The Chorus of Loyal Subjects appears at the beginning and the end. Strong singers and dancers are the best casting choices for this chorus. Encourage your Loyal Subjects to create unique characters who represent all kinds of people in the kingdom (merchants, servants, farmers, artists, etc.). To increase role size, actors who play Loyal Subjects can also double as Animals in the woods.

The four Guards are fantastic roles for four non-singers who may be new to theatre. Because there is not much need for character work with these roles, the director can teach the Guards about projection, entrances and cues with ease. These roles have all of their stage time in the beginning and the end of the show.

King Stefan and Queen Stefanie are best served by strong actors who can convey parents' anguish at sending their baby girl away to be raised in the woods. Solo vocal ability is not necessary, they only sing in group numbers. Since these characters appear only at the beginning and the end of the play, the actors could also be part of the Animal Chorus.

King Stefan and Queen Stefanie are best served by strong actors who can convey parents' anguish at sending their baby girl away to be raised in the woods. Solo vocal ability is not necessary, they only sing in group numbers. Since these characters appear only at the beginning and the end of the play, the actors could also be part of the Animal Chorus.

King Hubert is loyal friend of King Stefan and should be played by a strong actor who can comfort his friend as he gives his daughter away and celebrate with everyone during the happy reunion at the end. Since King Hubert appears only at the beginning and the end of the play, the actor could also join the Animal Chorus.

Young Prince Phillip is a featured part at the beginning of the show and is perfect for a young actor moving up from the ensemble. With no solo singing, all focus for this actor can be on the scene where he meets the baby Aurora. A smaller actor will help create the image that this character is much younger than the others. This actor could be double-cast as an Animal and/or a Loyal Subject at the end of the play.

Flora is the ringleader and most practical of the Three Fairies, requiring a strong actress, singer and dancer. If she doesn't think something is a good idea, then it doesn't happen. However, Flora is not bossy - just more clearheaded than the others.

Fauna is the peacemaker and "middle child" of the Three Fairies, also requiring a strong actress, singer and dancer. Flora is always able to see both sides of an issue and will do her best to smooth out any conflict.

Merryweather is the impulsive and emotional Fairy, requiring a strong actress, singer, dancer who has good comedic timing. She has a hard time giving up her magic powers and is the most delighted when their wands come out of the closet.

The Chorus of Fairies is an optional supplement to the Three Fairies, given the difficulty of the Fairy musical numbers. From a directorial standpoint, consider these characters to be "Fairies in Training" who assist Flora, Fauna and Merryweather in raising Briar Rose. There are no lines for the Fairy Chorus, so all performers should be strong singers and dancers. This is a good option if you have a large cast or your three main Fairies need a little "boost."

Maleficent is the most demanding role and requires a mature actress capable of carrying difficult solos as well as entire scenes. Maleficent is evil, but very smart. She uses her magic to destroy those who threaten her, but it is her intellect that has created her real power. Maleficent becomes very frustrated with her "slow" Goons, which can be an opportunity to create some comedy with the role. For the magic of Maleficent's dragon transformation, focus and maturity will be key.

The Chorus of Goons are Maleficent's henchman who will fast become everyone's favorite part of the show! Not very bright, but very eager to please, the Goons appear in several scenes and musical numbers. While some Goons are named (Fumpfel, Blather, Pest, Stench) and have a few lines, you can have as many Goons as you like - the more, the merrier! Cast actors who may not be ready for solo work, but who will thrive in creating names, voices and movement for their own fantastical characters.

Princess Aurora (Briar Rose) requires a performer with strong acting skills and the vocal ability to carry two solos. Briar Rose is a free-spirit with a strong will. She is a happy girl of sixteen, who listens to her elders but still dreams with her heart. Cast someone with enough maturity to sell the moment when Briar Rose discovers that she is really Princess Aurora.

Prince Phillip, a featured acting part, requires an actor who can commit and remain focused. Phillip is a warm, likable young man with a strong sense of self. This actor will also need strong timing and physical presence for the battle scene with Maleficent.

The Animal Chorus requires strong group singers who can move well. Encourage your actors to take on the physical characteristics of the animals they are portraying. Depending on your cast size, you can use as few or as many Animals as you would like. To increase role size, consider doubling the Animals as Loyal Subjects.