Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 12/26/2011

Question
I have an audition for "Beauty and the Beast" in 10 days...gahhh!! I've been preparing since July, since I'm going for Belle. I've never wanted a role this badly..this is going to sound rediculous, but everytime I walk into Target or Walmart and they have the princess stuff out, and Belle is on it, I *freak out* and start thinking about the audition and show and what not. Anyhoot...I'm singing "A New Life" from Jekyll and Hyde (the part before it gets really belty) because I felt I could really put "Belle" into the lyrics and act in such a way for the director to envision me in the role. The artistic team all know me really well, which is a plus, but I've never been cast in a "princess" role (although you could argue that she wouldn't be under that category) I also "look" like her, but how much will that help? Anything specific I should wear on the audition day and callbacks? I know all her songs inside and out, and am now just watching the clock go by, waiting for the big day!! Advice, opinions, thoughts??

Answer
Hi there, Rachel...And thanks for writing.

I'm so glad to hear that you really want the role badly of "Belle".  That is awesome!  Keep your eye on the role and do your best in your audition and the role could be your's.  

Regarding whether or not knowing the artistic team or looking like her will help, that is totally up to the artistic team, mostly the Director.  If they are functioning like a professional team does (and most likely they are), the Director will have the last call.  When a Director looks for someone to play a particular role, they take into consideration many things.  For example, the skill of the actor.  The skill of the actors playing opposite the actor.  The look of the actor.  The look of all the other parts and if the actor fits with that look.  The voice of the actor.  The goal of the production.  With all of those things taken into consideration, the Director will pick the best fit.  You may or may not be their choice.  It just depends on all these other things.

For clothing, always wear something that is modest and does not distract those auditioning you.  In other words, don't wear a short skirt.  Don't wear a low cut shirt.  Don't wear something tight.  Just wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move well on the stage.

So your role should be that you prepare your song well and leave the rest to the Director.  It is essential that even if you want a role that you do not expect to get the role.  Let the Director pick the best person for the part.  And be glad for whatever role you get.  Do the best you can to be the best actor and best team member you can be.  And leave the rest to the Director.

I wish you all the best on the audition.

Let me know if I can help you with anything else.