Auditioning for the Musical Theatre (Acting for Singers)

Here are five things to avoid at your next musical theater audition and The singer/actor's job is to understand, embody, and express a need in.
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This is why your book needs to be comprehensive enough to cover all the bases. Cuts can either be 32 bars or 16 bars, and having one of each for a song will allow a selection to be more versatile for auditions. Keep in mind that a 16 bar should be around 30 seconds, and 32 bar cuts closer to a minute.

Each of the categories listed above have their own specific vocal styling to go with them. It will not help you to have a classical musical theatre section in your book if you choose to sing it in the style of contemporary musical theatre. You need to keep these styles separate, and know your abilities before going into an audition. Directors are often frustrated by auditions where the actor chooses to do a piece in a style that is not helpful for seeing them as a possible option for a role.

It is your job as an actor to familiarize yourself enough with the show you are auditioning for, in order to sing a piece that is appropriate in both content and style. While the number of songs in each style you should have in your book is a debatable issue, having two pieces usually keeps you in a safe range for auditions. This is also a reason to keep your book organized, as you may need to pull something out very quickly in an audition setting.

As an actor, the content of your book is up to you. Finding the cuts that fit your personality and type will be one of the most difficult things you have to do, but once you find something you will know that it feels like a fit. While having a song option enter your realm of consciousness is something that is sometimes out of your control, there are many aspects of your book you can stay on top of. They say that a music director will know whether they want to cast you within the first two measures of your song.

I don't necessarily believe that, but no one wants to hear all four verses of "I, Don Quixote" in the middle of a long day of auditions.

The Des Moines Playhouse's production of "Curtains"

You must bring sheet music. A really good place to order music on the internet is Sheet Music Plus. The public library can also be a source of sheet music. An accompanist will be provided, but you can bring your own if you desire, although this is seldom done. It is almost never good form to bring a recording with which to sing, or to sing a cappella unaccompanied. Mark your music with appropriate staring and stopping points, and any changes in tempo.

The accompanists are generally very good, but if you bring an extremely difficult piece to play either exceptionally fast with weird rhythms or in a terrible key , they may have difficulty, which could throw off your audition.

Your selection can really be any piece of music you want, although some are better choices than others. Pop music is hardly ever heard in auditions; stick with traditional musical theatre songs unless auditioning for a rock musical or explicitly told otherwise. Try to avoid songs that are overdone. I personally try to avoid songs from really well-known classics like Oklahoma!

A Guide To A Musical Theatre Actor’s Audition Book

Songs from Disney movies are also not my top choice, although I've seen others sing them with some success. It's a good idea to know the title of the song you're singing, as well as who wrote it and what show it's from.

Sometimes the production staff will ask you to announce what song you will be performing before you sing, and if it's something a little unusual, you may want to tell them anyway, just so they don't spend your auditioning time trying to figure out what you're singing! If it is possible, it is really advantageous to sing something stylistically similar to the part for which you are auditioning.

It also needs to be in your range; don't sing something unless it shows off the best of your voice. Some music directors specifically ask for auditioners not to sing something from the show for which they are auditioning. When I music direct, I don't have a problem with that, but keep in mind that if you are auditioning for A Chorus Line , and everyone decides to sing "Nothing," then the staff will have a very hard time distinguishing one auditioner from the next, and you could get unfavorably compared to a more experienced singer. Most importantly, be courteous to the accompanist. Give them your music neatly marked , explain what tempo you would like it played, and point out any unusual tempo changes.

After you sing, thank them! Most accompanists are wonderful players, but even if they are lousy, they are doing you a favor by playing for you, and everyone will notice how you treat them. It's an indication of how easy you will be to work with should you get cast. General tips Know your type! This is difficult for all of us, but it is important to audition for roles that fit you. If you are an alto, auditioning for a high soprano role is not advisable.

Tips for Nailing a Musical Theater Audition | HobbyLark

Similarly, if you are going-on and are auditioning for The Sound of Music , trying out for teenager Liesl von Trapp is a better idea than auditioning for the matronly Reverend Mother unless it is a Youth Theatre or High School production. In amateur theatre, it is possible to occassionally get cast "against type," but it is safer for you to play to your strengths.

Get there ahead of time! Try to arrive five or ten minutes before the announced starting time. There are almost always audition forms to fill out before beginning the actual audition. You may wait around for a few minutes while everyone else is filling out their forms, but directors usually appreciate the extra effort. If you will only accept a specfic role, please tell them that!

What Should Be In Your Book?

The staff will not think any less of you, and it will save their time, since they won't have to re-fill your role when you turn it down. Make sure to list all dates you cannot be at rehearsals. Wear things you will be able to move in.

Tight jeans, suits, skirts, or dresses are probably not appropriate unless you know there is not going to be a dance audition. Most people wear sweats or loose-fitting jeans.

What Your Book Needs To Be

If it is at all appropriate, you can try to outfit yourself similarly to what your character would wear. I don't mean rent a costume, but for example if you are trying out for a pirate, a loose, flowing, "poofy shirt" would not be out of the question. If there is not a dance audition, jeans are still appropriate, although you will look more serious and professional if you wear something more business-like. But, if you are auditioning for a teenager in Bye Bye Birdie or a stripper in Gypsy , that may not be the image you wish to project!

In that case, they will hold call-back auditions.

Singing Auditions for Actors in Musical Theatre

Just because you do not receive a call-back does not mean you will not be cast, or even that you will not get the part you want! It just means that they saw everything from you that they needed to see. Some people try to wear the same outfit that they wore to the original audition. If it's not all sweaty and smelly from the dance audition, this can be a good idea, as it can remind the staff of who you are and why they invited you back. The audition is all about showing yourself off to the best of your ability, and projecting an image of yourself in the part you want to play.

We all do it, we all live through it, we've all had fantastic auditions and not gotten cast, and some of us the lucky ones! Just go out there and do your best! Good luck to you! Thank You for Supporting the Arts. If you like what we're doing here at No Square, throw a little spare change our way via our PayPal donate button. Every little bit helps. Except for instructors, directors, musicians, and technical folks, we're all unpaid volunteers and rely on grants, donations, and the hope that we can break even on our shows!