[AllThatJazzHands]

So, the community theatre near me is putting on Beauty & the Beast in March and auditions are in January. I would really like to audition for Belle, but my singing voice isn't fantastic. I can sing fine (I'm a mezzo) but I feel that my true strength is acting. What do you all think? If I don't get Belle, I certainly won't be upset. I would love to be in the chorus, too! But I just wanted to know if in other productions the person playing Belle had to have this outstanding singing voice. Thanks!

[OvrtheMoon]

In my opinion, and from what i've seen (i've seen 5 productions: NY, tour, STL Muny, highschool, and community) Belle needs to have a pretty outstanding voice. A substantial bit of her more important scenes is done in song, and that is what is most rememberable. And after all, it is a musical. Now by no means do you have to sound anything like Susan Egan, but I'd say that a good voice is a must when it comes to belle. Now if you want a role that's more for acting than singing, i'd go for Babette. She's more of a character role than a singing one

[AllThatJazzHands]

Great. Thanks! I was kind of worried about sounding like Belle would. Like, imitating Paige O'Hara or Susan Egan. I saw Ashley Brown's video on broadway.com and she has her own style that's pretty amazing. You guys should check it out!

Oh, and if I wanted a specific chorus role, I would love to be one of the silly girls or a napkin. The costumes are awesome!

[AllThatJazzHands]

Hey, I saw in an old post that you used "Astonishing" for an audition piece. Did you stick with that??

[Beagle On Stage]

I've actually said before that while Belle definitely does have to be able to sing, it's fine if she's just "a good singer." It's great if she's amazing, but I personally don't feel that it requires the perfectly-trained sound you'd think it would.

[OvrtheMoon]

ya, i stuck with astonishing. I used the enlast like 18 measures. I only got chorus, but i talked to the director about what could do to improve, and he told me that while there were somethings that i could work on, i was actually considered (and nearly offered) belle, but they ended up deciding that they wanted someone older to play Belle (i'm 17 and most of the cast was in their 30's)

[RainbowJude]

I would say that Belle has to be a great singer and a great actress. Although the role of the Beast is somewhat more complex than in the film, the story is still primarily told form Belle's point of view in the stage show. The score reflects this structure and unless you have a Belle that can hold the show together, you're sunk.

Later days
David

[jennyjo]

Belle's opening song should have the ability to give an audience chills and tell a story before you even see her face. Or at least thats what my director told me. Since Belle has alot of time just standing on stage singing by herself she ought to have a pretty incredible voice.

[Dancer#5]

Still, you know, it doesn't hurt to try out for Belle...don't put yourself down because you don't think you would get it this time--try out for belle, and babette, ok try out for every part hehe
Who knows, maybe the director sees your potential