Opinions wanted - audition songs

Hi everyone, Can I get people's opinion on what a good audition song for musical theatre is? Either (or both) for a comedy or serious one. Or even for an audition with a musical training school? (like Stage Door or WAAPA cert.) I mean, do directors look for and like belters or for quieter singers with more range? I'm just curious to what people think... Thanks heaps, Ash

"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."

Hey Ashleigh! I don't know if you remember meeting me, but you were in ANYTHING GOES with my sister Bree last year. So firstly let me congratulate you on your lovely portrayal of Hope Harcourt that I enjoyed very much! Now onto the important stuff!!! In terms of what directors prefer in an auditionee, I believe that depends on what the show they are casting for is. For example, a director probably wouldn't care for a strong belter were they auditioning for, say, something like CAROUSEL, but it would be a different situation if they were directing something like CABARET. So, when it comes to choosing an audition for a particular show, it is good idea to have some notion of what the show is about and what type of singing it entails. Generally in music theatre singing a song from the show you are auditioning for is discouraged, unless the director has clearly asked for just that. For one thing, its a risky move to sing a song for the character you desire to play, as a director may doubt your ability to take direction if you already have ideas on how said character should be played. Its best to find a song similar in tone and style to the musical you are auditioning for, but not from that musical. Good advice is to always check out that composer's body of work to begin with, and move from there. In terms of auditioning for a training course such as WAAPA Cert, which I'm currently studying. In this case you don't have a particular tone or style to conform to, your only regulation is the song or songs show you off at your best. Therefore, if you're a belter, belt. If you are a quieter singer with more range, do your thang. And if you can do both...by all means DO BOTH. Most of the time you will be asked to perform two numbers, and it is incredibly important that these two CONTRAST one another. The WAAPA application form states, "Applicants must be prepared to perform one up-tempo and one ballad song from musical theatre repertoire". I find, however, it is also good to demonstrate contrasting characters and perhaps different eras also, to further demonstrate both your music theatre knowledge and capabilities as a performer. Any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask, Ash. I'm always here to help...and usually in need of something to do...hehe.

Of course I remember you Tyler! Congrats on getting into WAAPA cert., I remember that you were planning to audition but I didn't know if you had got in. Good luck with that :) And how's your gorgeous sister? Anyway - thanks for your answers and I know it is pretty much impossible saying that a particular song will get you into any musical you want (though it would be great to have that one audition song that is perfect for any musical *sigh*). Ta Ash