Casting for Beauty and the Beast
We’re looking for five fabulous principals to lead the company of Beauty and the Beast this Christmas. Written and directed by our Chief Executive Scott Ramsay, this new production will transfer the story to the bustling streets of Portsmouth and the magical forests of Hampshire. The focus is on strong and versatile professional musical theatre performers (3 male and 2 female). We encourage diversity when applying, but please respect the brief.
Production dates
Rehearsals from: Monday 27th November
Performances from: Thursday 14th December
Ends: Sunday 31st December
Auditions details
Audition location: New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
Dates: Tuesday 4th July, daytime
Script sides: Emailed in advance (please familiarise)
Songs: Please bring one upbeat musical, and one ballad (accompanist in attendance)
Character Breakdown
Beauty
Female, early to mid 20s. Orphaned daughter and sister to Will. Mixture of confidence and vulnerability, with an interest in literature, and a practical approach to life. Strong singing Mezzo-Soprano/Soprano. Strong acting. Some dance/movement. Musical instrument welcome but not essential.
Beast
Male, late 20s to early 30s. Orphaned son of hereditary seat. Transformed into Beast, returning to Viscount Robert towards the end of the show. A mix of anger, melancholy and surprise moments of tenderness. Must be able to cope with prosthetics and make-up. Strong singing Baritone/Tenor. Strong acting. Some dance/movement. Combat skills- sword.
Will
Male, early to mid 20s. Orphaned son of Sea Trader, and brother to Beauty. Confident, fun, friendly, inventive, makes mistakes, but never gives up. Must have the ability to connect to the audience. Strong singing- Baritone/Tenor. Strong acting- comedy and connection with audience. Some dance/movement.
Madam Crummles
Female, playing age 40 to 60. Vivacious, larger than life owner of a theatre troupe. Has a worldly but maternal edge, able to hold her own, and still looking for a love of her own. Strong singing- Mezzo-Soprano/Soprano. Strong acting- and showmanship. Some dance/movement.
Frederick
Male, early to mid 20s. Alpha-male, cocky Navy sailor, back from Napoleonic conquests and avid pursuer of Beauty. Confident, and uncomfortably over-the-top sense of worth. Is turned into an adversary of the Beast, with an unlikable streak. Strong singing- Baritone/Tenor. Strong acting- with comic sense and melodramatic edge. Some dance/movement. Combat skills- sword.
To apply to secure an audition slot, please send a professional theatre CV and headshot to production@newtheatreroyal.com, with subject heading “PORTSMOUTH CASTING” including the character you wish to be considered for. We will only accept auditions via email.
Those candidates that are successful with securing an audition will be contacted and given an allocated time for the 4th July. Please be aware your audition could be at anytime on the given date.
We are expecting a high demand and so can only respond to candidates that are successful in gaining an audition.