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Audition time / Lergy Time
Submitted by Brigid DeNeefe on Wednesday, 13th Jun 2012
So, what happens when you manage to develop a super crappy throat that coincides with an audition. Do you cancel or do you still go and sound totally different to what you normally sound like? If you are auditioning for a director that knows your performance history and style you might be in luck OR does every audition panel just go by what they see on the day. Let's discuss.
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Most of the time when you're
Most of the time when you're singing properly a sore throat wouldn't affect much of how you sound, but when that is obviously compromised, always cancel or reschedule, just not worth putting yourself through unnecessary stress.
However if you insist on going due to whatever reason, constantly drinking warm water would help you through.
Yes, I agree. When a SORE
Yes, I agree. When a SORE throat is the problem, I also prefer to "shut down" and try and get better at every cost, even if it means missing an audition.
What happens when you feel perfectly fine but develop a raspy/hoarse voice?
From past research and no other existing problems, it sounds like a form of Laryngitis. There's good news and bad news. The good news is that the condition should not last more than a few days to 1 week (max) but if the condition lasts longer than that then - off to the medical clinic!
I see what you mean
But what if the hoarse voice is not accompanied by a sore throat? Yes, it falls into the laryngitis family and should only last a few days but in your heart you know your pipes are not at full functioning order. To be smart, you should select a piece that will be impressive enough and suit the role you are going for but also limited in range for the notes where 'nothing' appears. Hmm, something to consider as an alternative to cancelling perhaps.
A little from column A, a little from column B
Bridget, I have been in the same situation and I have done both. I learned my lesson a couple of years ago when I went through with the audition (despite having the most horrid flu) because I loved the show - only to do the worst audition ever. I actually wanted to stop half-way through my song & thank the audition panel for their time (and walk out!). But I didn't - and I regret it.
For me now, I make the call as close to the audition as possible. My opinion is that regardless of your CV and experience, the decision an audition panel makes should be an "on the day" decision. If you feel terrible and you sound terrible - you are only going to be really disappointed that you weren't able to show them the best of you.
If you are sick, then the rest, rest and more rest (followed up by steam chasers in all events) will help. If you can change your audition to a later date, then do it. People wont remember you changing your time - but you will remember the time you shouldn't have done that audition because you were really too sick to give it your best.
But... that is my opinion only :-)
Oh yes, I'm with you all the
Oh yes, I'm with you all the way and it would be great to get a few more opinions on this too. Nice to know that there are more than two sides to this problem, issue, occurrence.
I'm sure the panel will be
I'm sure the panel will be delighted at the prospect of not having a flu contaminated auditionee bursting out lots of contagious viral saliva in their general direction as you sing out. Rescheduling would be a winning decision for everyone.
Go and see
It sounds like a very bizarre situation!
I'd firstly steam the bejesus out of it and see if you can reschedule for later on. If you're going for what I think you are, the company is very understanding.
If it's a 'dream role', go and see Debbie Phyland at the Melbourne Voice Analysis Centre. She's not cheap, but she's a genius. If there's anyone that can do anything about it, it's her.
Good luck!
I'm sure we've all had this
I'm sure we've all had this problem at some stage. I think it's important to have a backup plan because in many cases you will only get one opportunity to do that audition. I reckon don't rescedule if you're well enough to get through a song, it'll show dedication. Fortuntely for me when I'm feeling under the weather, I don't get pitchy but my top range suffers - I would pick a lower key or a lower song (: For my semester 1 show at uni this year, I may have done a cheeky option-down in my audition due to mild sickness, even after the guy before me sang the same song and belted the crap out of the top note. I still got some awesome compliments on my audition.
If you're going into an audition knowing you're not going to sound your best, use whatever else you have - act the hell out of it!! Much more impressive to see someone connect with the piece than sing beautifully but look boring. And "ugly" or unusual vocal qualities are really useful in music theatre - why not use what you have on the day? Choose a character song and draw the panel in with charm.
Obviously if you're REALLY sick, don't try to push yourself through it. It just won't look good, and the stress of the situation won't help you get better. Take the time and care to assess the circumstances - can you adjust your audition material to suit your current state? Can you audition at a later time? Can you afford to miss this audition all together? It's a fine line especially when you're facing a big opportunity and you've only got one shot. But vocal health has always got to come first.
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