Expert: Sean Martinfield - 3/5/2011

Question
Hi Mr. Martinfield,
I will be auditioning for my church production of Into the Woods in the next couple weeks, but I'm in a bit of a dilemma. My school put on Into the Woods and I auditioned for (and nearly got) the role of Cinderella. However, it was given to my long-time competitor because my voice is "too sweet" according to my musical director. This isn't case, I simply sang sweet because I thought the role of Cinderella called for it (plus she has only ever heard me sing choral music which hasn't given me an opportunity to show off any other styles). Anyways, I was still a part of the cast (as Sleeping Beauty), but I was a bit peeved. Now here's my chance for redemption with another production of Into the Woods! But I'm not sure I want to audition for Cinderella again. I was the understudy, so I know all the lines and music, but I feel like it would be more fun to learn an entirely new part. My range is E3 to C6 and I have a pretty good belt. I sing Soprano 1 in our school choir, but our director said I could sing Alto, but she wanted me as a Soprano for balance. I'm good at holding harmonies and singing difficult music, so most music isn't challenging for me. I was thinking about auditioning for either the Witch or the Baker's Wife this time around, but I'm not sure which I should go for, or if I should just stick with what I already know (Cinderella). I was hoping you could help me out in making a decision. Also, if I could ask one more thing, audition song ideas for whichever role you think I should audition for.
Thank you so much!
Lauren

Answer
Hi, Lauren –

Thank you for the question and all the information.

I understand exactly how you feel. I also know that INTO THE WOODS is done all the time, everywhere, and that this production – even if it's just in your church basement, with a cardboard set, and one very enthusiastic pianist – will be just one more of many opportunities that will come your way.

In the Real World of musical theatre – there is no way that a Soprano will be hired for the role of "The Witch" or even "the Baker's Wife". The composer, Stephen Sondheim, wants a Mezzo-soprano with a strong belt to sing The Witch. For the Baker's Wife, a standard Broadway leading lady-type mezzo (alto) with great comic timing. In professional productions, whoever sings "Rapunzel" is very often the understudy and/or swing for "Cinderella".

The range of Cinderella is only slightly higher than the Baker's Wife. The notes aren't the issue with this Low E to High C range of yours. It's all about how they sound under the pressures of a performance or audition, whether there's any dynamic or not, and if you can be heard to the back of the hall without a microphone.

My job as a professional vocal coach is to determine your true vocal category and to then train you accordingly. Ultimately, your voice-type is proven through the repertoire written for it – in public performance, with the Producer sitting in front of you, and the music critics publishing their reviews about you the following day. Until I hear you, I cannot determine what your true vocal category is. But if you have enough personal evidence and reliable counseling around you right now that supports the notion of you being a Soprano – then audition for "Cinderella". If I were you, I would get some help from another coach before the audition. The polite description of "sweet" can carry the connotations of vapid, empty, puny, and tiresome. Cinderella is none of that.

Add these songs to your Soprano repertoire:
What's The Use Of Wond'rin' – CAROUSEL
Dear Friend – SHE LOVES ME
Out Of My Dreams – OKLAHOMA
Say A Prayer For Me Tonight – GIGI
Falling In Love With Love – THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE

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

"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

"My Silver Dollar Man" – from MARKED WOMAN (starring Bette Davis, 1937)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJMuY8aKFV8

FLORAL DESIGNER NATASHA LISITSA – Creating the Fantastical in the Wilsey Court for “Bouquets To Art 2011″
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=111892

EDITOR'S CHOICE — HÉLÈNE RENAUT, Vinyl Release Celebration at Cafe du Nord, 3/7
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=111697

ZHENG CAO – A Conversation with A Miracle Artist
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=111219

MELODY MOORE – Soprano shines in SF Ballet’s “Nanna’s Lied”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=110816

MARNIE BRECKENRIDGE – An Interview with “La Princesse” of Philip Glass’ Orphée
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=109326

SF BALLET –Program 4, All Tchaikovsky
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=110251

ODC THEATER – Presents Sarah Michelson and Richard Maxwell's "Devotion"
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=109708

AVENUE Q – A Totally Fabulous Place To Be
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=108981

ZUBIN MEHTA & THE ISRAEL PHILHARMONIC – At Davies Symphony Hall
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=108853

ROTHKO CHAPEL and MOZART’S REQUIEM – SF Symphony and Chorus, 2/23—2/26
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ORPHÉE – Ensemble Parallèle Presents SF Premiere of Opera by Philip Glass
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=108569

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CATS — Returns to San Francisco, May 5th – 15th
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CONSTANTINE MAROULIS – Comes to the Curran Theatre in “Rock of Ages”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=108426

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT – Best Picture Nominee Cast Donates To On-line Charity Auction
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=108226

DMITRI HVOROSTOVSKY – This Sunday at Davies Symphony Hall
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MARC HUESTIS PRESENTS – Lesley Ann Warren, Valentine's Day At The Castro Theatre
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PROGRAM 2 – Opens Tonight At San Francisco Ballet
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GISELLE – Opens SF Ballet's 78th Season, 1/29/11
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=99745

“NUREMBURG: It’s Lesson For Today” – Rare Documentary Restored
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=104677

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THE RUFFATTI ORGAN & CAMERON CARPENTER at DAVIES HALL
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AMANDA McBROOM – A rose for new CD, "CHANSON"
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PIANIST MISHA DICHTER – A Conversation
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ZUILL BAILEY – A Conversation
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A CONVERSATION WITH LUCIE ARNAZ – This Week At The Rrazz Room
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JANE MONHEIT – This Sunday At The Empire Ballroom
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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
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=24462

AT LAST! – ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY – An Interview with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=27122

A Conversation with Ruben Martin Cintas, Principal Dancer with SF Ballet
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=22107

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