Acting in Plays, Singing/ZOMBIE PROM!!!!!!

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Expert: - 10/5/2007


Question
My school's musical this year is zombie prom. because i am new to the school this year, i feel obligated to prove myself. thus, i wish to really impress the director with an awesome audition. i sing tenor 2. do you have any ideas an/or suggestions?

Answer
The fast and easy answer: audition with anything from Stephen Sondheim (Sweeny Todd, Into the Woods, etc.).  His music is intricate, difficult and ultimately impressive  if you can nail it.  Not every one can, however, so have an alternative ready, just in case.

Also, you should pay attention to whether you are a belter or a finesse singer in making your choice.  Songs like "Take Him Home" from Les Mis are much more suited to finesse singers, while something like "There Is Nothing Like a Dame" from South Pacific are better for belters.

You have a distinct advantage in being in the tenor 2 range, as far more musicals (recently, especially) have been written for your range.  Thus, you have a wealth of possibilities.

I would also definitely recommend using something with an upbeat tempo, and something reasonably current (I'd say within the past 30 years), especially if you're still in school.  Your director is much more likely going to recognize it than something from further back, unless it's from Rogers and Hammerstein (Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I) or Lerner and Lowe (Camelot, Brigadoon, My Fair Lady).

Break a leg, and let me know how the audition goes!

-- Spyder

Acting in Plays, Singing

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J. Spyder Isaacson

Expertise

Especially the Seattle theatre scene. Seattle is the number two theatre city of the nation, having more theatres than any other city (including Chicago!) except New York. I know the reputations of most of the local theatres, have worked with quite a number of them, and am currently earning the majority of my livelihood through live theatre. Beyond that, I have been a working professional for the past 10 years (after a long career in an unrelated field), have done just about everything in the field, and have done every possible type of theatre. Currently, I am also pursuing a new (and unexpected!) career as an animated film producer. (PLEASE NOTE that I am NOT an expert in music!) ***DO NOT*** ASK ME QUESTIONS REGARDING AUDITION SONGS OR MONOLOGUES - the answers require way too much information to be passed along by the All Experts system.

Experience

I have been an award-winning actor, singer, playwright, director and administrator (on various levels, all categories) for the past 30 years. A large part of my expertise has been with live theatre, although I do have a minor connection to filmed theater. I have done musicals, straight dramas, straight comedies, and experimental theatre.

Organizations
Theatre Puget Sound Magical Mystery Troupe Centerstage Theatre Conservatory Board of Trustees (former) Express-Theatre Northwest (former) Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater

Publications
Unrelated trade publications

Education/Credentials
B.A. in Theatre Arts, Gonzaga University M.Ed. in Education and Technology, Western Governor's University (in progress)

Awards and Honors
Mutiple awards (ask for specifics), Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival Valley Community Players, Best Supporting Actor

Past/Present Clients
C's Animation Studio Productions, LLC

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