College Audition Advice Requested

[WizardofOzfan39]

Hi, everyone,

In February I will be auditioning for the Ball State University Theatre Dept. I must have 2 songs prepared for my audition. I have several options, but before I go bombarding my vocal coach with 30,000 songs (OK, not really that many, lol) I wanted to get some advice, see what you guys think of the list I have. Also, if you have any songs to suggest, please let me know. I am a first tenor with a very belt-ish voice. Also, the University does not allow songs from the following shows: LES MISERABLES, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Webber),WICKED, GODSPELL, RENT, AIDA, JEKYLL AND HYDE or any song of Stephen Sondheim designed for the older actor.

The Songs I have on my list so far are:

-Somewhere (West Side Story)
-If I Can't Love Her (Beauty and the Beast)
-Close Every Door (Joseph)
-If I Only Had a Brain (The Wizard of Oz)
-Over the Rainbow (The Wizard of Oz)
-It Takes Two (Hairspray)
-Without Love (Hairspray)
-Home (The Wiz)

Any suggestions?

I also need to have two contrasting monologues. So i'm gonna definitely need help there!

[Jo]

The only suggestion that I can give is that you do something that is lesser known. They see many, many people all day and you don't want to fall through the cracks. Do something that showcases your voice well that is not always done and do it really, really well. You will stand out much more if you don't do something that the ten people before you did. This may mean dusting off some older shows, but it is well worth it. If they don't know the song then they are much more likely to want to listen to you sing it. Again, though, make sure you do it really well, since this can also be risky.

[bwaythtre8107]

Yes, when you audition there are generally song that you hear each time, so when a new song comes up, it sticks out more in your mind. Maybe try and stay away from mainstream musicals. Just my experience.

[kelshee05]

Not to be a Debbie Downer....but I would avoid all those songs that you have mentioned...I've been through the college audition process twice and I know that some of the staff at my school would probably frown upon those choices.

If I were you, I'd completely nix any Andrew Lloyd Webber from your audition repertoire unless it is specifically called for. Don't be afraid to sing a song from a show you've never heard of before. There's a lot of great older repertoire out there....I can give you some pointers (I just took Musical THeatre Repertoire class...) if you have other questions. Just PM me, I could talk about college auditioning for hours!

[KPlusk]

I agree with looking for new stuff.

There is a great musical out there no one around here has apparently found yet. It's called John and Jen by Andrew Lippa. There is a wonderful femal song in there called "Hold down the Fort". It's a great show and only has 1 male and 1 female so the songs are great and you can find one from any occasion.

Also i'm sure you could find a fun one from the wild party.

[sttnjat]

I agree with looking for new stuff.

There is a great musical out there no one around here has apparently found yet. It's called John and Jen by Andrew Lippa.

This show has been done here in Indianapolis. I can't remember for sure which theatre did it. It may have been Theatre on the Square of maybe Buck Creek. I believe Laura Duvall-Whitson played the female part and I think it was Graham Brinklow who played the male part.

I was with Laura tonight and I will try to verify this with her tomorrow.

[Jo]

Also i'm sure you could find a fun one from the wild party.

BSU just did The Wild Party last year...don't chance it..

[kelshee05]

I agree with looking for new stuff.

There is a great musical out there no one around here has apparently found yet. It's called John and Jen by Andrew Lippa. There is a wonderful femal song in there called "Hold down the Fort". It's a great show and only has 1 male and 1 female so the songs are great and you can find one from any occasion.

Also i'm sure you could find a fun one from the wild party.

Both are great shows....but Lippa is also overdone on the college circuit. And I know Ball State just did Wild Party...so that might be a bad choice. Plus, Lippa is still really contemporary. I would go further back in the 90's if you are looking for a contemporary piece.

And I don't even wanna talk about how many times I've heard "Every Goodbye is Hello" or "Life of the Party" in auditions before. eek.

[mgmatlock]

I also need to have two contrasting monologues. So i'm gonna definitely need help there!

i don't have any specific monologues to suggest to you (now, if you were a girl, we could talk ) but i can give you a little advice...
usually when an audition calls for two contrasting monologues, it is asking for a classical piece and a modern piece...but after reading ball state's info, i would suggest staying away from anything classical (ie shakespeare or greek/roman works) unless you are REALLY comfortable with the language. so, obviously, go for drama and comedy...the more different the characters, usually the better. ALSO, READ THE PLAY!!! just knowing the speech and a quick summary of the plot is one thing, but reading the play will help you understand the context of the monologue, and help you develope the character--this is huge since you only have 2 minutes max to impress these people. as far as choosing monologues, i like to go to borders or barnes and nobles, grab a stack of monologue books, and spend a couple of hours flipping through and finding a few good options. if you have someone that you can ask (as in an acting mentor of some sort), bring the monologues you pick to them and talk about your options. be wary of monologues you find on the internet, and make sure they are from actual plays! it's alot of work...but it's worth it in the end, that's for sure!

Good choice on a program...i have a couple of very good friends who went through it and are doing VERY well in la, chicago, and new york. hope i helped a little...BREAK A LEG!!!!!