Acting in Plays, Singing/"Dark" Audition Song

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Expert: - 1/26/2010


Question
Hi, I'm an 19-year-old alto.. I can sing soprano when I need to, but I'm more comfortable when I sing lower. My theater is going to be doing Frankenstein: A New Musical in September, and auditions will be in April or May.. I would really like to audition for Justine, William's nanny, and her song is one of the more cheerful songs in the show. It's a very dark, contemporary musical, and I would love a song that can "WOW" the directors... because I may be too young. I will definitely settle for a chorus role, but if since there is hope I could play Justine, I'm not going to give it up. If you could give me some ideas on what songs to sing (I need two 2-minute songs)and how to present them, I would appreciate it! Thank you so much!

Answer
Hi, Lauren –

Thank you for the question.

It’s always a good idea to sing another song by the same composer. An audition for a new musical by a composer without previous works to choose from can be very challenging. The very best thing you can do is find out anything you can about the style of the musical. Then choose a song that fits the description and make sure it is set in the key that works best for you. Unless otherwise stated, the song of your choice can also be from a non-theatrical source as long as it reflects the style and could feasibly be sung by the character you want.

“Cheerful” is as cheerful does. Cheerful can mean a lot of different things depending on the situation. Like, Frankenstein being in the next room. Nevertheless, you may want to add any of the following songs to your audition songbook.

Happy to keep his dinner warm – HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS, etc.
Always true to you in my fashion – KISS ME, KATE
Funny Honey – CHICAGO
That mister man of mine – DAMES AT SEA
I won’t dance – ROBERTA

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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.

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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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