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Acting in Plays, Singing/Song Selection Mezzo-Soprano

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Expert: - 1/6/2010


Question
QUESTION: After break, on January 8th, I am planning on auditioning for the Spring Musical, Working by Stephen Schwartz.  I was wondering what type of music is good for an audition such as this.  I am very mezzo soprano, and high and low notes are a struggle for me, but my vocal teacher is helping me expand those.  Could you help me find some good songs for auditioning with?  16-bars.  Thanks.
Hannah

ANSWER: Hi, Hannah –

Thank you for the question.

Go to your audition for the musical WORKING absolutely prepared to give a performance-ready rendition of “It’s An Art”.

With that in mind, consider any of the following songs:
Lost and Found – CITY OF ANGELS
You Can Always Count On Me – CITY OF ANGELS
You’ve Got Possibilities – IT’S A BIRD, etc.
I Can Cook Too – ON THE TOWN

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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: First off, thank you so much for the music selections.  This is really last minute, totally understand if you can't respond on time but I forgot to mention that I am not a big projector and chest singer.  Should I just make this just with lighter voice?  Could a light voice fit the characters?  The audition is tomorrow by the way.  Thanks.
~Hannah

Answer
Hi, Hannah --

I'm sure the adventure is over by now.

Nevertheless, my response is that you bring to the audition everything you've got and don't hold back. I assume your audition material is well prepared. Just do what you've rehearsed and look like you're having a good time.

Your audition panel will know if you are what they want before you open your mouth. Your job is to entertain them with your material. After the audition is over, you will know more about what to focus on with your future studies.

Stay practiced and ready to go.

Best regards,
Séan Martinfield

Acting in Plays, Singing

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Sean Martinfield

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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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