tips please

I am going for a solo song part and it's my first time, can anyone please give me tips as I really want this.

Thanks.

Emma

Emma,

What role in what show are you auditioning for?

Hi Em!
Good on you for 'going guns' and aiming for a solo part. Here are a few thoughts:
*Firstly , decide before the audition what you are prepared to do in the show. By that i mean, if the director wants you to consider a role different from the one you had in mind, would you be prepared to do it?Will you accept doing chorus?

*If you can, get a copy of the script before the audition to familiarise yourself with the part. That way if you are asked to read at the audition you have a good idea about the character.

* Contact the director and ask if they want a song from the show or not. If they don't mind I would say avoid the character's song as your audition piece because if, for example, the show is "JC Superstar" and you are auditioning for "Mary M" you don't want to be one of the other 2000 girls singing "Everything's Alright" or "I Don't Know How to Love Him". You want to stand out from the others.

*Rule of thumb for me is - sing your party piece. Try to choose a song that is similar to the character's but do what you do well. I once auditioned for a production of "Anything Goes" and sang "Kansas City" from Oklahoma. Midwest America is SO not '1920's aboard a luxury liner' but i got in because i love the song so (I guess) it showed at the audition.

GOOD LUCK and let us know how you get on!
Drew

The indepent theatre at Eumundi is doing a life of JC Williamson. I didn't get my solo but gave you a thank you on the other notice board.

But Thank you again!!

Emma

Thankyou for such a wonderful responce to my need! I missed out on my solo spot but am already in the chorus, so get to be in almost every scene anyway! I was given a speaking role, which is suiting me better because the wonderment of having snagged the singing limelight would have been replaced with the horror of doing it infront of a packed house!! So I am greatful for this turnout after all. When I am ready it will happen, this I believe!

Thanks for caring.

Emma

Having just sat thru auditions for a musical, and the discussions the selection panel had afterwards...

A few more tips for next time, and in general...

If you know the director, Do not audition with a song that you performed in another show directed by the same director. The first thought that comes into their heads is "Doesn't this person know anything else?!"

Do a song you know WELL!
Familiarity with the song is more important than suitability to the show. You need to show them how well you can sing, not if you sort of know the show.

ALWAYS have at least two songs you can sing.
And if possible keep an ear out as to what the person auditioning before you is singing. the last thing you want to do is be the second person in a row to sing the same song.

Thanks Paul, I will keep your advice stored away for next time, the director was a really great person and offered me tips before I started because I was so nervous. In the end I got allicated a speaking roll and chorous part which means I sing vertually the whole show with the others and already my confidance has grown greatly. That's the sign of a good director in my eyes, only giving someone what they can trully handle because even if I landed a solo singing part I'm not sure if I could have proformed on the night.

Thanks again.

Emma

Thanks Paul, I will keep your advice stored away for next time, the director was a really great person and offered me tips before I started because I was so nervous. In the end I got allicated a speaking roll and chorous part which means I sing vertually the whole show with the others and already my confidance has grown greatly. That's the sign of a good director in my eyes, only giving someone what they can trully handle because even if I landed a solo singing part I'm not sure if I could have proformed on the night.

Thanks again.

Emma