Is it true that it is bad theatre etiquette to audition with a song sung by the part you’re auditioning for?
dramaqueen777 asked:
I’ve heard that you’re not supposed to audition with a song from the musical you’re auditioning for because it’s presumptuous. Is this truly the case? I’m auditioning for Little Shop of Horrors this fall and was planning on singing “Suddenly Seymour” but I won’t if this is considered bad etiquette.
All Suite Hotel Garni Leithner
I’ve heard that you’re not supposed to audition with a song from the musical you’re auditioning for because it’s presumptuous. Is this truly the case? I’m auditioning for Little Shop of Horrors this fall and was planning on singing “Suddenly Seymour” but I won’t if this is considered bad etiquette.
All Suite Hotel Garni Leithner
awww LOVE that musical… but… I would pick something that sort of feels like a song from the musical… but not that song…. its not REALLy bad ettiquete… but there must be a reason you are posting a question in the answers section of yahoo.. and thats because you feel uncomfortable.. and if youre not comfortable… there might be something wrong with it… i would show em what you got in your own style while singing and then let em be wowed when you read for a part….
Comment by graciegrl123 — October 5, 2008 @ 6:15 pm
Etiquette isn’t the problem. The problem is that singing a song from the musical can lock you out of a role.
Instead, sing a similar song by the same songwriters, or a similar song from another musical. You really want to be able to show off your range and versatility.
Comment by dougeebear — October 8, 2008 @ 10:22 pm
Yes — the idea is that you may be a good fit for a role other than the one you’re auditioning for. The director needs to be able to view you as an empty canvas, cast-able in more than one role, so one should always audition with something from a different musical. The only exception is when they say in the audition notice that you’re welcome to audition with a selection from the show.. if you’re unsure and still want to do the song, get in touch with the person in charge.
Comment by Claire — October 11, 2008 @ 2:08 am
Go to theateraudition.com and you will find lots of help there.
Comment by mfg — October 13, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
Most theatre audition postings actually request that you NOT sing a song from the production. Some even go so far as to list other production songs they don’t want to hear (mostly because they are overdone.) Look for music that is similar in style to the music in the production you are auditioning for, but don’t limit yourself. It may be that the director or casting agent sees you in a different part. If you sing a song from that production, you have limited yourself to basically only auditioning for that one part. Good luck!!
Comment by ragann63 — October 16, 2008 @ 7:56 am
talk to the people who your auditioning for, some people actually prefer you to do a song from the musical your going out for. My director does that, it helps her get a feel for who’s strong at what roles.
Comment by BelleKid — October 17, 2008 @ 4:16 pm