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How to Audition for Musical Theater

May 4, 2010 By voiceclubcoach 3 Comments

ctm121508Musical theater is a great way for singers to up their game, expand their horizons and gain valuable performance skills.

But whether you’ve played the lead in every major production that’s rolled through your town or you’ve only just started thinking about hitting the theatrical stage, it all starts with the audition.

You can generally find everything you need to know about musical theater audition opportunities in your area online.   Just google ‘your city’ ‘musical theater auditions’ and you should have a few links that will get you started.  Late winter/early spring is a popular time to cast shows for the summer season so February is a good time to begin your audition planning.

There are basically three types of musical theater opportunities:

  1. Fee based (usually children’s theater organizations who charge you a fee to participate and receive some theater training)
  2. Volunteer (generally community theater organizations for older kids through adults) and,
  3. Paid (for Equity actors, which are basically union members)  Some theaters may also offer paid parts to non-equity actors.

Every theater organization has their own rules for the audition process, but here’s a basic breakdown of the two most common:

  • Casual Audition: May allow you to sing with a karaoke track or acapella.  Doesn’t require a bio or headshots.  May ask you to recite a prepared monologue (solo act).
  • Standard Audition: Will require a bio and headshot (more on that in a bit).  Will also require you to bring marked sheet music for an accompanist to play 16 bars for you to sing along to.  Will generally require you to learn a dance step and perform it as well as reading from a selection provided for you.

So what is the best way to prepare?  Here are a few tips to make sure you’re ready for any audition;

Always have two pieces of music prepared: a ballad and an uptempo song. You never want to audition with a song from the production you’re auditioning for so it’s good to build your song list as time allows.  Depending on the types of auditions you’ll be taking on, buy sheet music and mark 16 bars of the chorus (or another part if it highlights your ability better) or buy the karaoke track to have on hand.   Why do you need both types of songs?  You may choose a ballad and be asked to sing something more upbeat or visa versa.  Either way, you’re prepared!

Prepare a bio. Even if it’s not required, it will help to sell your talent to the decision makers.  A bio should include at least your namepetetraina_headshot19277_headshot, age, height and weight at the top.  Below, it should list ANYthing you’ve done that has made you a better actor/singer.  Generally this would be names of productions you’ve been in, the organization that put it on and the part you played.  If you’re slim on experience, expand on the bottom section, which should include other public singing/speaking experience and special education like voice instruction and dance classes you’ve taken.  Why all the extras?  It may just be your mad karate skills that tip the scales in your favorite for the new Karate Kid Musical (no… that doesn’t really exist.)camille3headshotskids-headshot

Include a picture/headshot. This can be as simple as a nice snapshot of you in the upper right hand of your bio sheet or a full 8×10, if you happen to have one.  Actors who pursue paid roles generally have an 8×10 or a photo card, which is usually a postcard sized photo sheet showing them as different characters.  It’s not necessary to have either of these for most volunteer auditions, but if you’re competing in a large market (LA, NY, Chicago, San Fran, etc.) for equity roles you’ll want to have one.

BEST ONLINE RESOURCES FOR AUDITIONING FOR MUSICAL THEATER

sheet-musicGet Your Music:

Musical Theatre Audition: Invaluable for it’s searchable database of audition songs by gender, age, style and more. (click the ‘songs’ button) LOVE that it tells you which songs are overused in auditions.  Avoid those like the plague.  Directors are so tired of hearing them that it really works against you.

Music Notes: Purchase and download sheet music to audition with.  This is the only site I’ve found that includes a ‘Hear It’ button so you can actually listen to the arrangement and double check that it’s in a good key for you and let’s you transpose it if it’s not!  That’s HUGE.

Total Sheet Music: Also allows you to listen and download sheet music.  No transposing, but a great library of stuff to choose from.

The Karaoke Channel: Claims to be the worlds largest karaoke library.  They do have a ton of good stuff.  Click the link and get six free songs when you purchase six.

iTunes Store: They must have the worlds 2nd largest library of karaoke tracks.  Easy to search and download.

musicalsGet Audition Info:

BackStage: Good resource for union and equity actors to see who’s auditioning for what.  Requires registration.

Stage Agent: Also geared toward union and equity auditions, but some community theaters are listed.  Requires registration.

Auditions Theater: Not a very well organized site, but includes both non-equity and equity auditions and an email list.

Other Resources:

Google Directory of Musical Resources: A long list of organizations that provide related resources for auditioning.

DMOZ Directory of Audition Resources: Much shorter list, some repeats, but good stuff.


Have a question?  An audition story?  A resource to add?  Leave it in the comments section below.

Now, get out there and audition!

Filed Under: Just for Kids, Perform Better Tagged With: , , , ,

How Do I Sing with POWER?

May 3, 2010 By voiceclubcoach 2 Comments

This is one of the most asked vocal questions. What do you do when you wanna sing like a rock or Broadway star but the voice that comes out would barely be audible past the 2nd row?

_u4v7100.jpg_320_320_0_9223372036854775000_0_1_0Singers will do a lot of things to have more power. And many of them are downright damaging to the voice they’re trying to protect. Like what? Well, scream-singing for one. If you’ve ever done it, it was the time(s) that you felt like your voice was being strangled while you ‘belted’ or the veins in your neck took on a life of they’re own. (nasty). Can you get more power scream-singing. Sure you can. But the trade off is swelling and hoarseness in the short run and potential serious damage like busted blood vessels in the cords and nodules in the long run. And because of the physical process that takes place when scream-singing (chest voice only), you can’t access more than half of your range. So, it’s a lose-lose.

Another way singers try to gain more power is to lock in to that big hollow classical sound and take it to town (more prevalent in broadway and classical styles). This is kind of the opposite of scream-singing. The problem with it is that because it’s grounded in head voice only, it also can only capitalize on a portion of your range and leaves your bottom notes like a giant balloon with most of the air dissolved out. And while it can provide some volume, it really lacks the power you’re looking for.

So can everyone really sing with power? Yes! Then, how? By developing a strong MIX of both head and chest voice. Chest voice is where the power lives, but without thinning out into the head voice as the notes ascend, it will yank up your larynx giving you that nice strangled feeling and cause more bad than good. Head voice can get hallow and boomy toward the top, but without a touch of chest voice, it can’t give anything to the bottom notes, and the volume it can give the higher notes is always void of the same sharp tone a power singer should have throughout their range.

Everyone has a vocal tendency toward singing with too much chest voice or too much head voice. It’s not always as simple as that but good technique instructor can identify what your tendencies are and set a plan to correct the balance of chest and head voice, or your MIX VOICE. Like training for anything, it does take a bit of time, but even if you can’t take lessons at this point in your life, there are a few things you can do to stay away from dangerous waters:

No Pain – All Gain

Healthy singing NEVER causes pain. Be aware of times when you have pain or discomfort while singing or even afterward. This is a warning sign that your tendencies could be taking you down a road to vocal damage. Identify when it happens and back off slightly do avoid damage. You’ll probably hate the loss in perceived power, but you’ll be sparing your cords.

Feel the Mix

The best way to head away from your tendencies is to aim for a mix, which is hard if you don’t know what that feels like!  Say ‘whoo’ on a long and sliding note like you’re going up and down hills on a roller coaster.  Even better, learn the ‘bubble’ (basically blowing your lips like a baby does ‘the motorboat’ while sliding the notes up and down).  You’ll find you can slide the notes farther on each end after awhile.  And each of those is a note in your range you could sing with good technique training!  Do the bubble as a warm up every time you’re on your way to sing.  It’ll start teaching your voice what that balance should feel like and you can’t beat the benefit of the warm up too!

Stop Blowing Hot Air

2q2mjpxIf your voice tends to be weak and airy, try practicing your song with a super whiney, pouty lipped ‘weeee’.  The whinier the better.  This introduces a touch of chest voice.  It will sound ugly, especially because your voice has convinced you that only light an airy is lovely.  But just a simple exercise like this will be a step toward feeling the difference between your tendency (too much head voice) and what it will feel like to begin mixing with chest voice.  Then when you’re able to, find a good technique instructor to help you build a strong balanced mix.  You’ll be blown away at the difference!

We all wish there were a magic exercise to solve our vocal problems but the truth is that none exists any more than a magic pill exists to lose extra strongsquirrelweight (still waiting for it though!).  Developing a strong, healthy voice takes regular work with a qualified instructor, so if you’re really invested in singing better you have to plan to add that at some point.  If you’re not there yet, keep learning however you can.  The more you know about what will harm your voice, the more you can be your best advocate.  You’ve already started by reading this, so you’re already on your way!

Filed Under: Sing Better, Vocal Technique, Voice Tips Tagged With: , ,

Five Steps to Confidence on Stage

March 17, 2010 By voiceclubcoach Leave a Comment

One of the top concern shared by singers the world over is how to be more confident on stage.  Maybe it’s the new venue, someone special in the audience or just the fear of the unknown that has you distracted from enjoying performing.  Regardless there are a few things you can do to minimize stress and nerves and own your show.

1.    Rehearse, Rehearse, RehearseRehearsal
Not just your words, but your arrangement, where you’re going to add trills, how you’ll move around the stage during the song and the transitions between songs.  Just like songs follow format, your show should have a map so you know where you’re going.  Having a plan for your show doesn’t make it less spontaneous, it makes you a pro.  And the more comfortable you are with the flow of your show, the more confident you will both appear to your audience and be.

2.    Train, Train, Train
If you have things about your voice that you’re not solid on, get lessons from a qualified instructor.  If you find you’re distracted by trying to find the next guitar chord, get help.  Whatever it is that’s diverting your attention away from where it should be, training and experience will help to remove it from the equation.

3.    Stop Stressing on StageNervous Wreck
The time to stress about vocal strain, reaching the high note, if you look dumb taking the mic off the stand, etc., is when you’re not on stage.  That stress is there to drive you to take control and work those things out ahead of time.  But once your foot hits that stage, give NONE of it another thought.  Audiences may not know much about what you’ve done to get here, but they can spot nervous and self-conscious a mile away; and it makes them uncomfortable too.  Once you hit the stage it’s time to enjoy what happens and give your audience a good time.  Let the chips fall where they may; you’ll have until the next show to fix whatever you don’t like.

4.    Don’t Draw Attention to Mistakes
Most of the mistakes on a stage that the audience knows about are the ones you tell them about.  Really.  They’re there to have a good time and they expect to enjoy what you do (with very few exceptions).  If you forget the words, fill in with another line or make something up.  If you completely blow that vocal trill, pretend you didn’t and chance are, they won’t even remember it.  But tell them you’ve messed up, either by saying something or just by the look on your face and both you and your audience will have less faith in you.  Confidence comes from taking control.  Don’t let your own opinion give you away.

5.    Perform with Authorityauthority-563138150
If someone let you get on that stage, you have been given permission to be in charge.  Understand the responsibility of that and rise to the occasion.  Look people in the eye.  Tell them what to expect by introducing yourself, telling something about yourself and letting them know you’re all going to have a good time.  Take them along for the ride.  YOU are in charge.  If you don’t take the reigns, regardless of your nerves, they know they’re in for trouble.  A world of mistakes and mishaps are forgiven for the artist who knows how to perform with authority.

Confidence comes from being prepared and taking charge.  You’d be surprised how many major artists get horribly nervous at the start of a show.  Nerves are just part of the game many times.  But when they hit, you’ll know you can fall back on all of the work you’ve done to get there, take the stage and just do your thing.

Are you confident on stage?  What’s your secret?  Share it below and help everyone.

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Brett Manning, Creator of Singing Success

March 6, 2010 By voiceclubcoach Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Resources for Performers, Vocal Technique Tagged With: , , ,

Why Aren’t You Singing?

February 14, 2010 By voiceclubcoach 2 Comments

mics-iStock_000003031130XSmall“Singers sing!” It’s been my mantra for as long as I can remember. And I have to admit to having been confused by singers I’ve met in the past who aren’t, well, singing. “Isn’t that what singers do?” I thought.

Maybe I get it now. After just recently getting back on my feet after a year long medical recovery, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the day I would get back out there and start singing again. But it’s different this time. I’m pretty sure it’s directly related to one of the very few things I remember from my science class; a body in motion tends to stay in motion and a body NOT in motion tends to think of excuses to stop them from ever getting started. Ok, I don’t remember it EXACTLY, but the premise is the same!

It IS harder to get out there and get singing if you’re not doing anything. It’s especially challenging if you have moved to a new place or don’t know anyone involved in the local music scene.

But here’s the BEST news: once you get started, you’ll find more opportunities to sing and the momentum will start to carry itself; as long as you don’t STOP!

I am now the proud owner of more new audio equipment than I need to get out there and start singing again. I’ve bought resources and done research on my next project, but I’ve found it’s way harder this time to just kick my own butt out the door and start SINGING again. So if you’re stuck, I so empathize!

Do you sing? Do you miss it? Then there are no more excuses!

Here are some ideas to get your ball rolling again:


Not ready to solo yet?

  • Join an ensemble, team or choir at your church
  • Join a community choir or musical theater group
  • Check your local chamber of commerce and parks and rec department for group singing opportunities that are open to the public

Confident in your ability but not sure where to start?

  • Check craigslist for bands in your area looking for singers
  • Get some karaoke tracks, a mic and a small powered speaker and volunteer to sing community centers, malls, community celebrations, fairs and festivals  (just call to see who to talk to and record yourself singing a couple songs at home so you can prove you can sing)
  • Record yourself singing the Star Spangled banner and submit the audio to your local sports teams.  Even major league baseball team require little more to consider you for the slot.  And you get in to the game free!
  • Audition for musical theater in the biggest city nearby every opportunity you get.  Even if you don’t get the part, the experience of preparing and auditioning will sharpen your skills
  • Offer to sing solos at your church
  • Put together a business card to sing at wedding and renewal ceremonies (with either karaoke tracks or an accompanist)

Know some other musicians?

  • Do a web search and see what restaurants/venues in your area hire bands that do the kind of music you like.  You only need a small acoustic group to get booked.  Put a set together, practice, record a couple of songs at home and start looking for bookings.  If you’re new, you probably won’t get paid, but the experience and the exposure just may get you future paid gigs.
  • Contact state fairs and community festivals.  Almost all have smaller side stages they try to fill with a variety of music (not usually paid, but great experience and exposure).
  • Make sure your musician friends know you’re looking for singing opportunities.  They will tell the other musicians they know and you might just be singing backup with one band one weekend and lead with another the next.   Remember, the lead singer is bound to go on vacation or get sick eventually, so scope out your favorite groups and learn the music so you’re ready when the opportunity arises.
Kim 53

www.thejazzchick.com

So why aren’t you singing?  It’s time to get back in the game.

As for me, I’m off to sing some love songs at at restaurant for Valentine’s Day; me and my sexy, sexy mic that, no honey, I didn’t really need but makes me want to sing even more.

One gig leads to another.  And that’s how singers sing!

Share where you’ve been singing or make your pledge to get going right now in the comments section below!

Filed Under: Get Out There, Promote Better Tagged With: , , , , ,

Online Voice Lessons; a Parent’s Perspective

February 6, 2010 By voiceclubcoach Leave a Comment

Interested in booking a no comittment voice lesson?  Click here to get started!


Filed Under: Resources for Performers, Sing Better, Styling, Vocal Technique Tagged With: , , , ,

Online Voice Lessons; A Students Perspecitive

February 6, 2010 By voiceclubcoach 2 Comments


Interested in booking a no comittment voice lesson?  Click here to get started!


Filed Under: Resources for Performers, Sing Better, Styling, Vocal Technique Tagged With: , , ,

What Could Your First Lesson Be Like?

February 6, 2010 By voiceclubcoach Leave a Comment


Interested in booking a no comittment voice lesson?  Click here to get started!

Filed Under: Resources for Performers, Sing Better, Styling, Vocal Technique Tagged With: , , ,

Church Singin'- Not for Wimps or Divas

January 16, 2010 By voiceclubcoach 1 Comment

sisteractOpen up auditions for any choir or worship team and you’ll run into them; singers who just aren’t sure they’re good enough to sing from the stage and those who are convinced that they are God’s embodied gift to music in the church. The problem is that both of them think they’re there for the singing.

Yes, I’m aware that singing is a what you do at one of those auditions, and I know there are plenty of both of these types of singers in the choir and on the worship team and maybe even a music leader leading you to believe that singing in the church is all about your talent, or the measure thereof. But it’s not.

There is only ONE venue in which your ability as a singer takes the second chair; and that is the church. And because most singers don’t know this exception to the rule, they never find the satisfaction they’re looking for when they sing in the church. The insecure singer is only made more insecure by watching what they believe to be better singers snatching up all the solos and even the diva can never quite get enough stage time to fulfill their need for praise. That’s because singing in the church is not at all about you, or your ability.

So if your skill level is not the most important thing, what is?

Your audience.

worshipUnlike any other venue you could sing in, in the church there is only one audience member that counts; God. After all, it’s His place, not yours. And you’re not singing for His amusement or because He didn’t have anyone better booked that day.  You’re there to carry the great responsibility of offering a gift to God himself on behalf of everyone in the seats and on the stage.

And when your gift; your song, reaches His ears, you don’t have to worry about how flashy the packaging is or even if it’s on key (that’s really more for us, and He gets that). You just have to be able to look Him in the eye and offer it to Him from your heart. Sounds simple, but it can be tougher than pullin’ off a high C at full force for 4 measures in front of a crowd of thousands. And that’s probably why, when done with the correct perspective, singing in the church can be more fulfilling than singing any other place.

The largest crowd I’ve sang for was around 500,000. It was a blast. It was great to hear a sea of applause, but honestly…no lie; I’d take the joy of singing in the church any day over it.

Don’t diss the opportunity to sing in your church. You might discover an opportunity to sing different styles of music than you’re used to. You 100_0068might improve your ability to harmonize, or at least to work with other moody musicians! But more importantly, you’ll miss that chance to experience why the angels just can’t stop singing; the joy of performing for the most important audience ever.

I’d love to hear your comments about your experiences singing in the church. You can leave one below.

Filed Under: Perform Better Tagged With: , , ,

Why X-Factor Will Be Better for Singers Than American Idol

January 13, 2010 By voiceclubcoach 3 Comments

The-X-Factor-the-x-factor-383824_700_432

Get your Simon fix while you can.  Season 9 of American will be one of your last chances to see the brutally honest Britt as a judge on American Idol.  That’s because Brittan’s own X-Factor is coming to the states in fall of 2011.

Sure it’s a bit to wait, but the it will be worth it when you consider the differences between the two reality show styled talent contests.

AMERICAN IDOL
X-FACTOR
Age Limit:

Type:

Performance:

Training/Support:

16-28

Solo acts only

Acapella, then live band

Song and wardrobe selection, performance direction once in top group

None

Solos, duos, groups, you name it.

Soundtrack

All of those, plus personal mentoring from the judges themselves

Leona-Lewis-Spirit-418534Rumor has it Paula Abdul might be back for this one, but either way the show format that has launched European stars like Leona Lewis is sure to make a dent in the Idol audience and the talent pool.

So if you thought you couldn’t get a shot at your dream because of your age or because you’re not a solo act, now’s the time to ramp up your training and get out there and perform as much as humanly possible.  This is your last chance workout!  Oh wait, that’s another reality show.

Filed Under: Get Out There, Perform Better, Promote Better, They Did WHAT? Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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