Can you offer a bit more advice concerning musical theatre auditions at the University and local level?

Question

I'm headed to University in a medium-sized town with a few community theatres that hold open auditions for their shows. Many of these are musicals, and I've never auditioned for a musical with an accompanist. Obviously, I have no illusions of snagging every lead right away, or ever, but I don't want to make a fool of myself. So, I was wondering...

1) Is it okay to choose a song where the character isn't human? (For example, a piece from Seussical, or Avenue Q.)

2) Can you use a song that wasn't produced on the stage? For example, a song from a made-for-television musical, or a movie.

3) Should you try to choose songs that complement your monologue, or are you using them to show more of your range?

4) How much should you move when you're singing - can you just stand there, should you treat it like a monologue set to music, what?

5) At the Univeristy level, can you overshoot your age range a bit when choosing songs, or should you stay within a few years, as in The Real World?

Answer 1

1.  It is okay to choose a song where the character is human, but you should choose a song in the same style as the musical you are auditioning for - so don't choose this type of song unless you are auditioning for something like "Beauty and the Beast" or other fantasy musical.

2.  It is always better to use something from the stage.  I don't like it when people audition for me with movie songs.

3.  They do not need to complement your monologue, but they do need to be in the style of what you are auditioning for.  Look for songs by the same composer or from musicals with similar themes.  However, do NOT choose a song from the musical you are auditioning for.  Also you should pick something that shows your range.

4.  That is totally up to you.  What are you comfortable with.  If you can block your song and move around ...great!  I look more for gestures and facial expressions than movement.  Facial expressions are so important when you are trying to sell a song.

5.  At the college level you can overshoot your age range.  You basically have people ages 18-25 and you need them to play roles of all ages.  Again, consider the parts you are auditioning for.  If you want to play a young person, pick a young song.  If you are aiming for a part of an older person then go that route.

I guess what I am trying to get at is this:  When I audition people for musicals I want to see that they have confidence and that they know what style the music from the show is and that they can sing it.  I hope this helps!

Answer 2

Musicals often state the types of songs they want in their casting call.

Nobody cares if the character isn't human as long as the song is good.

Nobody cares if it came from TV or a movie unless they ask for a specific style of audition piece.

Songs do not compliment a monologue. No connection.

Only move if you feel comfortable, otherwise it is a temptation to fidget. You can be expressive with your face.

Your age range is irrelevant if you do the song well. This only ever matters if you are singing a piece written for the part for which you are trying out in the first place. Then yeah, stay to your age range.