A few questions about the audition for a year-round musical theater program?

Question

It's a 2-year "Musical Theater Intensive" program for high schoolers offered in the preparatory department of a local arts/music conservatory-college-place-thing with a very highly respected theater program.

The audition requirements are: an uptempo and a ballad song (both from Broadway shows, not movies, not pop, not Disney! If there is a show and a movie, it's alright.) and a monologue about a minute in length from a play or Broadway show. All have to be age appropriate (I'm 14, going to turn 15 the day the program starts, if I get in.) There is a dance audition also, but I'm not worried about that as I've been primarily a ballet dancer up till this year and am also competent in jazz, tap, music theater dance, etc.

I started voice lessons this summer, and will have had about 10 by the time of the audition, but I know plenty of other people will have much, much, much more training than I have, so I'm pretty nervous.

I know that I will be singing "Out of My Dreams" from Oklahoma! as my uptempo. My current voice teacher says I am a lyric soprano (...I'm not quite sure what that means...) and has recommended as a ballad "...something like "Till There was You" from The Music Man or "If I Loved You" from Carousel." Both of the songs are fine (but feel a little awkward in my voice at times), but I'd like to find something a that shows my voice a little better for the audition. I'm also currently working on "Somewhere That's Green" from Little Shop of Horrors (not at the key it's in in the movie, but not in the very high key it's written in. Sorry I don't know which it is in.) and I think I like it better. Obviously I'll let my teacher hear it before I really decide.

My monologue is going to be Audrey's "I dream of a place where we could be together at last...." monologue from Little Shop of Horrors.

My main questions:

1) Which song of the 3 possible ballads listed would be best for the audition?

2) Would it be bad to do a monologue and song both from the same show (LSoH...the monologue is literally right before the song in the show, so should I choose something else?)

3) Should I use a slight character voice for the monologue, as Audrey's character usually has some sort of accent? I won't imitate anyone, and I won't go overboard with it. Just a slight change from my natural voice to make it more Audrey-esque? (I've read the entire script of the Broadway show, so I know the character and all that. Reading scripts is better than books half the time =D)

4) What should I wear to the audition? There is an orientation meeting, then the dance call, then the private-10-minute-audition, which I know should be a little dressy.

5) Any other tips, etc.

Thank you!

Answer 1

I hope I can help you as much as I can.  For answers,

1.) I think you should do the song that you feel the most comfortable with. When you do an audition, you should feel safe with the song you are doing.  I don't know any of the songs you are considering, but just remember to follow your instincts and ask your singing teacher.

2.) The directors watching the audition may be more impressed with a monologue and a song from different productions, but if those are the pieces you are the best at, I would go ahead and do them.

3.) Totally use a slight accent!!! It will impress the directors and add depth to your character. (I agree about reading scripts.  I'm an actress,too.)

4.) I think you should wear a dressy outfit that you can move around in.  Pick out a couple outfits and practice your audition wearing the clothes. Make sure you can dance in your outfit. (I am doing an audition next week.  I am wearing leggings with a formal long shirt over it.)

5.) Three things: First, in the monologue, move around a little bit. Second, make sure your voice is very clear while you are singing and speaking. Third, you might want to bring something to do while you are waiting for your auditionn. I hope I helped you and I wish you all the luck.  If you have any more questions, feel free to email me at [e-mail]. Good luck!