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Acting in Plays, Singing/Miss Saigon Audition/Voice Type

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Expert: - 5/22/2009


Question
Mr. Martinfield,

I am a 17-year-old male, and I am planning to audition for an upcoming community production of Miss Saigon; for the audition, we were asked to prepare one or two pieces from the show itself. I would like to ask your help in selecting appropriate pieces and also in determining my voice type.

My vocal range is D#2-F#4, although I can touch (but not sustain beyond a second or so) the G4 when I am well warmed up. My falsetto carries me fairly far beyond that. I've always considered myself a bass-baritone, but different vocal coaches have told me different things. I would like to hear your thoughts on this.

To the point: based on the reading (and listening) I've done, it seems as though most (all?) of the male roles in this show are tenors (or high-baritones). I was cast in a role as a tenor before (not by my choice; it was a nightmare, and I ended up having to make more than a few unfortunate changes to the written music); I would prefer not to be put in that awkward position again.

Based on your experience, what songs might I select that would allow me to demonstrate the range that I have without trying to fake the notes that I do not? I am not interested in pursuing any particular role, but I would like to demonstrate my abilities so that I am cast appropriately, whether it be in the chorus or otherwise.

Thank you for your time; it's very much appreciated.

~James

Answer
Hi, James –

Thank you for the question.

The range you state is typical for a bass-baritone.  All my bass-baritones exercise fully-voiced up to at least High A-flat.  Part of my job as a professional vocal coach is to correctly identify your vocal category.  Once that is established, then the training begins.  Whether your voice sits in the baritone or bass-baritone range, you must work with someone such as myself who can get you up to and past a sustained and fully-voiced High G.

The role of “The Engineer” in MISS SAIGON is a baritone, but one with a strong High A.  It only lasts for a moment, but it must be there.

For your audition, consider “Pilate’s Dream” from JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and Collins’ song, “I’ll Cover You”, from RENT.  Both songs are in the Baritone to Bass range. If you have the flexibility to sing a Pop/Rock song, then choose your favorite and seek it out on the sheet music sites that offer digital downloads that can be transposed.  This way, you can sing anything you want in the range that will show you off the best.

Whatever you choose to sing – and no matter which army we’re talking about – your presentation must be that of an aggressive Pop Star.

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/1195967368.html
I am also the Editor and Publisher of SanFranciscoSentinel.com.  All my articles and interviews about the Performing Arts provide a link to my personal e-mail.

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Acting in Plays, Singing

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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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