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School play
I really like to act and the auditions for the school play are in december. I do a lot of acting outside of school. I have been acting ever since 1st grade. At the moment I am taking 2 theatre classes. But last year I didn't get into the school play. I was actually crying. I knew I could do it but I didn't. The problem is, I can't sing and the play is always a musical. When I act in front of people it's a peice of cake but when I sing I just can't do it. I really want to be in this play! Any advice? I'll rate a 5 if the advice is helpful.
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If you can't sing, than there is no way that you'll get into this musical. You might want to try a voice teacher, but if you don't have the money or time, here are some tips:
1. If you can't sing, there is almost always a low-ranged character. Go for a character that sings in a normal voice, rather than up high. People who are new to singing generally find it much easier to start off in a normal voice, because it takes a while to build up a head voice if you're not used to it.
2. Don't make the mistake that many beginners make by trying to lilt the voice to sound like a pop star/rock star/whatever and/or pushing your voice. First, it sounds horrible and is bad for your voice, and the casting director will cringe. Trust me on this, this is such a peeve for casting directors that they will just say "Okaaaaay, you can just be an extra." It might sound good to you, but the rest of the world will cover their ears. There's a complete different kind of music for that, and that kind of music will never be in a musical. Second, it makes it way easier to get out of tune.
3. Breathing is key. Before you sing a phrase, take a deep breath. Your ribcage should expand, and don't let your shoulders rise. A breath should be secret. Don't let the world know that you're taking a breath.
4. As long as you stay in tune, rhythm and volume, and have lots of expression, you won't do too bad.
5. For your audition song, choose an upbeat song with short phrases. It takes lots of technique to sing long, smooth legato phrases in a normal voice. The song "Buenos Aires" from EVITA is a perfect choice. It's not too hard, very lively and upbeat, low and makes you sound better than you actually are. You can get it on the EVITA soundtrack, the one with Patti LuPone or Madonna.
6. Sell the piece! Your goal is to enchant your audience. Even if you have a terrible voice, a smile and an outstanding acting job will make up for it. Make the audience want to watch you. SHOW OFF.
The 4 most overdone songs that you want to avoid because the director will cringe:
1. "On My Own" from Les Miserables
2. "The Music of the Night" from The Phantom of the Opera (It used to be great, but it's sung by so many sleazy pop stars that it's lost its magic. It's only good when sung by the Phantom and the Phantom alone, or Sarah Brightman)
3. "Think of Me" from The Phantom of the Opera
4. "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina" from EVITA. Beautiful, but too common. EVERYONE does that song. Directors won't cringe, but it definitely will not make much of an impression.
Best of luck with your audition!!! It would be much more helpful if you could tell us what this musical is, and I can look it up for you and help you better.
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I have to admit this: it SUCKS that the only play your school does all year long is a musical. I'd try and get them to add at least ONE non-musical play.
But for this situation, I think you should tell the director or casting person at some point that you are really, really passionate about being part of the production, and just want to be a part of it. Also, go ahead an audition for one of the singing parts, but tell them you'd like to be considered for any part in the play. If they see that your acting is really good, they won't 'waste' you.
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hey! I def. recommend for your audition to do something that shoes alot of chracter, and is in your vocal range. Some roles arent singing roles, but when they see you can act the be amazed! good luck! oh way just a thought..(i have an audition in 2 days for beauty and the beast ek! lol)
xO
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Remember not all actors can sing as well but even some of the ones that can't end up in musicals, check out Richard Harris in Camalot or Marlon Brando in Guys and Dolls.
Most people sing along to their favourite songs at home, what I would say is practice at home then just try to forget that your doing it on stage and give it a go. The other thing you could do is talk to the people that put the school play on and ask if it's possible to do a play that has a part you can play (not everyone in musicals has to sing) maybe even if it's only as a narrator or something, like in The Rocky Horror Show.
Good luck
Kizlode
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Usualy in musicals thers a part that dose not involve singing but just sing and try your best and i doesn't mater if you can't sing bucause they look for personality and stage presence rather than the broadway singers so just be confadant. :)
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awwww! well my school has musicals also...there are lots of people that can't sing and they have some small parts or they are dancers. try taking voice lessons or get the musical's cd and start learning one of the songs. you can always sing something simple like "row row row your boat" with passion (i got understudy like that). maybe your monolouge will blow them away. don't worry, theater isn't always fair. if they don't take you, try another theater company that appreciates good acting. <3
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