Expert: Sean Martinfield - 11/12/2011

Question
Hello, and thank you in advance for reading and answering my question :)

So, in about 2 months, there is going to be auditions for B&TB and I'm shooting for Belle. I don't think I've ever wanted a role this badly...I mean I've been thinking and preparing since June. Kind of sad, but that's determination for ya. Anyway, the group is a youth theater company, ages 8-18, and I've been with them for over ten years, so the artistic team know me really well. (I've done shows with them before) The thing is.....I've never been cast in this type of role. All I've ever been seen as is someone who belts! (ex. I played the Stepmother in Cinderella, Dingo Dog in Just So, Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray etc. The "highest" role I've ever played was Lily St. Regis ) I was told the reason I've been cast in these roles is because I can look older than I really am. ( I'm 16 ) So, should I attempt to look younger at the auditions and callbacks, and if so, how? Also, for my song, ( which is one minute to a background track ) I was thinking of doing " A New Life " from Jekyll and Hyde....same range, same longing, similar characteristics...opinions and advice much appreciated  

Always Performing,
Rachel

Answer
Hi, Rachel –

Thank you for the question. I appreciate all the information.

Anyone who sings the role of "Belle" in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST must convey the look of at least a Junior Prom Queen and one who is also the town virgin. She's reached the age where the male animal starts to take notice, and in an aggressive way. Her virtue must be protected! At least until Mr. Wonderful comes along.

If you convey that sort of energy – no matter what you sing – you are eligible for the whole anthology of Ingenue Leading Ladies, including the non-musical ones.

One way to not appear "older" – especially for this company and for the role of Belle – is to stay clear of "Lucy" in JEKYLL AND HYDE. "A New Life" is the song of a two-bit actress, a girl that's probably been around the block – a few more times than genteel society might care to have everyone know about. Thus, girls of that order are required to belt their lungs out. "A New Life" may reflect a similar range of notes that Belle sings – but the way the song should be sung, and in its original context (in lingerie, in bed) – is a long way from Belle's vocal style and her variety of character.

Consider the following popular standards. The URLs indicated below the titles will take you to an on-line site where you can choose a key that works best for your voice and reflects Belle's vocal range.

But not for me – CRAZY FOR YOU
http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0016539&

The Boy Next Door – MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS
http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0056548&

I am a vocal coach to working singers in the San Francisco Bay Area. I'm also the Editor and Publisher of SanFranciscoSentinel.com All my articles and interviews provide a link to my personal e-mail.

Check out my recent interview with popular TV host, David Perry, on "Ten Percent":
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Below are links to my articles and youtubes on San Francisco's entertainment and cultural scene:

The Sentinel's own editor Sean Martinfield is interviewed by David Perry on Comcast. Catch the Action!
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=166025

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AMANDA McBROOM – A conversation on her recording of songs by Jacques Brel
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ZUILL BAILEY – A Conversation
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DAVID PERRY – On the “Dos and Don’ts of Social Media”
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NATHAN GUNN – Sings Schubert's Die Schöne Müllerin
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DIANE BAKER – Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
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CAMERON CARPENTER – An Interview with Seán Martinfield
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AT LAST! – ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY – An Interview with Seán Martinfield
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A Conversation with Ruben Martin Cintas, Principal Dancer with SF Ballet
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"My Silver Dollar Man" – from MARKED WOMAN (starring Bette Davis, 1937)
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"Would You Like A Souvenir?" – Sean Martinfield and Janet Roitz explore a song from Film Noir classic NORA PRENTISS (1947)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOiqTp0tjvg

Best regards,
Seán Martinfield
SanFranciscoSentinel.com
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?cat=65