You are here:
- Home
- Arts/Humanities
- Performing Arts
- Acting in Plays, Singing
- Audition songs for an original musical
Acting in Plays, Singing/Audition songs for an original musical
Advertisement
Question
QUESTION: Hi there,
I'm a 19 year old singer who is currently training in opera at the University of
British Columbia. I have a range from about E3/f3 to f6/g6, though my
upper register is definitely stronger. I'm looking to transfer into a musical
theatre program in the US, preferably in New York within the next year (I've
been looking into NYU musical theatre). I'm auditioning for a newly written
musical and I'm desperate for some good rep. I've been singing mostly arias
for the past few years, so the only musical theatre rep I have is from years
ago and is no longer appropriate. I've got a very bright and focussed tone,
almost a bit nasal (I'm working on fixing that), but it is a bigger voice. My
voice teacher thinks that I might be a lyric coloratura, although there are
moments when she thinks I could be a lyric soprano. I'm looking for
something dynamic, less ingenue-ish, as I am more of a character actor.
Sometimes directors have trouble placing me, as they naturally assume I'm a)
older than I am, b) an alto (until I open my mouth of course). I would love it if
you could possibly suggest some uptempo and slower selections for both my
audition in the next few weeks and for my university auditions in april.
Thanks so much!
P.S. I would like to stay away from anything too overdone (aka Andrew Lloyd
Webber) or from particularly well-known musicals. I'm a huge Sondheim fan,
and I really enjoy performing selections from obscure musicals. I'm interested
primarily in challenging rep that shows off my musicianship. Thanks again.
ANSWER: Hello, Michelle –
Thank you for the question. Why private?
Many singers have similar concerns. Let's share our exchange.
Please re-submit your question openly and I will respond.
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/752973810.html
Take a look at my You Tubes:
Lorena Feijóo - A Look at "Giselle" with Seán Martinfield
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33-a6Oa-0j4
SAMSON & DELILAH – Meet Seán Martinfield
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sean+Martinfield&search=Search
I am also the fine arts critc for the San Francisco Sentinel. Below are some links to recent articles and reviews:
COPPOLA'S "THE CONVERSATION" – AT THE LEGION OF HONOR, July 17th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14532
SAN FRANCISCO SILENT FILM FESTIVAL OPENS TONIGHT
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14576
A CHORUS LINE – Returns to the Curran Theatre Tonight
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14501
VIVA TO THE DIVAS! – SF Opera Summer Season Concludes This Weekend
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?cat=65
SILENT FILM FESTIVAL, 2008 – Opens Friday, July 11th at The Castro Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14350
BREAKFAST WITH SCOT – Final Curtain on FRAMELINE 32
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/
TALENT COMPETITON – On-Line Reality for A CHORUS LINE
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14200
SF INTERNATIONAL LGBT FILM FESTIVAL – Continues through Sunday, June 29th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14210
AUDITION NOTICE – Hillbarn Theatre – Saturday and Sunday, June 28th & 29th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14149
ARIODANTE – Cross-Dressing Goes Baroque – at SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14127
TIMOTHY HORN – BITTER SUITE – A Sweet Tribute To Alma Spreckels
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14049
‘TIS PITY SHE’S A WHORE – At A.C.T through July 6th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13840
60TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT – San Francisco Boys Chorus celebrates this Sunday Night at the War Memorial Opera House
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13747
BACH'S MASS IN B MINOR, Saturday, May 31st – At Mission Dolores Basilica
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13335
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN – Just say “NO!”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13041
ERIK BATZ – A Conversation With “The Scarecrow” At The Mountain Play
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=12892
Best regards,
Seán Martinfield
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION:
I'm a 19 year old singer who is currently training in opera at the University of
British Columbia. I have a range from about E3/f3 to f6/g6, though my
upper register is definitely stronger. I'm looking to transfer into a musical
theatre program in the US, preferably in New York within the next year (I've
been looking into NYU musical theatre). I'm auditioning for a newly written
musical and I'm desperate for some good rep. I've been singing mostly arias
for the past few years, so the only musical theatre rep I have is from years
ago and is no longer appropriate. I've got a very bright and focussed tone,
almost a bit nasal (I'm working on fixing that), but it is a bigger voice. My
voice teacher thinks that I might be a lyric coloratura, although there are
moments when she thinks I could be a lyric soprano. I'm looking for
something dynamic, less ingenue-ish, as I am more of a character actor.
Sometimes directors have trouble placing me, as they naturally assume I'm a)
older than I am, b) an alto (until I open my mouth of course). I would love it if
you could possibly suggest some uptempo and slower selections for both my
audition in the next few weeks and for my university auditions in april.
Thanks so much!
P.S. I would like to stay away from anything too overdone (aka Andrew Lloyd
Webber) or from particularly well-known musicals. I'm a huge Sondheim fan,
and I really enjoy performing selections from obscure musicals. I'm interested
primarily in challenging rep that shows off my musicianship. Thanks again.
Hello, Michelle –
Thank you for the question.
Moving out of the Classical arena and into the Popular arena – which includes Broadway musicals – is not the easiest thing to do. Likewise, the reverse is also true.
As a professional vocal coach, I'm assuming you are done with pursuing a career in Classical music. Otherwise, you would be trying for Juilliard or perhaps coming here to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Character actors and lyric/coloratura sopranos do not go hand-in-hand in Musical Theatre. There is only one reason for you to devote or sacrifice your academic career to Musical Theatre. You are passionate about the repertoire written for the Broadway Soprano and are willing to pay huge amounts of thousands of dollars to earn a degree singing some of it. At the moment, you don't know what that repertoire is.
After you earn your degree, there is no guarantee you will ever be paid to sing.
I want you to order these anthologies:
The Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology, Soprano
Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
The songs are published in the same keys as the Original Score. While you are doing your research, learn any of the songs listed below:
Green Finch And Linnet Bird – SWEENEY TODD.
My Ship – LADY IN THE DARK
Old Maid – 110 IN THE SHADE
One More Kiss – FOLLIES
Dear Friend – SHE LOVES ME
Glitter And Be Gay – CANDIDE
Take a look at my You Tubes:
Lorena Feijóo - A Look at "Giselle" with Seán Martinfield
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33-a6Oa-0j4
SAMSON & DELILAH – Meet Seán Martinfield
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sean+Martinfield&search=Search
I am also the fine arts critc for the San Francisco Sentinel. Below are some links to recent articles and reviews:
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/767796273.html – or through any of my columns on www.SanFranciscoSentinel.com.
Take a look at my You Tubes:
Lorena Feijóo - A Look at "Giselle" with Seán Martinfield
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33-a6Oa-0j4
SAMSON & DELILAH – Meet Seán Martinfield
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sean+Martinfield&search=Search
I am also the fine arts critc for the San Francisco Sentinel. Below are some links to recent articles and reviews:
INON BARNATAN, Pianist – Thursday Night, Davies Symphony Hall
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14913
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE – Now at San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14877
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE – Now through July 27th at Broadway By The Bay
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14777
AMERICAN IDOL – A ‘REALITY’ WAKE-UP CALL AT SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14720
JENNIFER SIEBEL – A Conversation with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=6361
A CHORUS LINE – Now at the Curran Theatre until July 27th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14702
‘TIS PITY SHE’S A WHORE – At A.C.T.
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13840
COPPOLA'S "THE CONVERSATION" – AT THE LEGION OF HONOR, July 17th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14532
SAN FRANCISCO SILENT FILM FESTIVAL OPENS TONIGHT
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14576
VIVA TO THE DIVAS! – SF Opera Summer Season Concludes This Weekend
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?cat=65
BREAKFAST WITH SCOT – Final Curtain on FRAMELINE 32
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/
TALENT COMPETITON – On-Line Reality for A CHORUS LINE
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14200
ARIODANTE – Cross-Dressing Goes Baroque – at SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14127
TIMOTHY HORN – BITTER SUITE – A Sweet Tribute To Alma Spreckels
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14049
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN – Just say “NO!”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13041
ERIK BATZ – A Conversation With “The Scarecrow” At The Mountain Play
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=12892
Best regards,
Seán Martinfield
Related Articles
- Audition Tips for the New Performer in Plays or Musicals
- Top Ten Musicals of the Decade (2000 - 2009)
- Ian Eskelin - Save the Humans - Christian CD Review of Ian Eskelin's Save the Humans
- Sydney Theatre Guide - What's On in Sydney Theatre
- San Francisco Theater in June - June Theater and Plays in San Francisco
Answers by Expert:
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
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.