Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 12/17/2007

Question
Okay, so I'm a senior in high school and I'm trying out for a part in our school's spring musical. This year, we're doing Kismet. I've never been in a musical before, so I'm kind of nervous about auditioning. I'm an alto (but I can go to a mezzo-soprano range, just not for very long.), and the part I'm hoping to get is that of Lalume. I don't know what her vocal range really is, our acting teacher never quite clarified that. So I have two questions- What is her vocal range, and what songs do you think would be appropriate to demonstrate my vocal range?
Thanks.

Answer
Hi Kelly.  Thanks for writing and congrats on the audition.  

I was not familiar with this musical so I looked it up on the internet.  I found this link : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kismet_(musical)  It explains a lot about the history of the musical as well as the story.  It might give you some further insight.

If you want to know more about the character's vocal range, I would ask your acting teacher further questions.  

When auditioning for anything, it is important to prepare for the audition well and do the best you can without holding on to getting a particular part.  The most important part about auditioning is not which part you get but that you do your best and grow from each experience.

So I would suggest that you find a song in an alto musical such as Annie or White Christmas at the library.  And prepare for the audition thoroughly.  Be really ready.  Know your lines.  Know the notes.  Know how you are going to tell the story with your body clearly.  Really know it.  And then warm up before the audition and go and do the best you can with it and be happy for the experience.  

If you get a role, no matter what it is, take it and do it well.  Keep your eye on your favorite parts as you will someday be ready for them if you are not ready for them now.

Does that help you?

Wanda