West Virginia University Potomac State College is pleased to announce that the College’s 2019 musical production will be Disney's The Little Mermaid. Auditions will be held in November 2018. The play will be under the direction of Mark Ashby, with choreography by Taryn Casebolt. Music direction will be by Sean and Debi Beachy.
Auditions are by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 240.257.6322 or by emailing pscauditions@gmail.com. Auditions will take place on Friday, Nov. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Church-McKee Arts Center in Keyser, W.Va.
Show dates are March 15-17 and 22-24, 2019 (school shows are Mar. 25-26). Rehearsals will begin January 6, 2019. Parts are available and open to those in grade three through adult.
All those auditioning will learn a brief dance as part of a group. Please prepare about 16-24 bars of a song to sing either with piano sheet music accompaniment, karaoke style recorded tracks (no recorded vocals added), or a cappella. Cast size will be limited to about 50 members or less. Roles are listed below. Those auditioning may be considered for more than one part, but please think about which one or two you want to read for prior to your appointment.
AVAILABLE ROLES
Age ranges are suggestions only.
Ariel (FEMALE): A mermaid and King Triton's youngest daughter. She is obsessed with everything about the human world and dreams of becoming a part of life above the water. Hardheaded, naive and emotional, but also kind-hearted. Age 16-25
Prince Eric (MALE): A human monarch who has no interest of taking the crown. A handsome, affable lad with a buoyant, adventurous nature. After Ariel saves his life, he becomes obsessed with finding her and hearing her voice once more. Age 20-30
Flounder (MALE or FEMALE): A fish and smitten with Ariel, his best friend. Rambunctious but cautious, fearful of the dangers that lurk in and above the water. Age 10-20
Sebastian (MALE): A crab and advisor to King Triton. A musical virtuoso who is constantly distraught from keeping after Ariel. Despite his paranoia, he can't bring himself to stand in Ariel's way. Age 18-40
Ursula (FEMALE): The banished Sea Witch and sister of King Triton. Supposedly spurned at childhood, she will use whatever method necessary to steal the kingdom and claim it as her own. Malevolent, calculating, and deceptive. Age 20-45
Scuttle (MALE): A disheveled seagull and expert in human artifacts. Loudmouthed, optimistic, and a bit ignorant, despite his supposed expertise. Age 20-40
King Triton (MALE): King of the Sea and Ariel's father. Beneath his imposing presence and commanding nature lurks a harried single father who will do anything to protect his daughters. The death of his wife has also given him an irrational fear of humans. Age 35-55
Flotsam and Jetsam (MALE or FEMALE): Eels and Ursula's lackeys. Oily and spineless, they will say anything you want or need to hear. Age 15-40
Grimsby (MALE): Prince Eric's British guardian. Droll, stuffy, and constantly urging Eric towards his royal duties, specifically marriage. Age 40-60
Mersisters (FEMALE): Ariel's six sisters: Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Atina, Adella, and Allana. Age 16-25
Chef Louis (MALE): The French palace chef, diabolical and violent. A culinary perfectionist with an affinity for blades and seafood in particular. Age 30-50 (may play other ensemble roles elsewhere in the show)
Ensemble (MALE and FEMALE) including Crew Members (Pilot, Sailors); Sea Creatures; Gulls; Maids; Chefs; Animals; Princesses (may be cast in more than one ensemble role)