Acting in Plays, Singing/mahaltajh@hotmail.com

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Expert: - 2/27/2008


Question
I am having trouble finding monologue and Broadway musical songs that would showcase me. I’m planning on trying out for a musical that will be done at my local theatre well; here is some additional information about me. I am 17 years old, 5ft 9 and weigh 167 pounds kind of muscular. My vocal range is a high tenor. The musical will either be Hairspray or another one (forget the name)I am Currently in the theatres production of "AIDA" as a Nubian"

Answer
Sorry it took me so long to get back to you.

The basic problem is that you have too many choices, which is understandable.  It might help if you narrow down your choices by selecting specific criteria - age range, comedic type (dry or slapstick, for instance), and comfort level (for example, if you're not comfortable with the classics, avoid a monologue from Shakespeare or Moliere).

Just on the surface, since they're doing "Hairspray" which suggests the other would also be a recent musical, I would recommend something from recent musicals, say "Rent" or "Spamalot" ("Not Dead Yet" or something similar).  Focus your search on upbeat pieces.

Ditto on the monologue - go for something comedic, since it's rare for a musical to NOT be a comedy as well.  Anything from Neil Simon is a good bet, and there are literally hundreds of others.

Depending on the theatre company, you might also consider a monologue from a favorite film.  You can find these easily by going to www.whysanity.net.  Be aware, however, that some directors and theatre companies don't appreciate screen monologues and prefer selections from live stage pieces.

I hope this helps.  Break a leg, and let me know how you do!

-- Spyder

Acting in Plays, Singing

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J. Spyder Isaacson

Expertise

Especially the Seattle theatre scene. Seattle is the number two theatre city of the nation, having more theatres than any other city (including Chicago!) except New York. I know the reputations of most of the local theatres, have worked with quite a number of them, and am currently earning the majority of my livelihood through live theatre. Beyond that, I have been a working professional for the past 10 years (after a long career in an unrelated field), have done just about everything in the field, and have done every possible type of theatre. Currently, I am also pursuing a new (and unexpected!) career as an animated film producer. (PLEASE NOTE that I am NOT an expert in music!) ***DO NOT*** ASK ME QUESTIONS REGARDING AUDITION SONGS OR MONOLOGUES - the answers require way too much information to be passed along by the All Experts system.

Experience

I have been an award-winning actor, singer, playwright, director and administrator (on various levels, all categories) for the past 30 years. A large part of my expertise has been with live theatre, although I do have a minor connection to filmed theater. I have done musicals, straight dramas, straight comedies, and experimental theatre.

Organizations
Theatre Puget Sound Magical Mystery Troupe Centerstage Theatre Conservatory Board of Trustees (former) Express-Theatre Northwest (former) Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater

Publications
Unrelated trade publications

Education/Credentials
B.A. in Theatre Arts, Gonzaga University M.Ed. in Education and Technology, Western Governor's University (in progress)

Awards and Honors
Mutiple awards (ask for specifics), Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival Valley Community Players, Best Supporting Actor

Past/Present Clients
C's Animation Studio Productions, LLC

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