Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 5/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I am considering auditioning for a Youth Theatre Production of The King and I in  few weeks and had a few questions regarding an audition song. I am 20 years old, a mezzo soprano, and auditioning for Anna. I don't know if I want to choose a song from the musical to audition with, but I certainly want to use Rogers and Hammerstein. I was thinking maybe "Confidence" from The Sound of Music or "Before I Gaze At You Again"/ "I Loved You Once in Silence" from Camelot. I think I'm leaning towards these because Julie Andrews will help me sing the English accent :) I would really appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you can spare!!

ANSWER: Hi there, Liz...And thanks for writing.

Congrats on the audition.  :)

Well, do any of these songs excite you more than any other?  Do any of these songs show your skill more than any other?  

I think you have a good idea of the songs you want to do.  The key is to find something that you can relate to and that you can do very well.  

Does that help you?

Wanda

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

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your response!

I have actually given this some more thought and I think I may go with When
"You're Driving Through Moonlight/A Lovely Night" from Cinderella, as I think I
can convey the same feel as "Shall We Dance?" Does this seem applicable to
Anna's character, and not to ingenue-ish? :)

Answer
Hi there, Liz...and thanks for writing back :).

Can you relate to the song?  Do you think that it is applicable to Anna's character and not to ingenue-ish?  If you answered yes to both questions, then do your best to use the song to convey both that passion and also this application.  

The most important part of an audition is that it shows your ability as well as your passion for acting and singing.  If you can relate to the song, it makes the audition so much more fun.  Whether they give you the part of Anna is not really your choice.  You can aim for that.  But that is out of your control.  Be happy with what part you get.

Do your best at the audition and let whatever happens happen.  Learn from what you get back.  Don't restrict yourself to one role.  Who knows?  You may be perfect for another.  :)

Does that help you?


Wanda