April 4: Playhouse offers free audition workshops

Cumberland County Playhouse is offering free audition workshops on April 4 for kids, teens and adults interested in performing in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast during Summer 2004. Children 8 to 12 are asked to attend from 1 to 3 p.m., with adults and teens invited from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Director Jim Crabtree will conduct the workshop.

The workshop will introduce volunteers of all ages to the music from the show, suggest scenes and monologues suitable to various characters in each show, and provide coaching to help volunteers prepare auditions for leading, supporting and ensemble roles. Space is limited, so those interested in the free workshops should call Lisa Brumbelow at the Playhouse 931-484-4324, ext. 243 to reserve a place.

Formal audition appointments will be scheduled for professional dancer/ singer/ tumblers, and for volunteer adults and teens on April 6 between 3 and 8 p.m., and auditions for children 8 to 12 will be on April 8 from 3 to 7 p.m. Prepared auditions to include 16 bars of a song and a one-minute monologue. Dancers should come in clothes and shoes they can move in. All auditions are by appointment, and may be scheduled at the workshops or by calling Brumbelow at the Playhouse.

The Playhouse’s production of Beauty and the Beast is the first production in the world authorized by Disney for independent production. It starts rehearsal May 18, opens June 18 and runs through September 5.

A large cast of singers, dancers, movers and actors is required. Major and supporting roles available include Belle’s father Maurice, 3 “Silly Girls”(dancer/singers) who fawn over Gaston. LeFou, a short, agile, funny tumbler and physical who is Gaston’s sidekick.