Auditioning for Broadway - "Strong Singers Required"

Posted: 2/23/06 at 3:38pm

I would like to get the opinion of those who really know...When you see an EPA ad for an upcoming Broadway show, and the character breakdown features a character that you seem perfect for, BUT they say "strong singer" and you are a very pleasant but intermediate singer and a strong actor/actress...is it worth it to go on the audition?

[Songsstresss]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 4:51pm

Auditions are so overcrowded right now... Please don't bother if you can't realistically play the role.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 5:01pm

No.

[IdinaRocks]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 5:26pm

i'd go for it =) maybe you have something the others dont, that will compensate for a killer voice. look at Daphne Rubin-Vega and Rosario Dawson......they're not the greatest singers, but they were both really amazing as Mimi.

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 5:33pm

Thing is, Mimi isn't a role that REQUIRES a "strong singer."

This kind of goes along with all the skinny girls who went to Hairspray auditions to try out for Tracy. Yes, you are getting your name out there. But if I was an auditioner, I'd be annoyed that someone was wasting my time by trying for a role they have no chance in hell of playing.

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 6:22pm

No audition is EVER a waste of time if you put it to good use.
The opportunity might introduce you to a fellow actor with whom you can network (we all need friends in the biz) or a casting director who takes a fancy to you (even if you're not right for the show you're auditioning for) or provide you with an outlet to test a new piece of audition material or learn about another audition where the vocals are not the emphasis. Just say YES and take advantage of any opportunity to be seen and heard--today, tomorrow and ALWAYS.

Allison MacKenzie
Peyton Place, New Hampshire

[toomeytwopiece]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 6:34pm

obviously, the more you fit what they say they are looking for, the better -- BUT, that doesn't mean you might not have something they aren't aware they are looking for... if you have strong instincts about going, you should follow them. It isn't a waste of time - especially if you fit what they are seeking physically. It will also be a chance for you to meet/introduce yourself to a casting director... I have been booked for several jobs because I went to EPAs or even for appointments and they saw me and thought of me for something else...

if, as an actor, you can strongly relate to the character, and you reasonably fit the criteria physically, especially if it is for a new part (originating a role), then you should go.

always take advice with a grain of salt (mine and all other LOL)... follow your instincts...

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 6:36pm

Well, it really depends on the role. But when an audition notice says "strong singers," they usually mean it. So even if you don't have an amazing singing voice, you should at least having training and know how to use it properly.

Posted: 2/23/06 at 9:38pm

go to everything and anything you can go to.
auditions are always crowded and thats just all part of it.
sometimes they go in with an idea in mind and if they really like someone enough, the can change their mind. in my opinion, ALL singers who are performing at the broadway level should be strong singer...period. just go and do your best. just because you're not right for THIS particular thing so and get your name and face in front of the casting directors. its important to build relationships with them so that they know your work and they can call you in for things.
no audition is a waste of time...you should always learn and take something away from every audition. auditioning is never easy but the more practice you have going to them, the better off you'll be. =)

Posted: 2/24/06 at 9:18am

Thank you all so much. There is something valuable in what everyone here has to say...even those who say not to go on the audition. There are valid reasons to go...and not to go. I tend to feel that the auditioners might, in fact, see something in an actor that they didn't realize they needed, or keep them in mind for something else. In the meantime, I have one singing coach, one technique teacher, and one performance class, and my singing is getting stronger every day.

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 2/24/06 at 9:40am

You never know what can happen. Worse that can happen is they say no thank you, or it could work the other way and you're on BROADWAY!

[Garland Grrrl]

Posted: 2/24/06 at 9:49am

i don't think a strong singer needs to have an "amazing" voice. how many stephanie block's are out there? but, strong singer to me means someone with great confidence, support and excellent training -- a full bodied sound and rock solid pitch. for the audition, sing your most secure piece where you can show that you anticipate the phrase and can lead the accompanist and are completely present.

[chasef2008]

Posted: 2/24/06 at 11:04am

ok i have a prime example of this...this summer our regional theater did a production of cats. They're were two men that auditioned for Old Deutoronomy. Of course the role called for a "large man with a large voice". Well one of the men that auditioned was so tiny, he was like a 60 year old man that was about 90 lbs. The funny part was that his voice was so quiet a simple note played on a piano could drown him out. Then of course the other man was about 250 lbs. and could sing over the entire orchestra without a mic...guess who got the role? lol..I think if you can realistically play the role go for it but like Kitzarina said if you don't look like the role don't waste your time auditioning. :)

Posted: 2/24/06 at 12:49pm

So who convinced the little skinny 90-year-old man to audition for this role?

Anyway, I am talking about my fitting the character description to an absolute tee, singing on pitch, understanding music very well, but with a voice that does not yet shatter glass. I need a mike! I need two mikes!

[the_shrew]

Posted: 2/24/06 at 2:17pm

Never pass up an opportunity to audition. Even if you think you know exactly what the auditors are looking for -and concluded that it's not you- they may see something in you that they never thought to look for, and like it. Either way, you'll be getting exposure for yourself.

[Stage Addict]

Posted: 2/24/06 at 4:27pm

sorry. a bit off topic..but in response to what chasef2008 said..
Last year I was in a performance of Julius Caesar. Caesar was a strong, large, man, right? Well in our performance, a 90 pound 5 foot tall girl got cast as Caesar. And surprisingly, it worked fantastically. She had such a strong personality..and I'm sure before auditions the director wasnt even considering casting a girl, let alone a tiny one.

So who knows. You could have something they never thought of.