The Fantasticks- Page 2

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 2/8/06 at 2:15pm

There are no "set rules" for auditioning when it comes to amateur or semi-professional non-Equity productions. The bottom line is for a monologue, directors want to see if you have presence and can create a character with a believable emotion (or in the case of a comedic monologue, they need to see if you have timing). For a song, they need to hear that you can stay on pitch in rhythm and provide some element of character and intent. Obviously, style of music may be important for something stylized such as Rent, Hedwig or Altar Boyz, but standard Broadway ballads and uptempos will be just fine for the initial Bat Boy audition. Unless there are specific guidelines outlined in the audition notice (i.e. "No Sondheim", "legit R&B/Pop voice"), then you don't need to sweat the selection as much as most teachers will impose on their students. Some homework behind your selection is always self-beneficial, but generally not recognized by a director who is watching 100 people in an 8-hour period for a minimal-to-non-paying musical production. A good director will know what to look for and get more specific in the callbacks.