Although widely known and beloved for its iconic score, The Little Mermaid requires a cast of strong actors who not only can sing, but also are comfortable creating characters through physicality and movement. Below is a description of each character along with recommended vocal audition material. Our casting process will not necessarily follow character traits from the film and we encourage auditionees to bring their own interpretation to the roles in the show and that the descriptions below are guidelines only.
With the exception of the roles of Ariel and the mersisters (female presenting), Triton, and Eric (male presenting), we will be casting all other roles without regard to gender. We are open to performers of any gender identity for these roles.
A link to a vault of audition material will be sent once an audition registration has been submitted.
Ariel is a strong-willed teenage mermaid who longs to be human. She possesses a keen curiosity for the world both under and above the sea – much to the chagrin of her father, King Triton. Big-hearted, she’s more accepting of and delighted by others’ differences than most of her fellow merfolk, but she also has a rebellious streak that can get her into trouble. A mezzo soprano with strong top notes, our actress must be able move well in order to clearly convey meaning once Ariel loses her voice.
Vocal range top: Gb5
Vocal range bottom: Ab3
Vocal audition: The World Above, Part of Your World
Prince Eric is the adventurous human monarch who captures Ariel’s heart. Charming and sensitive in nature, he has a warm voice and demeanor that evoke his flair for romance. There is also a stubborn side to the Prince, who is determined to do whatever it takes to get what he wants – including the girl with the mysterious voice. Tenor.
Vocal range top: G4
Vocal range bottom: B2
Vocal audition: Her Voice
Grimsby is Prince Eric’s prim and proper valet. Rigid in bearing and personality, he is constantly trying to guide Prince Eric toward the throne and a suitable bride fit for a royal marriage. Under his stern demeanor, Grimsby truly is fond of Eric, whom he worries about and attends to as though his own son.
Vocal range top: C4
Vocal range bottom: C3
Vocal audition: The Contest
Flounder is Ariel’s sincere and sensitive best friend who rarely leaves her side. A spunky fish with a sweet sense of humor, he can be awkward and anxious around his unrequited crush. Tenor.
Vocal range top: G4
Vocal range bottom: A2
Vocal audition: She's in Love
Scuttle is the know-it-all seagull who serves as Ariel’s expert on all things human. Garrulous and off-beat, Scuttle’s eccentricities are more endearing than aggravating. Even as they make up ridiculous names and functions for common human objects, their intentions are friendly and their enthusiasm is infectious. Tenor.
Vocal range top: G4
Vocal range bottom: C3
Vocal audition: Positoovity
King Triton - King of the Sea and a harried single father to seven girls, struggles to balance his political and paternal powers. A widower, Triton is as fond of his daughters as he is frustrated with their teenage angst. Even when unsure of his parenting technique, he is a tender patriarch who becomes a royal force to be reckoned with when Ariel’s safety and happiness is threatened by his sister, the Sea Witch Ursula. Baritone.
Vocal range top: F4
Vocal range bottom: Ab2
Vocal audition: World Above (reprise)
Sebastian is the choirmaster of King Triton’s court who has a flair for the dramatic. A meticulous and uptight crab, Sebastian is ever-anxious, whether he’s conducting a concert premiere or protecting Ariel from Ursula. When he’s performing – which is almost always – he’s undeniably charismatic. His movement should be more fidgety than fluid. Auditionees are encouraged to bring their own unique characteristics and vocal style to the character of Sebastian. We are not looking for a carbon copy of the film. Tenor.
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: E3
Vocal audition: Under the Sea
Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Atina, Adella, and Allana are the daughters of King Triton and sisters to Ariel. Full of personality and sass, each should be distinct in character.
Vocal audition: Part of Your World (excerpt)
Flotsam and Jetsam - Ursula’s sinister lackeys. With devious charm, these electric eels convince Ariel to visit the Sea Witch. Tricky and menacing, they are always lurking about, ready to take advantage of sea inhabitants at their most vulnerable moments. Altos or tenors.
Flotsam
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: E3
Jetsam
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: B2
Vocal audition: Sweet Child
Ursula is the tentacled and manipulative Sea Witch who is sister to King Triton. Cunning and calculating, she will stop at nothing to get what she wants – and what she wants is Triton’s throne. To gain the upper-hand, she utilises her slick sense of humour, a flash of glamour, and larger-than- life confidence. Ursula can be played by a low alto, but a contralto is ideal.
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: Eb3
Vocal audition: Daddy's Little Angel, Poor Unfortunate Souls
Chef Louis - the melodramatic head chef in the palace. Wild and frenetic, he becomes physically and vocally flustered by Sebastian, who always manages to escape his grasp. A tenor, he should be highly comedic with exaggerated movement and an over-the-top French accent.
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Vocal audition: Les Poissons
Any gender. Ages 13+. We are looking for an exuberant mix of actor/singers and dancer/singers. Ensemble character roles including sailors, sea creatures, gulls, maids, chefs and princesses. The ensemble roles are demanding and so stage maturity will be necessary and the rehearsal process will be a full one, including weekday evenings for those in particular scenes/routines.
Vocal audition: Fathoms below