Pippin Audition Question

[Glory]

Pippin Audition Question#1

Posted: 10/16/07 at 6:10pm

What should I sing for an audition for Pippin if I want the role of Pippin. I was thinking of something from Godspell, but didn't know if it should be upbeat or a ballad. Any ideas what to sing?

[AngActing]

re: Pippin Audition Question#2

Posted: 10/16/07 at 6:35pm

Sing 'Giants In The Sky' (is that the title?) from "Into The Woods". It has the same feel as "Corner of the Sky" (and prepare "Corner", too; in case they ask)!

Love and Stage Lights, Angela Theresa

Updated On: 10/16/07 at 06:35 PM

[cunegande2]

re: Pippin Audition Question#2

Posted: 10/21/07 at 8:04pm

If you sing from Godspell I'd suggest Save the People

Please, don't let me be normal!

[beyonddizzy31]

re: Pippin Audition Question#3

Posted: 10/23/07 at 12:35pm

As good a song as "Giants in the Sky" is, I would steer clear of it for an audition. It's common knowledge that you should avoid Sondheim for auditions because his music is so good and so difficult that it can magnify any flaws you may have as a singer, whether it be with intricate harmonies or rhythms.

I'd recommend something from Children of Eden, and Godspell is a good idea too.

good luck!

Face life with a little guts and lots of *glitter*

[AngActing]

re: Pippin Audition Question#4

Posted: 10/23/07 at 3:30pm

>> As good a song as "Giants in the Sky" is, I would steer clear
>> of it for an audition.

>> It's common knowledge that you should avoid Sondheim for
>> auditions because his music is so good . . .

Hm, seems to me you'd want to do "good music" if you have the talent. And, obviously, he is not auditioning for "Pippin" on Broadway . . .it is, mostly likely, a local production or college and that is where you learn. Thus, my feeling, as an older performer, do it -- do Sondheim if it fits and see if you can pull it off.

>> and so difficult that it can magnify any flaws you may have
>> as a singer, whether it be with intricate harmonies or
>> rhythms.

Also, a director can tell, sorry to inform you; in 'three notes or less' if you can actually sing! Every class I ever took, every teacher I've ever studied with confirms this fact. They have an 'ear' for a good voice in a note or two . . . despite 'flaws' or missing an intricate rhythm or harmony (solo's have no harmonies, anyway). A good director/casting person knows that in 'rehearsal' [which is why we have them] any small problems can be corrected.

Thus, I disagree about choosing something 'less intricate' as Sondheim. If the song fits your voice, or the role you want . . . choose the song that works.

And who's "common knowledge" is it to not choose Sondheim if one can do it well? Yes, I do understand that a lot of Sondheim is done to death at auditions . . .and to avoid the songs that everyone and their mother choose; but not because of difficulty.

I mean, if the person cannot sing or if they can . . .it will show in any song be it Sondheim, Lloyd Webber, Schwartz or Hammerstein or Gershwin, etc!

Love and Stage Lights, Angela Theresa

Updated On: 10/23/07 at 03:30 PM

[beyonddizzy31]

re: Pippin Audition Question#6

Posted: 10/23/07 at 10:59pm

Thanks Boq, for reaffiming my point. You wouldn't believe how many auditions I've gone to where the accompanist couldn't play something that even I could bang out on a piano.

I always believe its just best to avoid composers like Sondheim or Jason Robert Brown specifcally for that reason. I save those songs for solo performances and cabarets, and use songs by other composers I feel I can really shine with for auditions.

Face life with a little guts and lots of *glitter*

[Boq101]

re: Pippin Audition Question#7

Posted: 10/23/07 at 11:57pm

Definately, when I look for 16 bars I make sure every thing I have (from the ballads to uptempo) really show off my range. It has to be character driven if anything, too.

[AngActing]

re: Pippin Audition Question#8

Posted: 10/24/07 at 12:43pm

okay, Ang, little lessons aside.

>> Considering this is NOT broadway your accompanist is not
>> going to be amazing, therefore steering clear of Sondheim is
>> also merely a safety measure.

Cool, point taken . . .
Certainly, I understand being a 'victim' of a bad accompanist! I hadn't really thought about that. Although, I find when they are bad accompanist's they can butcher any song, no matter who composed it, right?!

Love and Stage Lights, Angela Theresa

[Glory]

re: Pippin Audition Question#9

Posted: 10/24/07 at 2:25pm

Thanks guys. It's for my high school, but it's always competitive and it's my last year. I wanted to play Pippin since I can't even remember, so its gonna be an interesing audition. I think i'm going to sing God Save The People from Godspell.