Acting in Plays, Singing/possible audition pieces

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Expert: - 3/31/2009


Question
I am a soprano/sometime mezzo-soprano.  I have had voice teachers tell me I am more of a lyrical soprano, re not a belter!  Some of the more comfortable songs for me to sing include "All that Jazz" a third higher than is written, as well as almost anything from "Oklahoma" or "The Music Man."   
My question is this:  I have been out of musical theater for the past 9 years.  I would like to get back into it, but I am a little unsure of what audition songs would best suit me without seeming dated or overdone.  I am 44 years old, but I think I could pass for 35 easily as I am very trim and folks tell me I do not look my age (and these are honest folks ... like my college age kids!)  Some musicals I would like to audition for include "Hello Dolly," and "Ragtime."  Any suggestions for audition songs would be greatly appreciated!!  Thanks so much.

Answer
Hello, Claudia –

Thank you for the question.

The best thing for you to do is get your voice back in shape.  You cannot compete in two vocal categories. Your job at an audition, no matter how old you are, is to prove your vocal category through your repertoire.  For example, the role of "Irene Molloy" in HELLO, DOLLY is technically that of a mezzo-soprano.  Her song, "Ribbons Down My Back" starts on Low A and repeats throughout.  The tone and volume must be rich and vibrant and not microphone dependent.  If that's the kind of flexibility you have, then go for it.  Consider "The Sweetest Sounds" (NO STRINGS) and "In Buddy's Eyes" (FOLLIES).

You don't want to be in a production of HELLO, DOLLY that wants a soprano as "Dolly".  But, as a soprano in the ensemble of either show – consider "Follow Me" (CAMELOT), "Just Imagine" (GOOD NEWS),  Irving Berlin's "Cheek To Cheek", and "Without You" (MY FAIR LADY).

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/1109118594.html
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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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