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Acting in Plays, Singing/need audition song for theater production

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Question
Hi Sean.  I'm a 22 year old african american female and I am in preparation of auditioning for Evil dead: the Musical in about 2.5 weeks.  I'm an alto singer and I have been singing since I was very young.  I am in desperate need of about 16 bars of a song to sing for this audition.  Here is a little paragraph that i read online about the music in the play:
"Musically Evil Dead The Musical goes for an old timey rock 'n roll vibe intermixed with '70s styled guitar driven arena excess, to call it a rock opera wouldn't be much off the mark. It owes a tremendous debt to the aforementioned Beach Blanket Bingo and Rocky Horror Picture Show in terms of attitude and sonic assuredness. It also has much of the snark and driving wit of the latter, releasing sardonic lyrics amidst catchy melodies and interlaced vocal harmonies."
I was wondering if you had any music selections that you could suggest that would be appropriate to use for the play and that would be in my alto vocal range.  By listening to most of the clips from the musical selections of the play; many of the songs sound upbeat.  Any suggestions?


Answer
Hi, Ashley –

Thank you for the question.

Rock doesn't get more "old timey" than the '50s.

Consider any of the following.  While you're at it, check out other hits by the same artists.  Your search will no doubt bring up other related artists and their hits.

No matter what you choose, you must first convince your audition panel that you have what it takes to be a pop-star – of any era.

Lipstick On Your Collar – Connie Francis
Sweet Nothin's – Brenda Lee
Lucky Lips – Ruth Brown
The Big Hurt – Miss Toni Fisher
Please Mr Disc Jockey – The Sensations

I am a professional singing teacher and vocal coach in San Francisco.  If you are in the Bay Area, contact me through Craig's List – http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lss/685071004.html

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IT’S MURDER, MARY! – A Killer World Premiere at The New Conservatory Theatre
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ERIK BATZ – A Conversation With “The Scarecrow” At The Mountain Play
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SAN FRANCISCO OPERA SCHEDULES AUDITIONS FOR THE BONESETTER’S DAUGHTER
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A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM – Now at The Curran Theatre
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RICHARD C. BARKER – Named Chair of San Francisco Ballet’s Board of Trustees
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Seán Martinfield

Acting in Plays, Singing

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Sean Martinfield

Expertise

I am a professional vocal coach in San Francisco. In addition to answers from a previous web site (Askme.com - where my "tag" was "VocalCoach") I have published over 2000 responses related to vocal training - particularly as it relates to Musical Theatre and Opera. I have 24 years of experience as Personal Trainer to singers and actors in the San Francisco Bay Area. I sang professionally for 20 years and know what it means to live the life of a musician. I can determine your voice category, i.e., Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Alto Belter, etc., and how to broaden and strengthen your range. Need an audition song for a Broadway Musical? I will give you suggestions that are appropriate to your vocal category and to requirements specified in the audition notice. I have also created a vocal methodology, "The Belter`s Method". It will enable those in Musical Theatre to practice more efficiently because it focuses on the demands of professional performers as well as to those auditioning for school and community productions, and as University and Conservatory performing arts majors. If what you want is a better voice and more control over your career moves and choices, contact me. Also, as the Editor of SanFranciscoSentinel.com, it is my privilege to review productions at the San Francisco Opera, Ballet and Symphony, as well as Broadway National Tours booked into San Francisco's Orpheum, Golden Gate and Curran Theatres. I also review works by A.C.T (the American Conservatory Theatre) and Magic Theatre. I cover select films, tributes and retrospects, and various international film festivals – particulary those booked into The City's opulent Castro Theatre – including the LGBT Frameline Festival, International Film Festival, Silent Film Festival, Jewish Film Festival, etc. For private vocal instruction, I can be contacted through SanFranciscoSentinel.com. Look under: Seán Martinfield, Sentinel Editor and Publisher.

Experience

As a vocal coach, I work primarily with singers and actors throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. My students range from absolute beginners to working professionals, from pre-schoolers to senior citizens. The vast majority of my clients come to me through recommendation. I know how to identify any singer's vocal category, i.e., soprano, tenor, alto, baritone, etc. I know how to muscle-up every singer's vocal range and to expand it beyond conventional definitions. I have developed a vocal methodology for those who want to know how to belt, THE BELTER'S METHOD. As a singer who spent half of his career doing Bel Canto, I know that classical or Italian methodologies do not work in Standard American music. Bel Canto cannot be "adapted" to meet the needs of contemporary American music, including the demands of the Musical Theatre. There are a number of major components to my work as a vocal coach. The first is to identify the client's vocal category and to strengthen and maximize the vocal range accordingly. Then it's about teaching a reliable vocal workout that will enable the client to gain better control of their musicianship. That includes scale work to expand the vocal range and to improve placement, breath control, and diction. Then we work on material for the audition portfolio, the immediate job or assignment, a recording session, etc. My task to is to better equip singers and actors who are hoping to or relying upon their performance skills and vocal endurance to maintain a career in the Performing Arts. My clients regularly appear in cabarets and musical productions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Some have worked in New York and gone on National Tours. For more information, Contact me at: Broadwaybelters@yahoo.com

Education/Credentials
San Francisco State University – BA in Theatre Arts; graduate work in Theatre, Philosophy, and Comparative Reiligion. Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley – Graduate work in Ethics

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