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Audition Song Etiquette
Submitted by Anonymous on Thursday, 12th Apr 2012
Hello Theatre People! I was just wondering if anyone had an opinion about audition song etiquette. Is it ok to sing a a song from a character or show you have performed, or are performing, in an audition? I have often wondered, when pouring over music for auditions while frantically running out of time to learn something new, if this is ok.
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Go with what you know
Hey there,
If it's an appropriate song choice then go for it! If it's a song from a show that you've done in the past then chances are that you'll know it really well and be able to 'perform' it as opposed to just stand and sing (see: 'The And Factor').
So it's a really good idea, as long as the song is appropriate for the show you're auditioning for.
Stace x
My thinking of it is that you
My thinking of it is that you never do a song from the show you are auditioning from unless specifically asked. when shoocing a song for the audition try and pick a song of a similar style to the character you are wanting and it is alright to do a song you have sung in a show before however if it is for the same comoany I would try to do something else if I had time
Audition pieces
I've been in this game now for nearly 30 years (oh my God) and my 'live/die' rule is always, always, always, do something you know. Unless of course this is a requirement specified by the audition brief.
My live/die rule for
My live/die rule for auditions is to always always always do something you know inside out and back to front and something that suits the music that is in the show you are auditioning for.
The only exception to this is if a specific request has been outlined in the audition brief for a specific piece for the character I'd like to play alternatively a particular genre or time period as called by the creative team.
Just make sure you align with the audition specs and you cant go wrong and try NOT to do anything from the show.
It's certainly okay, in fact
It's certainly okay, in fact I would recommend it. Singing something from a role you've performed before advertises your capabilities to the panel. It also ensures that you know the character, and you know what you're singing about.
At a masterclass in Melbourne, Jason Robert Brown laid down a few handy rules for etiquette regarding audition rep.
- Research the piece you're singing (the song, the show, and the composer). It shows a maturity and level of respect for the art form. It also informs your understanding of the character.
- Pick something that's APPROPRIATE - not just for the show/role you're auditioning for, but for your age/look/personality. If you're not black, then don't sing a piece obviously written for a black performer. If you're 19, don't sing something suitable for a performer over 50. If you're not confident that you have conventional good looks, don't sing a song about being pretty (and this rule goes both ways!).
These aren't just things you do to please the panel, they help ensure that you're performing something from a character that resonates with you. I'm 24, so I almost always sing something written for a young man (though not for someone younger than 18).
Beyond this, just make sure the song doesn't clash. Does the piece showcase a "tone" of voice that is suitable? Does the character of your audition song reflect the character of the role you want to land?
One thing that people always overestimate is just how much a panel wants to hear top notes. Always, always, always pick something that you could sing comfortably even on a bad day and even with a cold. If they really want to hear that top/bottom note, they'll just get you to do a scale.
Good luck!
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