The finest interpreter of modern dance in the world.

 

EILEEN EVERGREEN is a gorgeous character. A self-proclaimed, ‘finest interpreter of modern dance in the world’ (she isn’t!), Eileen is narcissism on legs. The world exists for her to enjoy and, in her mind, everyone else hangs on every word that she speaks. The challenge to the actor is to play these characteristics fully and yet still allow the audience to like her. We want to laugh at EILEEN not want to cover her with a bag and stash her in a cupboard.

Eileen must be played with complete honesty. She truly believes she is wonderful and that everyone hangs on her very existence. If the audience gets any sense that the actor is not taking Eileen serious, the result will be a shallow, two dimensional character that is annoying rather than entertaining.

To approach this role, the actor must be willing to abandon any sense of self pretence. If you are unable perform without any concern of what others think of you, you will not reach the full potential of EILEEN. The audience must feel that you are giving them everything and not holding back. You aren’t protecting yourself by worrying about how you look to others.

Ironically, being too self involved will prevent you from playing the self involvement necessary for EILEEN’s character.

At your audition be willing to let go. We want to believe that you are performing as though the world does not exist and nothing is holding you back. It’s that feeling of total freedom you got as a child, performing in your bedroom where no one could see you (or was that just me?). Be brave and laugh at yourself. This is such a fun character to play. Enjoy your audition and so will we.

Don’t be misled by the phrase, “finest interpreter of modern dance”. EILEEN is not a great dancer, hence the physical humour when we see her ‘dancing’. You will, however be flexible.

Vocally, we are asking you to demonstrate your ability to hit pitches accurately without sliding onto them. It’s Broadway with a touch of classical style. Listen to the soundtrack to get a feel for this era specific music.

EILEEN’s songs:

Delishious: Listen HERE.

I’ve Got a Crush on You: Listen HERE.

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Nice Work If You Can Get It is a relatively new musical and so there is not much online to help you with your audition preparation. Because this is a new musical it is unlikely you will have seen the show.

To help you get to know this wonderful show and to help you prepare your audition, we’ll be working our way through the script, highlighting elements that help you get a handle on the humour of the script, all the songs and who sings them and I’ll be discussing each character in detail.

Make sure you subscribe to the Savoyards Audition Event to receive notification of these posts and more.

To register for an audition, download an audition pack from savoyards.com.au for all details.

facebook: savoyards.brisbane   |   savoyards.com.au

Audition prep: Nice Work If You Can Get It, Act 1 Sc2

Act One   |   Scene 2

Set during Prohibition in New York, 1927.

The scene moves to a dimly lit dock outside the speakeasy where BILLIE BENDIX (our heroine and bootlegger) is waiting for her fellow bootleggers, COOKIE McGEE and DUKE MAHONEY. JIMMY, very drunk comes out of the speakeasy and runs into BILLIE, who swipes his wallet and finds that he owns a huge Long Island beach house that no one is using. BILLIE decides this would be the perfect hiding place for her 400 cases of booze that she, Cookie and Duke have been trying to move.

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Script excerpt:

BILLIE: And where do you think you’re going?

JIMMY: I’m going to lead a life of wedded bliss. But first, I’m going to throw up a little bit.  (Notices).  Wait a minute, you’re not a fellah. What’s your name?

BILLIE: Never you mind …

JIMMY: Well, Never-you-mind – (He steps towards her and she winds up to slug him).

BILLIE: Hey!

JIMMY: Don’t hit me! I’m very wealthy!

BILLIE: Wealthy, huh? Wanna buy some more hootch?

JIMMY: No, no more hootch! I’m getting married tomorrow morning! Hoorah! And you know why I’m marrying her, Never-you-mind?

BILLIE: ‘Cause you love her?

JIMMY: No, to prove that I’m mature and responsible! That way, Mother will let me take over the family business.

BILLIE: And what’s your family business?

JIMMY: Don’t know, Mother won’t tell me.

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BILLY is a woman in a man’s world and she has adapted…sort of. She’s not so much a tomboy as a woman who has missed out on the lessons about the joys of femininity. She is self protective but laments the lack of a love relationship in her life. The actress who plays BILLIE must be able to show a strong personality  when BILLIE is “working” but also able to show the soft feminine side that is hidden underneath. This is especially important as the actress transitions between songs that require a strong musical theatre tone to the gentler “Someone to Watch Over Me”.

JIMMY tries to show BILLIE that she’s missing out on life –

Listen to the song: “NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT”  on Youtube. The entire soundtrack is also available on Spotify.

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The cops raid the speakeasy and we meet CHIEF OF POLICE BERRY and SENATOR MAX EVERGREEN, the brother of DUCHESS ESTONIA DULWORTH, the ‘proud founder of the Society of Dry Women!’ (the name says so much). She is here to burn down the speakeasy and wipe out alcohol as her righteous duty. She is joined by her VICE SQUAD.

Listen to the song: “DEMON RUN” on Youtube. The entire soundtrack is also available on Spotify.

The DUCHESS is self righteous in her approach to prohibition, a snob and has a very strong personality. We are looking for a singer with a strong classical vocal background (preferably).

SENATOR EVERGREEN (the Duchess’ brother and Eileen’s father) is a politician always looking to save his own skin. He thinks the sun shines out of his daughter (a real stage father, blind to her obvious lack of talent) and would do anything to give Eileen what she wants.

CHIEF BERRY is the ‘not that bright’ Chief of Police. A perfect example of this is his announcement when surrounding the speakeasy: “This is the police! We have the place surrounded! Except for the back!”

So much fun!

 

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Nice Work If You Can Get It is a relatively new musical and so there is not much online to help you with your audition preparation. Because this is a new musical it is unlikely you will have seen the show.

To help you get to know this wonderful show and to help you prepare your audition, we’ll be working our way through the script, highlighting elements that help you get a handle on the humour of the script, all the songs and who sings them and I’ll be discussing each character in detail.

Make sure you subscribe to the Savoyards Audition Event to receive notification of these posts and more.

To register for an audition, download an audition pack from savoyards.com.au for all details.

facebook: savoyards.brisbane   |   savoyards.com.au

Audition prep: Nice Work If You Can Get It, Act 1 Sc1

Act One   |   Scene 1

Set during Prohibition in New York, 1927.

The show opens in a speakeasy with JEANNIE, the CHORUS GIRLS and MEN enjoying a night out. Jeannie announces that JIMMY WINTER is about to be married.

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Script excerpt:

JEANNIE: All right, peoples, peoples – listen up!  Now this is a very sad occasion, ‘cause tomorrow morning, our own Jimmy Winter is getting’ married for the third time!

(And our hero, JIMMY WINTER, who’s been passed out, pops up).

JIMMY: Fourth time! (ALL cheer). But this time, I’m not marrying some cheap chorus girl!

JEANNIE/CHORUS GIRLS: Awww –

JIMMY: Sorry, cheap chorus girls. This time I’m marrying a real lady!  A respectable lady!  One who’s never even been arrested.

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JIMMY is a rich playboy character who is a loveable big kid. All he wants to do is have a good time and party. He doesn’t seem to understand responsibility or hard work, which is why his mother won’t let him take over the family business. For all his faults, the character of JIMMY must be loveable.

The character of of JEANNIE is strong, definitely not shy and determined to do anything to get what she wants. She is fun and bubbly and loves a party.

This is a fantastic dance number, opening the entire show.

Listen to the song: “SWEET AND LOWDOWN“  on Youtube. The entire soundtrack is also available on Spotify.

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Nice Work If You Can Get It is a relatively new musical and so there is not much online to help you with your audition preparation. Because this is a new musical it is unlikely you will have seen the show.

To help you get to know this wonderful show and to help you prepare your audition, we’ll be working our way through the script, highlighting elements that help you get a handle on the humour of the script, all the songs and who sings them and I’ll be discussing each character in detail.

Make sure you subscribe to the Savoyards Audition Event to receive notification of these posts and more.

To register for an audition, download an audition pack from savoyards.com.au for all details.

facebook: savoyards.brisbane   |   savoyards.com.au

Skinny jeans, choreo and dancing feet.

 

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

Savoyards Musical Comedy Society, Brisbane.

Auditions: June 12 – 17, 2015

CLICK HERE to meet the production team.

AUDITION PACK AVAILABLE NOW AT WWW.SAVOYARDS.COM.AU

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VENUE:  Wynnum High School, Peel Street, Manly;

DATE:  13-15 June, 2015.

TIME: By appointment only

This is the final article in this audition series for How to Succeed. With all this information up your sleeve, we hope you feel a little more prepared for this and any other audition you do in the future.

Our final bit of advice is about what to wear. I’m stating the obvious but here goes:

1. Be able to move. If you wear jeans that are so tight they’re cutting off your circulation, then you probably won’t be able to handle the choreography Desney gives you. Leave the skinny jeans at home and go for something you can move in.
2. Feet count. You’ll be dancing on a timber floor so don’t wear joggers or thongs as they grip the floor and cause ankle injury. If you have chorus, jazz or ballet shoes, these are fine. If you don’t have formal dance shoes then wear dress shoes with a leather sole (men) or if you want to wear your heels (ladies), make sure you bring dance shoes you can quickly change into.
3. Let us see your face. If you have long hair make sure it’s not in your face all the time. There is nothing more distracting than someone constantly pulling their hair away from their face. This will prevent you from working your character as well.
4. Headshots. Should be about postcard size of your face and in colour. Don’t spend a lot of money. Take a photo in good natural light and print it at your local Kmart kiosk for $1 or even print it at home. It doesn’t need to be fancy but it does need to be clear. It is all we will have to remember you by after you have left the room and after 4 days of auditions, we’re going to need all the help we can get.

Finally, have fun. You’ve prepared well and we are excited to meet you and enjoy your audition.

Cheers, Sher.

www.savoyards.com.au  |  auditions@savoyards.com.au

www.facebook.com/savoyards.brisbane

How to prepare for the unexpected in your audition.

 

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

Savoyards Musical Comedy Society, Brisbane.

Auditions: June 12 – 17, 2015

CLICK HERE to meet the production team.

AUDITION PACK AVAILABLE NOW AT WWW.SAVOYARDS.COM.AU

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VENUE:  Wynnum High School, Peel Street, Manly;

DATE:  13-15 June, 2015.

TIME: By appointment only

 

So, you’re in the audition space, you’ve presented your song, read your script and learned the choreography. Now what? As the Musical Director walks toward the piano, indicating for you to follow him, you realise that your legs aren’t listening to your brain, you’ve forgotten your name and you suddenly need to pee.

It’s a while since I felt like this but I do remember what it was like. If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn’t read so much into everything the production team said and did. I know now that they are normal people, tired yet hyped up on coffee, keen to give everyone who auditions the best chance they can. What throws us as performers is the unexpected. I’ve spent the last few weeks setting you up to know what to expect at your How to Succeed audition and now I’m going to throw a spanner in the works and get you to turn everything on its head.

We have 15 minutes to determine whether you have the skills to perform a particular role in the show. Your job is simply to present your skills. It’s not to guess what we want and try to be everything. Just sing your heart out, read with energy and dance like you’re having fun. Our job is to take what you offer and play with it a little – get you to sing in a different way or read the script focussing on another element of the character. How do you prepare for the unexpected?

Geoffrey, our Musical Director, is a professional orchestral musician with years of experience and thousands of hours of practice behind him, not to mention sitting through hundreds of auditions as Musical Director for many shows. I asked him for his top suggestions about how to prepare for the unexpected:

1. Know your songs so well that you sing them in your sleep. Don’t be fumbling for words or key changes. Your song/s are tools in your tool belt. If they’re going to last and do a good job for you, they better be of the highest quality you can achieve. They’re yours and no one else can use them for you.
2. Try, in practice, to come up with a couple of viewpoints to your song. Play around with technique, breathing, interpretation and dynamics. Whilst you’re going to settle on a primary presentation of the song, don’t make it the only approach you’ve considered.
3. Accept suggestions for change from the production team and put them into action. This shows your attitude to taking direction and being able to work under the overall vision for the show. It also allows us to measure skill level and your flexibility. If you’re not sure what you’re being asked to do, ask for clarification.
4. All this applies to your script-reading as well. It’s fine to have your audition scripts in your hand (especially for those roles with more than one script to learn) but know them well enough to develop some character.

Next week is our final in this series of articles for How to Succeed auditions and our Choreographer, Desney Toia-Sinapati will give you some tips for the dance/movement section of your audition. I love working with Desney because she understands the difference between “dance school” choreography and dance within musical theatre – being part of the story. It’s this skill that works so well in community theatre because it allows her to take performers with less technical dance skills and create movement that makes them look amazing and feel confident. Can’t wait for you to work with her.

If you haven’t registered for your audition yet you better get in now because the schedule is nearly full. Download your audition pack for details at www.savoyards.com.au.

We’re looking forward to meeting you at your audition so prepare well and we’ll see you in June.

Cheers, Sher.

www.savoyards.com.au  |  auditions@savoyards.com.au

www.facebook.com/savoyards.brisbane

How NOT to sabotage your own audition.

 

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

Savoyards Musical Comedy Society, Brisbane.

Auditions: June 12 – 17, 2015

CLICK HERE to meet the production team.

AUDITION PACK AVAILABLE NOW AT WWW.SAVOYARDS.COM.AU

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VENUE:  Wynnum High School, Peel Street, Manly;

DATE:  13-15 June, 2015.

TIME: By appointment only

 

JOB DESCRIPTION: AUDITION PIANIST

1. Must have eyesight capable of reading sheet music from an iPhone.
2. Must have three hands – two to play and one to control the loose bits of paper supplied by auditionee.
3. Must have a sixth sense to know where the singer is going in the song because it won’t be written on the music.
4. Must have sight reading skills capable of playing an unknown piece of music in 7 sharps changing every three bars to 7 flats and back again because the singer thought this would be an “interesting piece”.

Hundreds of auditions later I have witnessed all this and more (ok, the iPhone was an iPad, but REALLY?!). Being an audition pianist is a particular skill. You have to sight read many different songs, follow the singer but maintain the integrity of the piece and interpret chicken scratch on sheet music that makes the notes barely visible. The audition pianists I have worked with have accomplished all this and more. They always try to make the auditionee feel confident and are very talented musicians; but people, you’ve got to help these guys and gals out. Doing everything possible to make their job easier is only going to help you to perform more confidently. So, here’s how you can prepare for your audition pianist:

1. Choose a song that does not require 3 weeks of piano practice to play. If you have to apologise for the key signature, it’s not a good choice. The pianist has about 5 minutes to look at your music and no time to actually practice it. Be sensible in your choice.
2. Make sure the sheet music is in your key. Don’t ask the pianist to transpose on sight.
3. Make sure the copy is legible. If it’s a photocopy of a photocopy of a bad photocopy, get a NEW copy! Clear, black print.
4. Mark up your music clearly. You’ve been asked to prepare the best 32 bars of the song so make sure you clearly mark on the music where you’re beginning and ending. If you’re not starting at the beginning of the song, predetermine your lead in and mark it. Mark your speed and highlight any key changes or cuts. If the end bar is not clear, mark it.
5. Put your name and mobile number on it. I’m making quite a collection of music left behind at auditions.
6. Present the sheets securely. There are two ways to do this – (a) If it is only 3 pages, copy it onto heavy white card and tape it together (see photo). This means the pianist doesn’t have to turn pages and the sheets don’t flop around or (b) place the sheets in a display folder with the first page on the left hand side. This reduces page turns in the early part of the song.

Don’t underestimate the impact of preparing your audition music properly. You will not feel confident if your song is stopped because your loose sheets fall off the piano or the poor pianist is so busy trying to hold it there, he can’t play it properly. Just before your audition, the pianist will come out to talk to you about your music. Go through it pointing out the marks you’ve made, measure speed and any other notes you want but try and keep them to a minimum. When your audition is finished, don’t forget to thank the pianist as you collect your music.

We’re looking forward to meeting you at your audition so prepare well and we’ll see you in June.

Cheers, Sher.

www.savoyards.com.au  |  auditions@savoyards.com.au

www.facebook.com/savoyards.brisbane

What Does Your Principal Audition Look Like?

 

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

Savoyards Musical Comedy Society, Brisbane.

Auditions: June 12 – 17, 2015

CLICK HERE to meet the production team.

AUDITION PACK AVAILABLE NOW AT WWW.SAVOYARDS.COM.AU

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VENUE:  Wynnum High School, Peel Street, Manly;

DATE:  13-15 June, 2015.

TIME: By appointment only

So you’ve decided to step out and audition for a character in How to Succeed. You’ve booked your audition, done your research, chosen your songs and you now you find yourself feeling one of two ways – confident or like you’re going to throw up on your shoes – sometimes both in any one day. Relax, you’re already amazing just doing the audition but to help you feel prepared, let me walk you through what your audition will look like.

Arrive about 15 minutes early. There is nothing worse than arriving late and having to walk straight into your audition desparately needing to pee. When you arrive, check in with the Audition Clerk and give them your fully completed audition form with your performance history and head shot STAPLED (no paper clips) behind it. You’ll then have the opportunity to go over your sheet music with the pianist. We’ll talk about the way you should present your sheet music next week.

When you are called into the audition space, bring your water, dance shoes and scripts with you. You’ll be introduced to the panel and after a little chat, you’ll sing your first song. The Musical Director, Geoffrey, may work with you on the song or ask you to present your alternative piece. If he doesn’t, it doesn’t mean anything other than he has enough information to determine your skill set.

You’ll then read your script with the reading partner we provide. Feel free to move around and take control of the space. The reader will follow what you do. Remember that I don’t mind you holding your scripts during the audition. Know the scripts well enough that you don’t have your face in the paper and can develop character but hang onto them for security by all means.

Choreographer, Desney, will teach you a simple dance routine to determine your skill level. Wear clothes and shoes you can dance in – not joggers as they are dangerous to dance in on a timber floor.

Throughout this whole process, we will be seeking ways to help you present your very best audition. If you have all the confidence in the world then that’s wonderful but if you’re like 90% of auditionees, you’ll suffer a few nerves. Our job is not to sit behind a desk and judge you. That doesn’t help you and it certainly doesn’t help us to cast a show. We want to know what you’re really capable of once the nerves are peeled away and we see you a little more relaxed.

Everyone’s audition will look slightly different because we tailor it to suit you so don’t make the mistake of comparing your audition with someone else, interpreting the fact that you didn’t sing your second song as a bad sign. It could simply mean that you chose such a great first song that it showed your skill really well.

Once you’ve finished your audition, go and celebrate all the effort you put into weeks of research and preparation. If we need to see you for a callback (and not all characters will require callbacks), you will receive a call by Monday night from the Executive Producer. Be prepared and become familiar with the callback music available now at the link in your audition registration email.

Finally, you might find this article helpful in your preparations – “6 Ways to Prepare for Your Best Audition.” After sitting through hundreds of auditions, I realised there were a number of things common to those who auditioned well and I’ve shared them with you in the article.

We’re looking forward to meeting you at your audition so prepare well and we’ll see you in June.

Cheers, Sher.

www.savoyards.com.au  |  auditions@savoyards.com.au

www.facebook.com/savoyards.brisbane

A Chorus Full of Characters.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

Savoyards Musical Comedy Society, Brisbane.

Auditions: June 12 – 17, 2015

CLICK HERE to meet the production team.

AUDITION PACK AVAILABLE NOW AT WWW.SAVOYARDS.COM.AU

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Without a fantastic chorus, our shows would be very empty.

If you’re planning to audition for the chorus of How to Succeed, don’t step into the audition space with the mind set that you’re auditioning for “just chorus.” You’re auditioning to play a character that adds depth and detail to the show, even if you don’t have any lines. I am not a fan of “stand and stuff” choruses (groups that come on and fill space but have no purpose). If you’re on stage, you’re there for a reason and you have enormous value to the production, so we’re looking for people who can work as part of a team, have a sense of fun and a good work ethic.

Preparation for a chorus audition is a little different to a principal audition but the elements like professionalism and preparation remain the same. Here’s what the How to Succeed General Chorus Audition will look like and some tips on how to stand out – for the RIGHT reasons.

VENUE:  Wynnum High School, Peel Street, Manly;

DATE:  Friday, 12 June

TIME: 7.30pm start.

Be on time!  This audition will begin at 7.30pm.  Demonstrate a great work ethic by being early enough to sign in with the Audition Clerks (presenting your Audition Form and photo), get a name tag, change your shoes (to something suitable for movement) and compose yourself ready to begin at 7:30pm.  Do yourself a favour and don’t be the person who wanders in after everyone has started.

Have some fun!  The Musical Director will teach everyone a couple of small sections of music from the show (available in the link in your registration email).  The music isn’t difficult but Geoffrey is looking for good enunciation (that you pronounce the lyrics clearly), character (that you perform with your face and attitude), that you understand rhythm, can hear a part and, of course, can hold a tune. This process is relaxed and actually quite a bit of fun.

Shake a little booty!  Choreographer, Desney Toia-Sinapati, will then put you through stage movement.  This section is purely to measure your level of dance skill. The choreography in this show is built around dancers as well as people who “move well” so don’t panic if you weren’t born with pointe shoes on your feet.  Make sure you wear comfortable clothes, and shoes that you can dance in (thongs and joggers are not suitable as they have rubber soles that stick on timber floors making them dangerous). Wear chorus or jazz shoes or dress shoes with leather soles.

Show some character.  I will be looking for performers who do more than just sing. I want characters who are alive and show it. You need to smile and give everything some energy.

Be confident.  When you’re working with the MD, don’t be shy.  Sing your part with confidence and don’t take yourself too seriously.  We’re not looking for polished performances as much as potential.  If you get something wrong and acknowledge it, it shows that you have a good ear and can hear your mistake – a good thing for a chorus member.

The same goes for working with the Choreographer. Dancers develop their memory for learning choreography with years of training. Desney understands this about musical theatre performers and has great skill in getting you to move and look great. Trust her and just give it everything you’ve got.

Relax and have fun with the evening.  If you don’t feel confident, pretend! Smile at everyone, laugh at yourself and you’ll be surprised how well things go for you.  Don’t fuss over your mistakes or torment yourself wondering whether you made the right impression. Just do your best because casting is out of your hands.  If your aim is to learn something new and have fun, your evening will be valuable no matter what comes out of it.

www.savoyards.com.au  |  auditions@savoyards.com.au

www.facebook.com/savoyards.brisbane

The Songs of How to Succeed.

 

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

Savoyards Musical Comedy Society, Brisbane.

Auditions: June 12 – 17, 2015

CLICK HERE to meet the production team.

AUDITION PACK AVAILABLE NOW AT WWW.SAVOYARDS.COM.AU

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If you’re wondering how much singing principals and chorus do in How to Succeed, here is a brief listing.

Remember to download your audition pack now and register your audition (details in the pack) at www.savoyards.com.au

 

J. PIERREPONT FINCH

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (solo); The Company Way (duet with Twimble); Been a Long Day (with Smitty and Rosemary); Grand Old Ivy (duet with Biggley); Rosemay (duet with Rosemary); I Believe in You (with Executives); Brotherhood of Man (with Executives).

Vocal Range C3 – G4

ROSEMARY PILKINGTON

Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm (solo); Been a Long Day (with Smitty and Finch); Paris Original (with Secretaries); Rosemary (duet with Finch); Cinderella, Darling (with Secretaries and Smitty); Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm Reprise (solo); I Believe In You (Rosemary’s solo).

Vocal Range A3 – B4

J.B. BIGGLEY

Grand Old Ivy (with Finch); Been A Long Day Reprise (with Hedy and Bud); Love From a Heart of Gold (duet with Hedy); Brotherhood of Man (with Finch and Executives).

Vocal Range C3 – A4

HEDY LaRUE

Been a Long Day Reprise (with Biggley and Bud); Love From a Heart of Gold (duet with Biggley).

Vocal Range C4 – Eb5

BUD FRUMP

Coffee Break (with ensemble); A Secretary Is Not a Toy (with ensemble); Been a Long Day Reprise (with Hedy and Biggley); Brotherhood of Man (with Executives).

Vocal Range C3 – F4

SMITTY

Coffee Break (with Ensemble); Been a Long Day (with Finch and Rosemary); Paris Original (with Secretaries); Cinderella Darling (with Secretaries).

Vocal Range A#3 – G5

MISS JONES

Paris Original (with Secretaries); Brotherhood of Man (solo with Executives)

Vocal Range Bb3 – Gb5

THE EXECUTIVES: GATCH, JENKINS, TACKABERRY, PETERSON, BRATT.

Secretary is Not A Toy (with Ensemble); I Believe in You (Washroom scene); Brotherhood of Man

Varying vocal ranges.

MR. TWIMBLE

The Company Way (with Finch).

Vocal Range C#3 – E4

WALLY WOMPER

Brotherhood of Man (with Executives)

Vocal Range D3 – E4

A NOTE ABOUT TWIMBLE/WOMPER: Traditionally these two characters are played by the same actor and we will looking at this as an option during casting. Twimble is only on in the Mailroom scene in Act 1 and Womper is only on at the end of Act 2 so it makes sense to follow this traditional professional casting option for the sake of the actor. However, we’re open to who turns up to casting.

 EXECUTIVE ENSEMBLE

Coffee Break; A Secretary is Not a Toy; I Believe in You (Washroom scene); Brotherhood of Man

SECRETARY ENSEMBLE

Coffee Break; A Secretary is Not a Toy; Paris Original; Cinderella Darling.

Download your Audition Pack now from Savoyards website.

See you in June.

Cheers, Sher.

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MAKE YOUR ENTRANCE is written by Sherryl-Lee Secomb to equip and encourage performers auditioning for Savoyards Musical Comedy Society, Brisbane, Australia.

www.savoyards.com.au

Memory, Cats and Cracks in the Universe – How to Choose An Audition Song.

 

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

Savoyards Musical Comedy Society, Brisbane.

Auditions: June 12 – 17, 2015

CLICK HERE to meet the production team.

AUDITION PACK & REGISTRATIONS RELEASED  APRIL 27 AT WWW.SAVOYARDS.COM.AU

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She was the 37th auditionee of the day and as she took centre stage, I asked her, “What are you singing for us today?”

“Memory from Cats.”

I heard a crack in the universe open up and it was all I could do to stop myself from curling up into a fetal position under the desk. As she began to sing, the involuntary twitch in my right eye slowed a little as it became obvious that there was a good voice buried deep beneath a piece of music that has been jumped on, crushed and had its insides strewn over audition stages all over the world.

Ladies, remove ‘Memory’ from your musical audition repertoire. That is all.

This week we’re taking a look at one area that community musical theatre performers really struggle with – audition songs.

Stop being emotional.

Audition song choice seems to stump many performers. They choose songs emotionally; because they love to sing it, have a connection to the words or would love to do the show it comes from. This emotionalism prevents us from hearing our true voice in an honest way. In other words, we hear what we want to hear not what we truly sound like.

If you want to improve your audition song you must begin with honesty. Record yourself singing (audio only to avoid visual distraction) and listen – honestly. When we are listening to ourselves live we hear what we want or expect to hear. When we listen to a recording of our voice we are forced to hear what is really coming out of our mouth and we often get a surprise. This is where true improvement begins. Listen for technique, phrasing and breathing points that could be improved. You might decide that the song is not actually doing you any favours. This is not an exercise in personal condemnation. Be an emotional grownup and listen to your voice as just another musical instrument for improvement.

32 bars of amazing!

Choose songs that make you sound amazing. You only have 32 bars to show what you can do so choose well. Don’t attempt complex music unless you have the technique to back it up. Much better to present a simpler song and crush it. Choose the best 32 bars of the song. That may mean that you don’t begin at the first bar of the song. If the best part of the song or the part that really shows off your voice begins at bar 36 you may not get there before the audition panel stops you. We are not expecting you to sing the whole song we just want to hear the part you are really excited about because it makes you sound amazing. Skip the rest and get to the good bit.

Light and shade.

Prepare 2 contrasting pieces – something upbeat and fun and another that is gentler and sweeter. You may not need to present both at your audition but the team may want to hear your voice in both styles. Consider the style of the show when making your song choice. You probably wouldn’t present something from Rock of Ages, for instance, but from a musical that is similar in feel or style to How to Succeed.

I don’t know that many musicals.

There is an enormous list of music available that very few people look at. Just because the show hasn’t been to Australia doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. I heard a beautiful audition recently using a song from The Bridges of Madison County; a good piece of music that showed off the performers voice and stood out in the memory of the audition panel because it was well written and no one else presented it. Check out the licensing company websites for lists of shows, song lists and sample audio of each song. Here are links to a few licensing companies to get you started –

• Tams Whitmark
• Hal Leonard
• Musical Theatre International

Sheet music only please.

When you’ve made your song choice, you’ll need to source sheet music. We don’t use backing tracks or recordings because we prefer to have the freedom to get beyond your nerves and work with you on the song. We can’t do that easily with a recording. It wastes too much time in the 15 minutes that you have.

Music Notes is an online supply of sheet music with a great selection of musical theatre from Annie to Wicked and If/Then plus everything in between. It’s inexpensive and you can download your purchase immediately. Build up a repertoire of songs that are fantastic for your voice in various musical theatre styles and you will be ready for any audition.

You are not doing the casting.

Some of you will want us to tell you what to sing. That ain’t gonna happen, Sunshine. You need to make your own choice based on what makes you sound fantastic and therefore gives you confidence.

The purpose of your audition song is to show us how fantastic your voice can sound. That is all!

You are not doing the casting. You may be presenting a song that you feel shows you as Finch but we see you as Bud. All you have to do is show us how wonderfully you sing – we’ll handle the casting. So, relax and enjoy presenting your skills to us. We’re really looking forward to seeing what you’ve created.

Remember, the Audition Pack is released on the Savoyards website on April 27.

See you in June.

Cheers, Sher.

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MAKE YOUR ENTRANCE is written by Sherryl-Lee Secomb to equip and encourage performers auditioning for Savoyards Musical Comedy Society, Brisbane, Australia.

www.savoyards.com.au