Audition Songs

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Audition Songs

Posted: 8/25/04 at 12:53pm

This summer at one of my auditions, I sang "I'm not afriad..." - from songs from a new world for my musical director and he told me I should never sing it for an audition again (even though I got a lead???) But now I am in search of a new audition song and I need some suggestions. I need 1 up beat 1 ballad (at least) and does anyone know anything about

Smile - Disneyland....would that be good?

When someone blunders, we say that he makes a misstep. Is it then not clear that all the ills of mankind, all the tragic misfortunes that fill our history books, all the political blunders, all the failures of the great leaders have arisen merely from a lack of skill in dancing. - Moliere

re: Audition Songs

Posted: 8/25/04 at 1:02pm

what was his reason?

re: Audition Songs

Posted: 8/25/04 at 1:03pm

His reason for not using "I"m not afriad" is that Jason Robert Brown songs are a) to demanding and b) "it's more about the piano score than the singer"?

re: Audition Songs

Posted: 8/25/04 at 2:51pm

no, I'm Not Afraid of Anything is ridiculously repetitive for an audition song, and never changes pace or range really.
Beautiful song, but not good for a 16-bar showcase.

re: Audition Songs

Posted: 8/25/04 at 4:01pm

He's absolutely right - JRB songs are so intricate to play, that they become more about the piano and pianist than about the song. Steer clear of stuff like that. I once worked very hard on "If you can find me, I'm here" for my class, and after finallly getting it memorized and all the acting moments and getting it into my voice, The teacher and students all agreed that all they could think the whole time is "wow - great piano work there!"...and that's a Sondheim piece.

"I don't really get the ending,all i can go with is when after several months,Judith saw Pat sang,and later she kissed him on the toilet,after that the story back to where Pat went down from the stage after he'd sung,and he went to the italian lady.I just don't get it,what Judith exatcly meant when he kissed Pat that she had seen,and did Pat end up together with The Italian Lady?Please help me,thank u very much!" Quote from someone on IMDB in reference to a movie he/she didn't understand. Such grammar!

re: Audition Songs

Posted: 8/25/04 at 5:29pm

well, i see his point--i always try to sing songs that are almost idiot-proof--there are alot of audition pianists out there who do their own thing as far as tempos, intros, and such go--so IMO, i try to pick out something relatively easy to play...i and some of my friends have had some bad auditions because of pianists screwing up the song...and i don't think sondheim is a good audition choice unless it's for one of his shows....

re: Audition Songs

Posted: 8/25/04 at 8:34pm

First off, I'm Not Afraid is far too long for any audition. Cutting the song removes the arc of the song, so it is useless as a 16 (except in one specific case which I will not deal with here). Finally, the purpose of the audition is to show off the actor, not the song. It's less a question of accompaniment than the issue that this type of song (along with a great deal of contemporary musical theatre) is unnecessarily dense and complicated in its lyric, requiring the actor to work twice as hard to clarify it, and, ultimately, a poor choice for auditions. Considering the (literally) thousands of songs out there that are much more useful to the singing actor, he/she would be advised to think "outside the box" when it comes to audition material, rather than picking the latest flavor of the month. Seek the services of a reputable vocal coach who knows how to communicate with actors, understands their needs and recommends suitable material.
PS. Unless you know how to activate it within an inch of its life, DISNEYLAND is a cliche in most audition situations.

re: Audition Songs

Posted: 8/25/04 at 8:35pm

On my own

"You alone can make my song take flight, it's over now, the Music of the Night!!!!!"

re: Audition Songs

Posted: 8/25/04 at 8:36pm

upbeat? ummmmm... not on my own then, sorry, adelaids lament?

"You alone can make my song take flight, it's over now, the Music of the Night!!!!!"

#10

re: Audition Songs

Posted: 8/25/04 at 10:42pm

Where do you get the music to SMILE? I didn't know it was ever commercially released.

Upbeat number-- how about "You Can Always Count On Me" from CITY OF ANGELS as an alto upbeat song. Good character stuff to work with there.

And if she'll say, "My darling, I'm yours!" I'll throw away my striped tie and my best pressed tweed, all I really need is the girl...

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