Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 1/3/2008

Question
Im a sophmore in high school and our Drama Club is soon doing Guys and Dolls. Our auditions are very much of a surprise, they tell us what to read then and there and we dont get to chose a song to sing we get to sing happy birthday or the national anthem. I want the role of Sarah Brown, I am a soprano but under pressure I usually can't hit my notes. What should I do to prepare for auditioning for the role of Sarah Brown. What should I wear or act as or practice singing like?

Answer
Hi Kirsten...Thanks for writing.

Well, you prep for the audition by first having a good attitude.  Deciding to do your best and to take whatever happens (not setting your sights on a particular role but being glad to be whatever you are given).  You might want a particular role.  But you might not be the best person for the role that auditions.  And there is very little you can do about that.  

Wear something that is attractive, modest, and suits your personality.  Also make sure that it does not hinder your performance in any way.  If you can, choose to sing the song you choose (happy birthday or the anthem) in a lower key.  

The other thing you can do is practice singing deeply when you sing.  It is so important that you don't stop breathing when you are singing.  That's probably why you are not able to sing when under pressure.  Breathe deeply from the abdomen when you are singing. And that should help.

Does that help?

Wanda