Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR.
In past years, St. Veronica has put on a series successful productions in Annie Jr., Disney’s Aladdin Jr., Seussical Jr., and Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. This year, the St. Veronica Drama Program will produce Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. – a musical based off of the Disney film. Any student in grades 3-8 is allowed to participate in this musical. Once again, there are a group of parents and teachers working together to make this musical just as successful as our last. This packet has been created to give you all the information you need to know.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will take place every Thursday and Friday after school from 3:20-5:00. A schedule has been attached to this packet informing you of days we do and do not have rehearsals. Only certain groups of students will need to be at rehearsals. Typically, students with “principal cast roles” will be needed at rehearsals more often than students who have smaller speaking/singing roles, are in the choir, or are in the backstage crew. A monthly schedule will be sent home with the students telling you exactly who needs to be at each rehearsal. These should be sent home a few weeks ahead of time. The Thursday Packet calendar also has an updated schedule of each rehearsal and who needs to be at them.
Registration Fee
Every student participating in the musical must pay a $45 registration fee. This money will help offset some of the cost for creating all of the costumes needed for the play, building the set, and creating all of the props. Included in this fee is a t-shirt with the words “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” on the front. These shirts will be worn as part of the costumes for all students in the musical. All students will be allowed to keep their shirt. Colors will vary depending on the role of the student. Money is to be turned in with the permission slip at the end of this packet. Please make checks payable to St. Veronica School.
Auditions
Auditions will take place on Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30. There will be a small group of judges watching each student on their audition performance. Students need to come on only one of those days to audition. You need to choose this date on the permission form in the back of this packet. All students who audition are automatically in the play (either as a role assigned to them or in the ensemble). If a student wishes to be in the musical but does not want to audition, they can still join an ensemble.
Students may try out for as many parts as they would like – but only need to audition once. Every student that auditions must perform a monologue AND a song for their audition. A monologue is a short “play” performed by one person. Sample monologues can be found in the music room and will be passed out at during music class the week before auditions. However, we encourage the students to find or create their own monologue.
The monologue must be less than one minute in length. Students will be judged on their eye contact and confidence, volume and speed of their voice, and their ability to “act the part” of the character giving the monologue.
The song that the students sing MUST be from either Broadway show or a Disney movie. Students should try to find a song that fits the character that they are trying out for. The song should be less than 30 seconds. Each student will have to pick one part of the song that they feel shows the best qualities of their voice. The singing auditions must be performed without music, but a starting note will be played if the student asks for it. Students will be judged on the volume of their voice, pitch, tempo, eye contact, confidence, and breathing elements.
The Dance Team
This year we are going to create a “Dance Team” for Beauty and the Beast Jr. The Dance Team will consist of 4-8 students who are experienced in the art of dancing. Students must audition to be a part of this group. Auditions for the Dance Team will take place on Friday, November 6 (the day of callbacks). Students will learn a dance routine at the first rehearsal (Oct. 23) and will be expected to perform that routine for their audition. Students will be allowed to audition for both a singing/acting part in the musical AND a part in the dance team.
Callbacks
After the first auditions are over, we will then call on a select number of students to come back the following week for second auditions, or “callbacks.” These students will receive a packet containing part of the script to practice and a song or two from the musical to practice. They will then be asked to have their callback audition on Thursday, November 5 or Friday, November 6 (depending on the role they are being called back for) in front of a large panel of judges. They will read and act the lines and sing the songs they were given. After the callbacks are over, all students will be assigned a part or an ensemble in the play. Remember - have fun during your auditions and show the judges how much you enjoy acting!
The “Play Week”
The week before the production is known as the “Play Week.” During this week, an extensive rehearsal schedule is needed to ensure that every aspect of the musical is ready for a performance. The entire cast is expected at each of these rehearsals – every day of the week. Times of rehearsals and performances can be found on the schedule inside this packet.
Performances
There will be three performances of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr..: Friday, April 23 @ 7:30 PM, Saturday, April 24 @ 7:30 PM, and Sunday, April 25 @ 6:00 PM. Students will be expected to be there with plenty of time to put costumes and makeup on. These times will be announced at a later time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can my child bring a snack to eat before rehearsal?
We encourage students to bring a small snack and/or drink to rehearsal. However, all food and drink must be completed by the start of rehearsal. It is the students’ responsibility to clean up all trash left over from their snacks. Students are NOT allowed to eat or drink in the gym when rehearsals begin in there in March.
Where should I pick my child up after rehearsal?
Until March, all rehearsals will take place in the cafeteria annex rooms located behind the school (the side with the office door entrance). Students should be picked up at the annex room doors at 5:00. Please make sure that you make arrangements to have your child picked up at that time.
What should I do if my child cannot make a rehearsal?
Even with two rehearsals every week, each rehearsal is vital. However, if your child cannot make a rehearsal, please send in a note to Mr. Gardner as soon as possible.
Can my child get any advice or help before auditions?
If a student would like ideas for monologues/songs – talk with Mr. Gardner. He will be able to give helpful suggestions/advice to students who are auditioning.
When will audition results be announced?
Audition results will most likely be posted the week after callbacks. Cast listings can be found on the St. Veronica music website. Simply go to the school’s music website (http://teacherweb.com/OH/stveronica/Music/apt6.aspx)
Contact Information
Director: Mr. Adam Gardner
Phone: 513-528-0442
Email: adam@stveronica.org