An Upcoming Audition

[Aphetoros]

Posted: 11/27/12 at 9:50pm

Yes, it is only my school's production... however I would like some advice nonetheless.

In the week following this, I will be auditioning for my high school's production of Les Mis and the audition process has changed for the better. We get to sing any sixteen bars from Les Mis, and my voice teacher has me singing Empty Chairs at Empty Tables. I was curious if you could post saying something that you believe a Marius should always remember, think about, or do when performing this song. It is emotionally challenging, I think, for a high schooler to do well, and I would like to know any advice you have on auditioning well as Marius.

Thanks in advance, Aphet

[ksimone1120]

Posted: 12/12/12 at 9:12am

Marius' friends have all died in battle & he is still alive. Just remember that lol

[AwesomeDanny]

Posted: 12/12/12 at 6:22pm

Well, you will hopefully learn in time that acting is about objectives. You can't just "be sad" because that's not how life works. Whenever you're acting, you are always doing something because you want something from someone else. In this song, I'd say that Marius's objective is to get forgiveness from his friends who have died. So, when you're auditioning, try to imagine Enjolras or one of the other students in front of you, reacting to what you're singing, and just ask them for forgiveness.

Now, that was a very brief explanation of an idea that should be expanded upon much further. There are many books you can read about this. The one that I would recommend most is David Mamet's "True and False". And of course, your character's objective can be contestable, so if asking forgiveness doesn't work for you or the section that you're singing, you can change it to whatever makes sense in your mind.

I hope this helped! Break a leg!