Audition Preparation Guide

Preparing for A Musical Theatre Audition: Steps To Success

Step 1: Research the Company & Audition Specifics

• As soon as you have decided to audition, (and you meet the basic requirements) make an appointment right away if one is necessary. Some auditions have a limited number of spaces. Making an audition appointment early will also give you more choice of when you audition, allowing you to choose what fits into your schedule.
  
  
• Add a page in your audition journal with all the important info: who, what, where, when, what the requirements are, etc. Mark the date on your calendar.
  

Step 2: Research the Show

• Use this show index to read a plot summary, look at the cast requirements, make a note of the roles you are eligible for. Take notes in your audition journal.
  
  
• Listen to the music from the show if possible. Pay particular attention to any songs sung by the characters you are suited for.
  
  
• Read the script if at all possible. Take note of scenes that might be used for a cold reading.
  
  

Step 3: Choose Your Audition Song & Monologue

• Use character profiles to research characters similar to those you are aiming for in your audition.
  
  
• Search this song & monologue database for appropriate suggestions.
  
  
• Check the overdone audition monologue and overdone audition song lists.
  
  

Step 4: Prepare Other Skills & Rehearse Thoroughly

• Prepare for cold readings
  
  
• Browse these online singing lessons to help you prepare your audition song.
  

audition

Usher Takes On Musical Theatre

According to Vibe Magazine, Usher will soon go from music video to Broadway stage.

From August 22 until October 1, Usher will star as Billy Flynn in Chicago.

In a press release, the R&B star said, "This is a very exciting time in my career. I have always admired Broadway actors for their showmanship, dedication and focus that goes into performing live on stage every night. Being on Broadway allows you to connect to audiences in a whole new way that's different from music and movies.

“When they asked me to play Billy Flynn in Chicago, I jumped at the chance to be a part of such an amazing production."

There has been much discussion in years past about whether or not putting large stars from music and film onto the Broadway stage is a good idea or not. (Julia Roberts was criticized by many for her recent Broadway debut.) But I am reminded of something Michael Shurtleff mentions in his book about theatre people being sensitive about losing performers to television and film - so isn't this a good sign that Broadway is able to lure them back?

As to whether Usher will do well - I'm not going to make any predictions, since I have to say I don't know his music nor his acting work well enough. I will say though that I am encouraged by his comments as well as the fact that he does have acting experience.

Technorati tags: broadway usher Chicago

Become A Broadway Gypsy

Design your own gypsy robe on a bag or shirt by adding a momento of each show you are involved in!

This would also make a great present, or your performing group could even start their own "gypsy robe" tradition.

Personally, my favorite is the tote bag, because then you also have something to carry your script/water/shoes in.

Broadway

Grumpy, & Musical, Old Men

The hit movie Grumpy Old Men will soon be a musical.

Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau had a late career hit with "Grumpy Old Men," in which they played two crotchety neighbors whose intense dislike for each other only grows when they begin competing for the affections of sexy new neighbor Ann-Margret. The film produced a sequel, "Grumpier Old Men," in 1995.

Now these two loveable (and laughable) characters will also be singing, and maybe even dancing a little. The production team, which has just been announced, consists of composer Neil Berg, lyricist Nick Meglin and playwright Dan Remmes. The show will be produced by Jeff Gardner, who is an actor new to the world of producing.

Grumpy Old Men, The Musical is planned to hit Broadway in 2008.

If done well, I think this show could be an excellent addition to Broadway. It's nice to see some meaty roles for "older" performers, especially romantic leading roles.

High School Musical - Musical Theatre or Just Teen Drama?

 

Support Real High School Musicals

Disney Channel's "High School Musical" is making quite a fuss, but not all of it positive. Is it more "drama" than theatre?

The plot of "High School Musical" is pretty standard high school fluff - Jock and Brainiac discover singing and decide to audition for the school musical. Their friends and relations (as well as the resident drama queens) try to thwart their efforts. While many preteen girls are raving about it (and Zac Efron) what do REAL high school musical performers think of it? Apparently not much.

Common complaints are that pop music has been used in place of traditional musical theatre, and that the story actually encourages stereotypes and segregation within the school. Most of all, a movie that calls itself "High School Musical" should in fact bare some resemblance to an actual high school musical, but many real theatre kids think it gives them a bad name. What do you think?

High School Musical