Thoroughly Modern Mille Audition - Bun Foo/Ching Ho

[PeteGonBway]

Posted: 5/24/09 at 12:58am

Sooooo, I am a white male auditioning for "Thoroughly Modern Millie" in an environment where (not to sound racist or anything) it is very unlikely that any Asian actors will audition... So it is inevitable that Bun Foo & Ching Ho will be played by caucasians.

So, here is my question - any one have thoughts on audition material that will show off my comic abilities & ability to play an Asian, as well as show me off vocally so I'll be considered for ensemble/other guy roles. I want to do something broad - a friend of mine suggested doing one of my usual up tempo audition songs, and then break into the last 16 bars of "Muqin" from the show... but I don't know... Thoughts??

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 5/24/09 at 2:31am

I would suggest just doing a regular up-tempo/comedy song in the style of the show. I personally don't think it's necessary in the audition to show that you can play Asian. This is coming from someone who has played Ching Ho (then again, I didn't have to prove that I'm Asian because, well, I'm Asian). I think acting/comedic abilities are more important than playing against your own race in this case, especially if they are going to have to pick from non-Asian actors.

~Steven

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 5/24/09 at 3:54am

Quick! Someone call David Henry Hwang!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/24/09 at 6:18am

I agree with Her Music.

I directed this in the fall without the presense of Asian actors as well.

WARNING: These parts are a LOT more difficult that you think....you have to learn the lines in ENGLISH first...so that you and everyone else knew what was SUPPOSE to be happening as well as learning the cantonese and mandarin (one is spoken, the other is used for the singing). Pronounciation cds are provided....but it's tough. LUCKILY, one of our Bun Foo was TAKING Chinese as his language (but this had NOTHING to do with his casting) and we did have a native of china that helped them a little.

Be prepared: most folks will NOT believe you are actually speaking/singing in cantonese and mandarin...my actors found that reall frustrating.

Good luck with your auditoin....if it works out, you will have a blast with the parts...they are real scene stealers.