Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 11/28/2007

Question
Hi I'm a senior at my high school. I auditioned for my schools production of west side story monday and tuesday, and I'm really nervous. I did the dancing half correctly, and my singing was perfect.

My only issue is that I'm a bass, and I sang 'tonight' as a bass. I overheard the word bass come up as the directers and producers discussed my performance amoungst themselves. I also just realized all of the roles in WSS were written for baritones and tenors. We are told what role we get (if any) on friday. What role can a bass get in WSS?

Answer
Hi Brandon.  Thanks for writing...

Congratulations on auditioning for the role, Brandon!  That's great.  I am sure that you were nervous.  If you went up there and did the best you can do with what you have, that is all that matters.  

You are right.  Your range is not the typical for WSS singers.  But what is important to remember is that every director is looking for the best person for the role and every director has a different vision for the show.  So it is very possible that they will pick you.  It might not be the leading role they pick you for but that does not matter.  Getting a role and doing the best you can do on that role is what matters.  

I was not at your audition nor have I heard you sing or dance so I cannot predict what they might tell you.  But it sounds like you did the best you knew how.  And that is what is important.  

If you don't get a role, that's ok too.  Ask the directors respectfully why and also what they liked about what you did and learn from it.  Then go on to audition for other things.

Does that help you?

Wanda