Confused about "Song Type" request - 2008/04/07 17:52Hello all! I just stumbled on this website, and it looks to be a valuable resource.
I'm a 30 year old male, and I've been a performer for years, though not musicals. But I decided it would be fun to audition for some local musical productions. The one I'm looking at is "The Fully Monty". However, I'm not a "musicals" person, and I don't have vast knowledge of the repertoire.
Here's the problem. I'm not going to ask for specific song recommendations, but I'm confused about the auditioners' audition instructions in respect to choosing a song. The information says:
Actors should prepare a 1-2 minute monologue and 24-32 bars of music, musical theater/pop-rock style, appropriate to the production. Please bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided.
Could anyone tell me, just in general, what would be considered musical theater/pop-rock style? When choosing a song, are there musicals that easily fit this description, or ones to avoid? Can I choose a song that isn't from a musical but is pop-rock? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
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I love the music in The Full Monty! It's one of those shows that make me wish I was a guy.
There are definitely shows that fit the "pop/rock musical theatre" style. We have a list of rock musicals here that should give you a head start. Sometimes you can audition with a song that isn't from a musical, but you have to choose the song carefully - if it's not from a musical, you still need to be able to act it - there has to be a character.
If you haven't listened to the cast album yet, please do because it should give you a pretty good idea of the musical style. If there is a non-MT rock song that jumps to mind, I think it would be acceptable for this type of audition. Please let us know what you decide! (or at least which ones you are considering!)
Post edited by: triplethreat, at: 2008/04/07 19:25_____________ Kris MTA Admin
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bugsbonzai
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Re:Confused about "Song Type" request - 2008/04/08 00:18Thanks Kris for responding back. I appreciate your guiding me to that list. Since I haven't really kept up with musicals for about a decade, I'm a bit overwhelmed. I'm going to try to pack a lifetime of musicals into a couple of days, see if I can find something in those shows that's an upbeat rock style song to audition with!
The last musical I did was Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in 1997! And, uh, I know the Producers, but mostly from the original Mel Brooks movie! I have just a little catching up to do.
The audition isn't until April 26th, so I have a little time to search. But the quicker I can settle on something, the more I can rehearse it and try to mask the decade of retirement I took, so I at least don't embarrass myself at the audition. At least until the part where they ask me to strip!
I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.
-Mark
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bugsbonzai
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Re:Confused about "Song Type" request - 2008/04/09 13:28Hey guys! I'm still looking for a song for my Full Monty audition. But while listening to huge amounts of music to see if there's any good song choices, I realized I had ignored the other part of the audition.
The monologue.
And it stumped me. The instructions don't specify what kind of monologue at all. The Full Monty is a comedy, so should I prepare a humorous monologue or a more dramatic one? It looks like the show itself deals with some serious stuff: divorce, failing marriages and unemployed steelworkers. But the show is about strippers! What do you think?
Thanks for any input. I'm just a little paranoid, since this will be my first audition in years. I'm trying not to make rookie mistakes like the wrong audition material for the show.
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Look for something there. Maybe something from the Producers, etc.?Upcoming: US Performing Arts Camps Currently: Henrietta (Honk Jr.!) Nessarose (MdN's Wicked) Enjolras (ENG)/Eponine (FREN) (Les Miz Online Cast Recording) Past: Godspell/Mamma Mia Soloist (Broadway Babies) Mrs. Johnson (Bye Bye Birdie)
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CwEinDallas
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Re:Confused about "Song Type" request - 2008/04/09 15:02they may or may not ask you to strip at the audition, (at mine they asked if we would take our shirts off) for the most part they will just need to know you won't chicken out. these guys are supposed to look like "just guys." (our production just started rehearsals). the music is great, it's definitely rock/pop for the most part, but its not hard rock, pretty easy to sing. for monologues i would look for something that shows masculine vulnerability, but is ultimately a "just a guy" kind of piece. comedy can be really tough to pull off in a monologue setting, and the humor of this show is created by the interactions of the characters, not any one "clown" character. If i were directing i would be more anxious to see an actor that could create a natural and honest character than a guy who can get a laugh with a cheesy one-liner.Chris
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bugsbonzai
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Re:Confused about "Song Type" request - 2008/04/09 16:21Thanks for the suggestions, all. I'm not afraid of the nudity part- my motto is, if the auditioners want to go blind, that's their problem. Just as long as there's no casting couch, I'm happy.
itshairspray- That's a good idea, I may do the monologue when Leo Bloom is defending his "buddy" Max in court. Might tie in with the male bonding of Full Monty well.
CwEinDallas- I did a Google search yesterday for ideas on songs, and your previous thread on this site asking about Full Monty came up! I remember reading it randomly early last afternoon. That's freaky. Google knows all. It is your master. What did you decide on finally for your audition song? Jailhouse Rock?
After preliminary search, I'm looking at Sunday from Tick, Tick, Boom, just because after hearing it, I can imagine myself singing it, and it seems to be within my range. I just wish there was a song that played more like Jerry in Full Monty, as that's what I'm gearing up for (although any role would be nice!).
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CwEinDallas
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Re:Confused about "Song Type" request - 2008/04/09 16:40I used BA in English as my fall back. I was pretty sure (and i was right) that I would get Keno based on the people i knew who were audtioning. and Keno doesn't sing. I'm really too young to play Jerry believably. Jerry is a great role, break a leg!Chris
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I'm on the young end of the age suggestion for most of the roles, including Jerry. But if I crop my hair super short, my thinning hair and receding hairline'll add about 4-5 years!
I'm not expecting to actually get a role. It would be great if I did get cast, but this is more for the benefit of re-acclimating to the auditioning process, which I haven't been a part of since about 2002. Work out the cobwebs, so to speak.
Break a leg in your production!
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I'm really too young to play Jerry believably. Jerry is a great role, break a leg!