Behind the Scenes: Sherri Stoner’s Role as Ariel’s Reference Model
Sherri Stoner was invited to audition as Ariel‘s reference model when her improv comedy group, The Groundlings, visited Disney Studios. She felt excited about the opportunity, as she always loved animation. At the time, she was focused on acting and had not yet begun writing animation.
Disney sent her the script for “The Little Mermaid,” and she found it fantastic. During the audition, Sherri lip-synced to a snippet of Jodi Benson’s voice track for Ariel and performed some movements.
How did Sherri Stoner’s experiences influence her career in animation and writing after working on “The Little Mermaid”?
Interview with Sherri Stoner: The Inspiration Behind Ariel
By: News Directory 3
News Directory 3: Sherri, thank you for joining us today. It’s not every day we hear from someone who’s played such a pivotal role in shaping a beloved character like Ariel from “The Little Mermaid.” Can you take us back to that moment when you were invited to audition at Disney?
Sherri Stoner: Thank you for having me! It was really an exciting time for me. I was performing with my improv comedy group, The Groundlings, when we were invited to Disney Studios. As a lifelong animation fan, the chance to be involved in such a project was exhilarating.
News Directory 3: Your love for animation is quite evident. How did you feel when you received the script for “The Little Mermaid”?
Sherri Stoner: I thought it was fantastic! The story had such depth and charm, and I was immediately drawn to the character of Ariel. I had always admired Disney’s storytelling, and here I was, on the brink of potentially contributing to it.
News Directory 3: During the audition, you lip-synced to Jodi Benson’s voice performance. What was that experience like?
Sherri Stoner: It was a unique experience! I knew Jodi had this beautiful voice, and matching her performance required a lot of energy and creativity. I wanted to bring Ariel to life in the best way possible, so I really immersed myself in the movements and emotions of the character while syncing to her track.
News Directory 3: And then the big moment came when you learned you’d got the job. How did you react?
Sherri Stoner: I was thrilled! Honestly, I thought it would just be a small role that only my family and friends would know about. I had no idea that “The Little Mermaid” would become such a massive success and that Ariel would resonate with so many people worldwide.
News Directory 3: Looking back, how did your work as Ariel’s reference model influence your career, particularly in animation and writing?
Sherri Stoner: It opened my eyes to the world of animation in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Being a part of such a landmark film made me appreciate the artistry involved, and it sparked my interest in writing for animation. It was a transformative experience that shifted the trajectory of my career.
News Directory 3: Since “The Little Mermaid,” how have you seen the impact of your work in animation reflect in today’s industry?
Sherri Stoner: It’s incredible to see how the animation industry has evolved while keeping the essence of storytelling at its core. Characters like Ariel helped pave the way for more complex female protagonists in animation. I believe it encourages more diverse narratives and characters that resonate with audiences on many levels.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Sherri, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Your journey is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing more of your contributions to the animation world in the future.
Sherri Stoner: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to reminisce and discuss the impact of animation on our lives.
When she learned she got the job, Sherri was thrilled. She expected it to be a small role, known only to her family and friends. However, she did not anticipate the movie’s immense success, which led to a growing public interest in the film and its production.