You can always prepare MORE than is required. For example, if you're auditioning for college, find a more obscure up tempo and ballad, but also prepare some of your favorite songs that describe you as a person/performer. A lot of the times panels will let people they're considering sing more than one piece. I had a friend how prepared four songs all together (cut to 32 bars) and got to sing three of them. Plus, it kinda makes you look good that you went above and beyond.
how about I write my own musical theater piece....that way...it wont be over done lol
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/22/08
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/printthread.cfm?thread=308446
has overused ones which are proablly bad
Hey, you know a lot about this so I was wondering if you could help me. I'm a male auditioning for schools and I need some help. I picked out the song "I met a girl" from Bells are Ringing as my upbeat song. What do you think? Also, I'm not sure what to do for my ballad song. I know it has to be newer than Bells are ringing but no Sondheim is allowed. Do you have any ideas? I was also wondering what I should do for monolouges. Where I should get them an stuff. Can you help?
Swing Joined: 12/31/69
"I met a girl" is a great idea. As for monologues and ballads (modern means 1980's or more recent) - start reading and listening. Get yourself something like the Lost in Boston series etc to find lesser known material. Also - The Broadway Song Companion is very useful.
how about songs from anything goes? great music, and older. although i have no clue last time it was on broadway.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/12/07
I was looking at I want to got to Hollywood from grand hotel?
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
It's difficult to sight-read for a pianist who doesn't know it and has become very popular now.
I was thinking of singing "Much more"! :) I'm no the only one...also I just played Amneris in Aida and "I know the truth" is beautiful but it's relatively easy to sing. In the opening of the show Amneris is singing "Every Story is a Love Story" and then it changes to "fortune Favors the Brave" You know that big part where she starts singing "this is the story of a love that flourished in a time of hate....." Its so powerful, that whole ending before Radames starts to sing. I sang that for an audition and I got the part :)
Good luck with your auditions!
Swing Joined: 12/17/08
"memory" form Webber's "Cats" i just have one word to say about this song......OVERDONE!!!!
http://www.musicaltheatreaudition.com/performance/auditions/overdoneauditionsongs.html
a list of overdone songs to avoid.
You can never predict what other people are going to sing for their auditions. It's just not possible. Pick what others think you sing well (and not your mother either. =) Unless she's youre voice teacher) and don't worry about anyone else.
And what about:
Kiss Her Now from Dear World
I Don't Want To Know from Dear World
La Cage Aux Folles from La Cage Aux Folles
I Am What I Am from La Cage Aux Folles
The Best Of Times from La Cage Aux Folles
A Little More Mascara from La Cage Aux Folles
With Anne On My Arm from La Cage Aux Folles
Look Over There from La Cage Aux Folles
Mame from Mame
Leading Actor Joined: 12/31/69
I would say the title song of Cage aux folles is not a good audition song, as it's more of a chorus nr. Same with Best of times - there is better solo audition material out there. Same for title song of Mame.
Chorus Member Joined: 8/15/04
As a vocal director, I don't mind hearing the "overdone" songs. I have no problem with "On My Own" or "Memory" or "Happy Birthday". Sing something you are good at. The staff wants to enjoy your 16-bar "performance". Really!
Just don't sing from "Trouble in Tahiti" and then be rude when the audition pianist cannot play it.
Why is Sondheim so discouraged? Like, stereotypical Sondheim, or just in general? Because I've used plenty of his songs to audition, and was never discriminated against.
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