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Acting in Plays, Singing/Once Upon A Mattress - Audition

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Expert: - 3/4/2009


Question
Hi Sean,

I'm Val, I'm fourteen years old and two weeks from now I'm going to be auditioning for a role in Once Upon A Mattress. The role I was hoping to get is Lady Larken, even though I am an alto. However, I haven't got a clue as to what I should sing. Since I'm young and my voice is low a lot of the songs meant for my age group are to high for me, making them unusable. Luckily, I don't look my age, nor do I act it (I am most commonly mistaken for some between the ages of 16-20) which is good seeing as that allows me to audition for older roles and sing songs meant for a different age group. Even so, I have been having trouble finding something that will suit my voice. Sure, I can sing the majority of songs from Disney movies but I don't feel comfortable singing those since they are so overused.. Not only that, but most of the songs I've previously sung have a lot of sex appeal, something I don't feel would fair well when audition for someone like Lady Larken. All in all, I feel pretty screwed. Do you think you could help me?

-Val

Answer
Hi, Val –

Thank you for the question.

"Lady Larken" in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS sings to High G.  Depending on the flexibility and sound of your voice (and if the show is being miked) it's very possible for a lyric mezzo to sing the role.

You need to study the script and her songs.  Lady Larken is having a torrid affair with Sir Harry.  In fact, she is pregnant.  Obviously, the lady has lots of sex appeal.

Consider the following songs:
The Simple Joys Of Maidenhood – CAMELOT
Falling In Love With Love – THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE
Many A New Day – OKLAHOMA
No Other Love – ME AND JULIET
So In Love – KISS ME, KATE

I want you to consider investing in the anthologies listed below.  The suggested songs are contained within them, and they are published in the same keys as the original score.  Click on or paste the URL into your browser to order on-line:

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The Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology, Soprano edition – Vol. 3
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Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology, Soprano – Volume 4
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Whatever you sing, push the agenda of "Lady Larken" through it.

I am a professional singing teacher and vocal coach in San Francisco.  When you want to book an appointment, contact me through Craig's List – http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lss/1056375240.html
I am also the fine arts critc for SanFranciscoSentinel.com.  All my articles and interviews provide a link to my personal e-mail.

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Lorena Feijóo - A Look at "Giselle" with Seán Martinfield
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Seán Martinfield

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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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