Should I Audition with prop??

ah just do it, I've had to use a book before, I don't like it, but a book is pretty much the only prop you can get away with using.

And break a leg at Sheridan! It's a fun place.

They need to know that you have the skills to perform the song without the prop.

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Don't take a prop in. Seriously, Don't.

Speaking as someone who auditions all the time ( I went to an Arts college too). I think for that song go aheard and bring the prop. It's soo song specific. They don't need to see that you can do the song without a prop. It's a college audition, not broadway. They want to see if you have inherent talent and can find your way through a song. There's a part of that song where she reads over the letter and erases it. How do you play that without a letter? You'll look schizo. It's essential to the acting of the piece. THAT'S what counts. They want to see you act a song. Go with a prop in this instance. Usually props are a no-no but this is necessary. Generally there are exceptions to every rule. I've never heard anyone say not to sing this song in an audition. If you sing the song well then do it. That's the auditioning rule. Make sure you do it well, it's appropriate for what you're auditioning for, and it's playable. Speaking as an singing actor and pianist, that song moooore than qualifies if you think you do that song well. GOOD LUCK!!!!

Pab - I was hoping that someone on the other side of the table would repond.

DEFINITELY use a prop. Trust your instincts. You want to write the letter while you're doing the song and you don't want to frickin mime it, do you? Definitely use props.

Yo, I've used all sorts of props in auditions and I've worked on Broadway, regionally, TV, film, etc. I can think of a Tony nominee friend of mine who has brought props to auditions as well. But that's not the point. Don't do it because I do or she did, do it because you know it's right for the song. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid of doing ANYTHING in an audition. Contrary to popular belief, there are no rules for auditioning. It's YOUR audition.

Peace.

Updated On: 2/15/05 at 04:54 PM

I so disagree. If a college doesn't want you because you bring a prop to an audition, then I don't think you want to go to that college.

Besides, I would think a college would like people who trust their instincts and take risks (not that using a prop is much of a risk). I know someone who got into Juilliard by singing "I Will Survive" a capella. Would anyone have recommend that? Probably not. But she followed her instincts.

Updated On: 2/15/05 at 04:59 PM

Just don't use a gun. Happens more often then you think.

broadwaystar, Sheridan's in Canada. It's unlikely she'll have a gun.

I don't really know what to advise here. My first instinct is to say no, don't use a prop, because that's what I've been taught for years. I asked a friend on IM about it because this friend graduated from Sheridan and has performed both on Broadway and at the Canon in Toronto. Her advice is the same as mine, but honestly, this is a decision you have to make yourself. If you're more comfortable with a prop, then go for it. And break a leg!

I'm actually in a production of She Loves Me! and I'd say go with the prop. I've auditioned with a prop (it was a pill bottle that I was a guy on anti-depressants) and it didn't seem to hurt me at all.

That being said, I've heard directors tell me that they gather most of what they want to know from the first few seconds of your audition. Your voice, energy, stuff like that...and I've done a lot of really stupid stuff in auditions (like in a monologue where I was proposing to a girl, actually proposing to the director) and it hasn't seemed to hurt me so I think its pretty much your call...for Vanilla Ice Cream it seems like a good idea to me because the first couple times I was confused when I listened to the CD about what she was actually doing during that song.

What's important and actable in the song is the thought process and the distinction between the internal and external focus, not the writing. Avoid the prop at all costs.

Ehhh I don't think it is horrible if you do use one but I would advice you not to prsonally.

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