Audition Help. Redundant, I know, but you are all so savvy!

Ok people. I need help. I am going to an audition next week and the only parameter is to prepare 16 bars that "show range". The part is a mezzo with an A belt, and I want to prepare a show tune/bway piece and something less traditional and make my decision when I get there.

Problem is, I haven't auditioned in 10 years and I have no idea what pisses casting directors off anymore. 10 years ago it was, "On My Own"... if you even looked like you might sing it, you were typed out.

So... any thoughts from all you helpful people about songs to sing and/or songs to avoid?!?!

Thank you for any advice you can give.

On My Own is still overdone. Stay away from Wicked, Rent, Spring Awakening, Hairsrpay, Les Mis, Phantom and all those good classics that are in any kind of "good audition songs" books.

Then again the person who sings the song the casting director has heard 1874330 times, may happen to fit the part perfectly, and book the job. You never know...

I appreciate the advice - especially the pieces to avoid - please, keep it coming you guys!

Bumping because I want more advice, and because I wanted to add if you all thought it would be crazy to sing a non-bway tune like a beatles or elvis song (assuming they're in the same range and show the voice, obviously!).

Thoughts?

Thank you!!!

I'm with TheEnchantedHunter. Invest the money and find a great coach who can help you build up your rep. They are often also musical directors and/or audition and rehearsal pianists, so they have great insight as to what songs are overdone.

For example, I showed my coach my book and he saw maybe three songs he thought were right. We went through a number of composer anthologies and I ended up walking out of there with eleven new songs to work on.

Good rule of thumb: avoid Sondheim, Lachiusa, Jason Robert Brown, because the piano accompaniments are so difficult and if the pianist is thrown off, you'll get thrown off too.

Oh, and just to add to the "Overdone Songs" list: "Come to Your Senses" from TTB.

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If it fits the show, the role you're going for, and your voice, it wouldn't be totally taboo to sing a non-showtune.