The Little Mermaid Character Guide
Sebastian
Sebastian is King Triton's court composer and reluctant babysitter to Ariel. He is tasked with keeping her out of trouble, a job he fails at spectacularly. He is fussy, excitable, and secretly devoted to Ariel despite constantly complaining about her. Under the Sea is his showstopper, and he turns from nervous crab to confident entertainer in the space of one song.
Personality for Dance
Sebastian scuttles. His movement is lateral, darting, and close to the ground. He looks up at everyone because he is small, and he compensates with volume and speed. His claws gesture constantly, pinching the air for emphasis. He is a conductor at heart, so his movements often become rhythmic, conducting the world around him whether it cooperates or not. When he panics, which is often, his scuttling becomes frantic and circular.
The Outfit
Top
Bright red fitted top or tunic. The red needs to pop on stage since Sebastian stands out against the blues and greens of the underwater world. A slight shell-like texture or pattern adds character without overcomplicating the costume.
Bottom
Red shorts or fitted pants matching the top. Keep the silhouette compact and low. Sebastian is a small crab, so nothing should add height or volume.
Accessories
Claw gloves or hand-held claw props in red. These are essential for the character's silhouette and gestural language. A shell-shaped headpiece or hat with eyes on stalks that can be secured firmly. A small conductor's baton for Under the Sea.
Shoes
Red jazz shoes or character shoes. Sebastian moves quickly and needs grip for his lateral scuttling movement. Nothing slippery.
Hair
Hidden under the crab headpiece. The headpiece should sit low on the head, covering the forehead and suggesting the crab's shell and eyes.
Special Details
For Under the Sea, Sebastian transforms from anxious sidekick to master showman. Consider a small raised platform or rock he can conduct from. The ensemble of sea creatures should orient toward him like an orchestra. Give him a moment where he loses himself in the music and the worry disappears entirely.
Movement Tips
-
Move sideways whenever possible. Crabs walk sideways, and this simple choice instantly reads as crab to the audience. Practice lateral movement until it is second nature. -
The claws should be in constant motion. Pinching, waving, conducting, wringing. Sebastian talks with his claws. -
Under the Sea builds from a small pitch to a full carnival. Start Sebastian contained and persuasive, then let him get swept up in his own production number. -
When chasing Ariel, alternate between scuttling speed and exasperated pauses. He runs, stops, throws his claws up in frustration, then runs again. -
In Les Poissons, Sebastian is terrified. The movement becomes survival, hiding, dodging, barely escaping. Physical comedy at its most frantic.
Best for ages 9-14. Sebastian rewards personality and comedic timing over technical dance skills. The lateral movement and claw work need practice but are accessible to most levels. Cast your funniest dancer, the one who makes rehearsals more entertaining just by being there.
Ready to sell tickets for your The Little Mermaid recital?
Stage Stubs makes it simple to sell tickets online. Create your event, set your prices, and start selling in minutes.
