Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 9/2/2010

Question
Hi, I'm auditioning for my high school's production of Bye Bye Birdie.  I have no formal training, and am not auditioning for a particular part, but I am hoping to get a non-chorus part.  I'm not very experienced in auditioning and I was wondering if you had any suggestions for a song that I could sing.  I'd also love any additional tips you have on auditioning!!

Answer
Hi there, Sarah...And thanks for writing.  Congrats on your audition!  

First, let me commend you at just going and giving it your best and not worrying about which part you get.  That is a very good attitude to have.  As an actor or singer, that really is what you have control over.  You can hope for a part but most of the time the Director(s) do not specifically ask you to choose the part you want to audition for.  Instead, they just ask for an audition.  And upon seeing the people, they make a decision which best suits the people and the play.

Second, regarding a song, is there a musical that you particularly like?  Does that musical have a song that you can identify with and that is in your range?  That is the kind of song you want to sing.  Go to your local library and listen to musical songs in your range (usually are set aside in alto or mezzo or soprano ranges).

Just prepare well, do your best and let the rest fall into place.  And always always learn from what happens.


Wanda