Opinions wanted - audition songs

"Can I get people's opinion on what a good audition song for musical theatre is?" I'm certain you can- all you need do is ask... :-p Seriously now, it's virtually impossible to recommend "the one song" that will land you "the gig". It depends on your voice type (soprano, alto, baritone, etc), what type of show you're auditioning for (panto, comedy, rock opera, etc etc) and, most importantly, what criteria the director/producer has stipulated. F'rinstance, if you're auditioning for a musical such as "Les Miserables" (god help you if you are) and the director has asked you NOT to choose a song from the show, turning up with your kickass rendition of "Castle on a Cloud" will get you bodily ejected from the room. Directors are often mostly interested in how you take direction; how well you sing the notes is only of interest to the M.D. (more of whom later). Disobedience will be frowned upon, however well-intentioned. Similarly, if an audition sheet specifically requests something (ie- a patter song for a G&S atrocity), deliver this. "Being Alive" is not a patter song; and never will be. "I mean, do directors look for and like belters or for quieter singers with more range?" Directors very rarely think in such simplistic terms. They are generally looking for someone who can do as they're told, look right and be able to communicate an emotion or three in one song. M.D.'s are the poor unfortunate creatures who have to take into consideration how well you're doing the notes. The bottom line is, you gotta do yer homework! If you're auditioning for a specific role, the directing team want to see that you can pull it off, so it is up to you to find out the requirements of the role (vocally and otherwise) and demonstrate these in your selection. It's a tricky business to get right- and seldom is a selection flawless. Auditioning for an institution, it's best to choose a song you are already comfortable with. Don't choose a Sondheim song you've never sung before for an audition you have in three days; you're better off electrocuting yourself in the bath. I speak from my own rancid experience. Alternatively, if you are auditioning for a part in a challenging musical (Sweeney Todd is a fair example) a song that demonstrates your ability with this style of music is a must. Have a repertoire of audition songs available to you- it doesn't have to be the woof and warp of Western music, but you'll never get the role of Mrs Lovett if you audition with "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord" from Godspell. Or maybe you will- but only if the directors are deaf. Hope this helps a teensy bit. "Open the pod bay door, Hal."