Songs: Audition Cuttings Part 1 - The Verse and Chorus

So you’ve picked your song. First suggestion – learn the entire song.

Will you ever do the entire song for an audition? Probably not. Should you know the entire song? Yes. Why?

What if?

I have heard the stories. OH the drama! The fun! The “Oh-my gosh I’m so lucky –I’m so screwed!” – Stories!

·         An actor finished their 16 bar cutting and then they were asked to do the entire song.

·         An actor finished their cutting and they were asked to do 32 bars, or the verse and the chorus.  

·         An Actor finished their cutting and then they were asked to do another song. “Start from the beginning and go until I stop you.” (SO RARE, so Lucky IF you can do it)

·         An Actor finished their cutting and then they were asked to tell the story of the song they just did the cutting from.

It happens. Not often, but it does happen.

So – be prepared.

How do you cut a song?

You want to show off your voice AND tell a story. That seems impossible in 16 bars. It’s not. It’s just a very short story J Let’s start with something easier.

Today let’s talk about the request for the “Verse and Chorus”. Please remember these are not hard and fast rules. They are however pretty great guidelines that have worked for me and other actors I know.

VERSE AND CHORUS

v  Verse and Chorus

o   I usually start at the chorus and then go into the last verse. I do this because well – the chorus starts at a high point and then usually keeps building in intensity. It's INTERESTING. In most songs the last verse goes someplace new musically. That place is -usually -DYNAMIC! Doing this part of the song shows off your range and often the last verse has a money note. Think about it.

§  These are NOT SUGGESTIONS just EXAMPLES

·         Defying Gravity

·         The Wizard and I

·         There’s a Fine, Fine Line

o   The story is usually exciting at the end the song. Often at this point the song is telling the end of the story. Sometimes there’s a reveal. It’s wrapping up. We humans are pretty good at putting together what happened to get us to the end of the story. So you’re telling the climax of the story. The EXCITING part. You want to sound good. You need to sound good. But you need to tell the story. So as always:

Don’t forget to act!

Auditions This Week

Happy Sunny Monday..... if you don't live in Seattle. :(

Yes that's right - another gray day in Seattle BUT people are happy!

Why? This week is filled with exciting auditions.

Balagan Theatre  is holding seasons auditions this weekend. They are doing some great shows this year! What else is new? Glad you asked. Their Season.  This and every season. Contemporary shows. That is Balagan!
 Click on their name and follow the link to check them out. If you haven't seen one of their shows yet -
WHAT? REALLY!? ;)

Seriously -you are missing out. They are doing some amazing work with talented, highly respected Seattle / New York artists.

Dickens Carolers - Christams in July! No - just auditions. A Seattle tradition and wonderful orginization. They start rehearsals soon and work around your schedule as much as possible during the Christmas season. It is a great gig. If you have the harmony chops - schedule an audition!

Unexpected Productions! Are you an improv genius? Another Seattle mainstay - Unexepected Productions is having auditions for their team!!!

If you check out Theatre Puget Sound (TPS ) you will find a moderatly hopping audition board this week. Outside Seattle? Edmonds and Auburn have some offerings this week!
Some student audio work is seeking voice talent among a smattering of independent films and a couple of plays.

If nothing tickles your audition bug -  then it's a great week to read a couple of new plays, look for new material or take in the PINTER FESTIVAL at Act Theatre.

What was the most recent play you read and REALLY enjoyed? Have you booked anything recently that you would like to promote? Have you SEEN anything you would like to promote?

Let me know in the comment box below!

Musical Theatre - Where to Start

Musical Theatre - Where to Start

First of all - Listen. Listen to musicals. I continue to be amazed that people venture into the world of Musical Theatre but don't know much about the canon. You must know your material as well as your craft.
Knowing  Wicked, Next to Normal and Avenue Q - is not enough. So today before we "Figure out Your Voice Type". Ask -"Should I take lessons" (The answer is yes and btw more voice teachers to come but check out the ones I already posted) "What song should I sing?"" What should I have in my audition book?" "How do I talk to an accompanist?"  "What should my audition cut look like"....oh yes many posts to come!

Before all that a SHORT Quiz / homework. Ready?

Sondheim and Webber: Is there really fan rivalry? ( don't know who these two are? hmmm)

Who is Patty Lupone?

Who is Mandy Patinkin?

Who is Sutton Foster?

Ok - if you know the cannon - come back later this week. If not - here are just a few OH so few musicals for you to listen to and get to know. I believe all of these are before the 90s. Here we go.

A Chorus Line. (Every Little Step is a great documentary to go with this)
   This is the first musical I fell in love with. Sadly I was cursed with movement dyslexia and will never be a dancer.

Into The Woods, Assassins, A Little Night Music
Evita
Anything Goes
Oklahoma
Fiddler on The Roof
Show Boat
The Secret Garden
Grease (The Musical - not John and Olivia much as I love them!)
West Side Story

This is just a starter course - smaller than an appetizer. Seriously - if you don't know these musicals hop online and read about them. LISTEN to them. Go see them if you have the opportunity.