Acting in Plays, Singing/Spring Awakening

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Expert: - 12/27/2011


Question
Hey-o!

You've answered questions for me in the past. I think you're pretty rad!-and smart...

so here's my latest: Spring Awakening Auditions in May... I've never done or even thought of auditioning for a show that's so racy. What can I do between now and May to see if I'm ready... or to become ready-- and prepare?

I'm thinkin of using "F***in' perfect" by Pink to audition. the notice says "uptempo pop/rock song" thank that'll fly. I don't really wanna sing the Beatles cause I think everyone and their mom will song from them.

anyhoo... thanks! (I think that I have 2 questions in one...) DOUBLE THANKS!

Cassie

Answer
Hi, Cassie –

Thank you for the question and for your support.

The first thing to do is listen to the Original Broadway cast album. Know the synopsis and the vocal ranges of the character(s) you want to play. You can order the Vocal Selections on line at this site:  http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/Spring-Awakening/17372943?aff_id=65200

Pink's sings "F***in' perfect" in the key of G. Speaking in treble clef, the song ranges from Low G to 3rd-line B, and she throws in a couple of 4th-line Ds. In other words, an octave plus a major 5th. It would be a good song for this audition. Depending on your true vocal category, i.e., soprano, mezzo, etc., and the character you want, if you need to raise the pitch, go to this web site: http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0090210&

Whatever you choose to sing, push the personality of the character through your delivery.

I am a vocal coach to working singers in the San Francisco Bay Area. I'm also the Music and Theatre critic for SanFranciscoSentinel.com and Classical music reviewer for Examiner.com.

Check out my recent interview with popular TV host, David Perry, on "Ten Percent":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKeeTYTYMAI

Below are links to my articles and youtubes on San Francisco's entertainment and cultural scene:

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http://www.examiner.com/classical-music-in-san-francisco/a-spectacular-christmas

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Best regards,
Seαn Martinfield
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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: Seαn 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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