musical theater

How to Choose Songs for Auditions

Choosing the right song for an audition is important, because it shows that you know your voice and what you can do.  This article from Opera News has great tips for opera singers who are competing or auditioning at the professional level.  Here are a few more tips that I share with my students.

1.  Always sing something that you are comfortable with!  An audition is not a good time to try out a new song that you’ve never performed.

2.  Sing something that fits your voice well.  If it’s a little too high or a little too low for you, pick another song.  It’s important to show that you know your voice type and how to show off your strengths.

3.  If they ask for two songs, use this opportunity to show the full range of what you are capable of, but don’t pick songs that are so drastically different that they are not right for your voice.  Choose contrasting styles, but both pieces should still fit your voice comfortably.

4.  Know the character and subtext.  Acting is just as important as singing, and getting into character will also help settle your nerves and keep you focused.  Try practicing in front of a mirror so that you can make sure your facial expressions and gestures look the way you want them to.

5.  If you are auditioning for a specific role, sing something similar in voice type and character.  You want them to be able to see you in the role.

And a few more audition tips…

6.  Dress nicely and professionally.  Avoid revealing outfits, flashy patterns, or bright colors that will distract from your performance.  Dressing nicely shows respect for the judges and yourself.

7.  Be nice to the pianist!  This means making sure all your music is readable, with any cuts clearly marked.  The pianist wants to help you sing well, but will be unable to do this if your music is hard to read or missing important markings.  Also, knowing how to indicate your tempo to the pianist is important.

8.  If you are given specific instructions for the auditions (bring a resume and/or photo, sing something from the show, don’t sing something from the show, wear comfortable clothes for dancing), follow those instructions!  If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask.

9.  Be professional and polite while in the audition.  Clearly and confidently state your name and what you will be singing, and don’t forget to say “Thank you” at the end of your audition.  Even if they cut you off mid-song (which is not necessarily a bad thing), just smile and thank them for their time.  Manners are important.

On the dumbing down of art

I watched The Sound of Music Live on NBC last night.  Well, part of it.  At 10 I had lost interest so I switched over to Scandal…

Every time I see a “mainstream” TV or movie production of a musical, I’m disappointed.  Every time a celebrity is cast in a leading role that they lack the skills to perform, and “real musicians” of the world can’t stop talking about how awful the performance was, I’m disappointed.  

I’m disappointed that musical productions that try to reach a mainstream audience feel that they need to resort to these kind of stunts.  Why can’t a production be exciting because it is filled with talented performers who do an excellent job of bringing the show to life?  Why is it so inconceivable that an American audience might appreciate art without it being dumbed down and celebrity-filled?  Why is a mediocre performance by a superstar more marketable than an exceptional performance by a skilled musical theater singer/actor?  

This is why people think musical theater sucks.  This is why opera is considered a dying art form.  Because the general assumption is that the public is too stupid to appreciate truly great art.

It’s also disappointing how many of my singer friends have felt the need to jump on the “Carrie was awful” bandwagon.  Now I’m not saying that she did a great job as Maria.  Her acting was lackluster, but honestly she did better than I thought she would.  Her singing, in spite of the tendency to inappropriately slip into heavy pop-style belting, wasn’t terrible.  Considering that she totally lacked the skills to succeed at what she was attempting, she did just fine.  Those of us who have worked hard to hone our skills as singers/actors/dancers/performers should be supportive of others who are trying to do the same.  We shouldn’t have to destroy each other to feel better about ourselves.