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Acting in Plays, Singing/Cinderella Auditions (SOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
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QUESTION: Hi, my name is Abby and I'm a high soprano, but can still reach really low notes, I'm a dancer, and, unfortunately, I don't have much musical theater experience. There was a last minute audition scheduled at my local community theater, Cinderella, and I want to try to get in. The auditions, though, are in four days. I'm wondering, "Should I even try to get in? If I do audition, what role should I go for? And most importantly, what song should I get my 16 bars from?" The roles of Cinderella, the fairy godmother, the stepmother, and one of the stepsister, Gertrude, are already cast. Also, I do not believe that we need a monologue, but do you think I should prepare one anyway? I also have a very high-pitched voice, if that's any help. Thank you for your time.
ANSWER: Hi, Abby –
Thank you for the question. Did you go to the audition?
You know this kind of opportunity will happen again. Consider adding these Broadway soprano songs to your audition portfolio:
Make Believe – SHOW BOAT
Green Finch And Linnet Bird – SWEENEY TODD
Love, Look Away – FLOWER DRUM SONG
Dear Friend – SHE LOVES ME
Just Imagine – GOOD NEWS
One Kiss – THE NEW MOON
Without You – MY FAIR LADY
Out Of My Dreams – OKLAHOMA
Whenever possible, it's always a good idea to sing another song by the same composer and from a different show. Otherwise, choose material that fits the style of the show and the vocal demands of the character or ensemble position, i.e., high soprano. Be prepared to sing the whole piece, but always have a 16-measure excerpt ready to go.
I am a vocal coach to working singers in the San Francisco Bay Area. When you want to book an appointment, contact me through Craig's List. This week’s connection is: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lss/1784488999.html. I am also the Editor and Publisher of SanFranciscoSentinel.com. All my articles and interviews provide a link to my personal e-mail.
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Best regards,
Seán Martinfield
SanFranciscoSentinel.com
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for the songs, I looked them up on Youtube and they are incredible!!!! I auditioned, along with about eight other people, and my sister did also, but we didn't get in (it would go on in five weeks, and we were going to be in Indiana one of those weeks#. I also auditioned for Seussical the next day #that one I had been preparing for two months# but didn't get in that show either. The director said that I would have if so many people hadn't auditioned #almost 200 people auditioned for 40 parts). My family said that I would find the right show soon enough, but it's still upsetting. Do you have any advice for my next audition?
Hi, Abby –
Thank you for getting back to me.
No matter when the next audition occurs or for what – get yourself into a daily practice routine that includes running scales throughout your entire register. Build up your repertoire, perhaps with the material I've already suggested. Get yourself into Olympic centerfold condition.
Best regards,
Seán Martinfield
SanFranciscoSentinel.com
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Answers by Expert:
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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