with your gut as Jazzy says will be great. So really I dont know why I posted this. ummm.........Break a leg. oh yeah now I remember. Yeah go overboard. Especially in community theatre there are so many dead bumps in auditions. To add to Jazzy comment its so much easier for a director to get an actor to pull back then get a shy actor to come out of there shell more.

[disneybeauty]

Thank you guys so much!
You know, until I found this forum, I was literally driving myself insane because I couldn't make an educated decision on my own (or at least one I didn't keep second-guessing).
THank you for the support, and I'll let you know how it goes.

[disneybeauty]

Quick little update . . .
Auditions are this Saturday, please send me good thoughts if you can spare them.
Thanks so much for all for your help

[AllThatJazzHands]

*good thoughts*
Break a leg!! Let us know how everything goes!

[DaddyDiesel]

good thoughts....

[Starsweeper]

How did the audition go? Did you stick with "God Help the Outcasts"?

[AllThatJazzHands]

Yeah...how did it go???

[disneybeauty]

My audition is tomorrow. . . thanks for asking. My vocal coach and I got together and really brain-stormed about changing my song. In the end, we decided I should go with "How Could I Ever Know" because it shows more range in less time. I think that it was the best decision because I have already heard from others that have auditioned that they were cut off mid-song by the Music Director. Plus, it's a beautiful song with lots of emotion that I can tap in to.
Well . . . .wish me "merde"!

[MademoiselleMusicals]

Good luck!!!!!! I have an audition tomorrow so I know how you're feeling.

[disneybeauty]

Okay . . . here's the run-down:
Nailed the song, got thru the bridge and showed some range before I was cut off by the MD. Nailed the dance. No call-back . . . why? Over 200 people auditioned for the show. My friend, who auditioned with me, sang a-capella (off-key), and got a call-back.
I think that I am getting too old to do this stuff anymore, and be taken seriously. I am 30(I look 25 - seriously), and once that magic number hits, everything changes. My friend who made the call-backs, is 25, and people ask if I am her younger sister, which torks her off, because I have 3 kids, and she should look younger than me.
I am really down right now because I was hoping that with all of my experience (including working for Disney) that I would at least make the call-backs.
Oh well . . . say hello to a dancing napkin . . .

[MsDivaKate]

[disneybeauty]

Thank you for your kind words.

Here's my small problem; every show I get into I hear, "oh you're the great dancer we saw at auditions". Honestly, I should be grateful, but I am tired of hearing it. I was really hoping to get to be Belle one more time before retiring . . . Oh well.

[MademoiselleMusicals]

I assume this is community theatre. The politics are horrible. Seriously move on. You are too good for them. Good luck for the future.

PS. And if you get a dancing napkin.... It's not such a bad role you know! Maybe you get to do the can can lol

[disneybeauty]

Yes, this is community theatre. I don't want to sound cliche, but it really sucks when politics get into theatre business.
Since my friend made the call-backs(she's the one dating the director's son, and sang off-key), I think that the directors had already chosen her to be their Belle, even though she made it perfectly clear she wanted to be Babette. It's the old "we know her, and if we work with her on the part she'll be great."
This totally sucks . . .

[Starsweeper]

Don't worry about. I know you're disapointed, but this sort of thing happens constantly, community theatre can very, very shady in its casting. Especially with the part of Belle, its so coveted pretty much by every girl who can carry a tune (and some that can't) that practically everywhere you audition its usually all sewn up. There is hope though, the first time I auditioned for Belle I didn't get it, but the second time I did. It was with a group that was legitimately looking for a Belle and didn't precast. Don't give up, you might get your chance in the future.

[disneybeauty]

I would love to say that yes, I'll have another chance, but this was my last chance. B+B won't come around again for at least 5 years, and I will be waaaaaaay too old by then. THis was my one hope. I guess I will have to just remember my days playing Belle at Disneyland, and take comfort in that(FYI, that audition process was intense- over 2000 people showed up, 90 of us made it to callbacks, and 3 of us got hired as Belle and Snow White).
Thanks for your kind words again.

[disneybeauty]

Okay . . . quick update . . .
Found out that because of the sudden switch in directors that there wasn't time to change the audition notice. The directors decided that the audience wouldn't understand the musical version of B+B unless Belle was under 18. So, to appease the audience, they decided to go with basically B+B junior. Another friend of mine got cast as Beast, and he looks all of his 29 years. I hope the idea of a 29 yr old man and a 17 yr old girl doesn't make the audience squirm as much as it does me.
YIKES

[MsDivaKate]

[disneybeauty]

I just wish that the directors would have changed the audition notice to reflect the change in casting. Instead, it still reads "30-40 adults, 21 and over, 10-15 teenagers".GRRRRRRRRRRR

[MsDivaKate]

How much of the casting was made up of teens, as you mention its becoming slightly like BatB junior.

[Beagle On Stage]

Are you kidding me? Somehow I don't think Belle is usually under 18 on Broadway, and people seem to understand that production well enough. lol.

I don't have a problem with 17 opposite 21, I've been in a bigger gap, but still, just wanting Belle to be a teenager for the heck of it is a silly reason, and yes they should have changed the notice to reflect that!

[MsDivaKate]

[DaddyDiesel]

Whya re you planning to reetire at 30? OUr Belle was 17 and our beast was 45. But the thing is with all that make up it really doesnt matter. Im fully surprised they didnt put a small message up for all who audtitioned at the auditions, of there changes in requirements. Did you get a part??? OR was it a dancing napkin.

[MsDivaKate]

[disneybeauty]

I am contemplating retiring because no matter how young I look, the directors in my area are hell-bent on casting the youngest person in whatever role I am up for, because they think that's what the audience wants.
I understand that you can have a 17 yr old play against a 45 yr old, but the area I live in is very conservative, and usually won't cast leads more than a few yrs apart in age(I am speaking specifically about community theatre in my area).
The other problem is that I think the directors took the easy way out. If they had done any research, they would have known that Linda Woolverton re-wrote the part of Belle for the musical to make her a woman, not a girl. I think it also is insulting the intelligence of the audience to make the assumption that they would not accept an older Belle( older that 1.
Anyway, we'll see what I decide to do. I know that I'll probably get cast as a napkin and probably a wolf, because the choreographer knows me, and loves my skill level. I think I am going to turn it down though, because I don't think my body can handle all of the choreography she'll give me(she nearly killed me last year).
Thanks for all of your support. I really needed it.

[Starsweeper]

I'm sorry- Belle can only be under 18- that's ridiculous! I saw it on Broadway last summer and the actress who played Belle looked to me like she was definitely and maybe even considerably over thirty. In fact I'd say most professional Belles play the role in their late twenties/early thirties. I think it would be quite unusual to find a Belle in a pro production that was younger than 21 when she played it. Those casting directors need to be a little more open minded, they're closing themselves off to many good casting options by creating arbitrary rules for themselves.

[disneybeauty]

New info on the directors:

From what I have found out about them, they both prefer to work with kids and teens, rather than adults. I looked at the other shows they're directing, and they are all for the under 18 crowd. They are all "learning experience" shows.
The prodcution of B+B was supposed to be a community project, and in all the years past, it was a chance for stage veterans to get up and show that they still had it. Now, it's just another show to teach younger performers the ropes. This is irritating because there are so many other youth theatre groups in my area that do just this!
FYI, most of the people(adults) I have spoken with are going to pull out of the show because they want to send a message to the board that this casting was wrong, and they should have had some sort of notice up so people wouldn't waste their time auditioning for a youth production.

[MsDivaKate]

Wow. That casting notice 100% should have been changed if it was just another youth learning experience type show. I don't blame you for pulling out. I'm sure you'll find something more worth your while. (though I know you've been mentioning retiring, which is sad )

[disneybeauty]

I might retire, and just keep taking my voice lessons. I have worked with three of the theatre groups in my area, and they are all becoming obsessed with finding younger leads instead of casting the right person. I lost the part of Anna in The King and I because of this. That, and the girl who got the part was the asst. director's girlfriend. THe call-back was so blatantly rigged, she didn't even attempt a British accent. Meanwhile, I had spent 2 months perfecting mine, and preparing all of the songs, should the director ask me to sing one.(Granted, my karma points shot up after she was cast. When she was announced about 1/3 of the cast left. These people had been at the call-backs and realized it was all for show).
I don't know what I am going to do. I have a family that I love, and is very supportive of me (husband loves that I am crazy, kids sing along with me in the car). Maybe I'll go back to straight theatre for a little while.
Thank you all for your support. This forum has been so amazing!

[disneybeauty]

So . . . I was just informed by the stage manager that due to the high turn out of younger performers, that I won't be needed as a dancer either. I don't know how to feel. Right now, I am numb, because I figured if anything they would use me as a dancer( I am a former professional ballerina).
I am really wishing that I had never auditioned. Of course, I would not have auditioned had I known that it was going to be a teen production instead of the community theatre production it was supposed to be.
Wow!

[Fyra]

That's flat-out ridiculous! They should never have carried out the auditions without telling everyone the change of plans. And since when should "younger performers" be chosen over a former professional ballerina? It's not like the audience will be like, "Ohnoes, a non-teenager! Run!"

[disneybeauty]

The only thing that I can think of is that I don't blend in well (as in I stick out because of my presentation style). Last years, when I worked with this same group(different director), I sort of had the same problem, but because the show was pretty dance intensive with very little rehearsal time, they needed someone with very strong dance skills so other dancers could follow if they didn't remember the choreography.
This has made me absolutely sick, and it's eraly pushing me to consider quitting. I am so tired of the game of auditioning right now, so I won't make a decision right away.

[MademoiselleMusicals]

I know exactly what you are going through...

(Sorry to gatecrash your post! I might sound a bit conceited with all the 'I's etc but I am so frustrated )

I had an audition for Cinderella, had the call back on Sunday and it went really well.

Then got a phone call saying.... I didn't get a role.

1) They gave the role to this girl who has never done a show with this society and I am so annoyed. Why should someone who strolls in get a role. In the audition her singing was terribly weak yet mine was much stronger. People said that I looked like I was enjoying myself with the dialogue etc (and I'm so proud because I normally look so stiff!), and I was confident in vocals.
2) I try so so so so so hard (words can't explain) and they keep giving the roles to the same people.
3) I have noticed half the people who now have principals were principals in the last show. And the show before that and that and that... You get the idea.
4) The director hates me. She has a grudge against me and I don't know why!!! She said to me '___, your dialogue last week was rushed and you have a lovely speaking voice so please slow down.' I said 'Yes I know.' THEN she flew down my neck saying, 'Oh I'm only giving you instructions on how to be good.' I can accept criticism but she full on got all stroppy.
5) I am devastated as I thought my time had finally come.
a) All the previous principals had gone to 16-17 : I am 16.
b) I have been in tons of shows with this particular society.

The lady on the phone offered me chorus and I said I'd think about it. However I feel that why should I do another show if they don't notice my hard work BUT I want to prove to this director I am good.

I may sound incredibly boastful and cocky but I have got talent. That is what frustates me most, I try incredibly hard for example actually singing acting etc BUT being committed, well behaved etc A lot of people say I am good but what's the point?

I think this is what you are feeling, what's the point if you try so so hard but the casting already have their favourites? In that case it's pointless even having auditions.

Good luck. I really feel for you because I'm going through it too.

[OYPBelle]

You think a 17-29 belle and beast is bad. When my community theater did it Belle was 15 and the Beast was 55 or 56. Talk about gross.
I am sorry about your situation. Community politics are awful. the same thing happened here Belle was told that she could have the part 4 months ahead. Then she blabbed to three people (one of them being me and another that she got into a big fight with because of it) Everyone in our small town found out about it in a week. And she still got the part. She did o.k. but others could have done better.

[MademoiselleMusicals]

[Holly]

[Starsweeper]

Mademoiselle Musicals: I'm so sorry that happened to you, amateur/community theatre can be very very biased. It seems to me like almost every time a big coveted role like Belle or Cinderella is up for grabs it is almost always precast. I'm seen some absolutely disgusting displays of obvious bias and prejudice at auditions. I would suggest you try another theatre, even though many theatres precast, not all do and you could certainly find a theatre that was more fair than the one you're in. Don't give up, I've found that I didn't always get the role I wanted on my first try, but sometimes you get it later on.

About the age difference thing between Belle and the Beast, that seems to be pretty common. In my show Belle was a late teenager and the Beast was in his early-mid forties.

[Chevstriss]

[disneybeauty]

I have done pro theatre, and I agree, it's worse when there is money involved. One of the groups I worked with is so tight that they usually cast their kids over more qualified candidates to save money. I am thinking about possibly auditioning for them again, because they know I can dance and sing, BUT I also don't want to be stuck only working for them(they have a bad reputation for putting on so-so shows). They do decent shows, but nowhere near the caliber I would like. The only one that came close was the one putting on B+B, but now they are corrupted as well. THere is one more theatre group I may try, but it's dinner theatre, and I already have a 3 jobs(sonographer,wife, and mommy). I don't really want to clean up after more people.
anyway, there aren't any auditions for a while, so I'll just continue to work at getting even better for the next show.
Thanks for commiserating with me. It made me feel less alone.
Hope everyone had a great Turkey-Day!

[MademoiselleMusicals]

[disneybeauty]

Quick Update . . . I found out thru friends that were cast that the entire cast is pretty much under the age of 22. The only exceptions are the Beast (a friend of mine who I know is 29) and Cogsworth and Mrs Potts (BOTH are on the board). I also found out that the girl (17) that got Belle is a student of the Music Director.

How's that for politics. . .

[faliah_dahn]

Mademoiselle:

It sounds like you experienced/are experiencing something much like what I've been suffering through for the past three years at my high school!

My school used to have this egomaniacal, certifiably-demented old-man choir director who refused to cast girls in good roles in the musicals if they felt they were "too good" to be in his choir program. Lucky me, I switched to this school in my sophomore year without knowing this, and that year they were doing "Guys and Dolls" -- and Adelaide is my all-time favorite role.

So I try out, and get a callback, and I give the best reading. People actually stood up and cheered after each of my turns. And the director asked me to read with the most Nathans, and I heard later that he called the drama department head while she was vacationing in New York and he told her he wanted to cast me.

But the choir director said no. He told the man I had NODES on my vocal chords!

So for the next two years I'd audition, sing really well (I'm a mezzo), and I'd get to callbacks, read the best of anyone, and then this stupid old man would tell the director he could hear I had NODES on my chords!

So then no one would touch me! And the worst part is, I've been studying voice since I was eight and DO NOT have nodes!!!

He finally retired last year, and I was so excited that I'd finally have a decent shot at getting cast. My school did Little Shop of Horros for its fall musical, and I got called back, and read the best (again) ... but this time the role of Audrey went to the director's friends' daughter! And she was totally tone deaf, chubby, and a terrible actress! She couldn't even do Audrey's accent! So the director re-set the play in Los Angeles so she could say the lines like a Valley Girl.

The worst part was, everyone kept saying how funny she was, and how great she was, blah blah blah. Now my school might be doing Beauty and the Beast and I'm despondent, because Belle is really just a tad out of my range and I'm a blonde.

I've been crying a lot lately. I haven't had a single good part at my high school yet.

[Bookworm]

Oh, darling, that's horrible! NODES?
Perhaps you should join his choir. If you are the best for the role he shouldn't turn you away.