Um.....musical madness??

Fri, 22 Aug 2008, 10:00 pm

jmuzz36 posts in thread

Thought I'd look at the auditions coming up in Perth theatre. Lessee...... A Chorus Line - Melville Black and White Cabaret Performance - Adhoc Fame the Musical (what else would it be?) - Wanneroo Phantom of the Music Hall - Kwinana The month before.... The Sound of Music - Roleystone Sing On - Stirling I'm guessing Murray Music and Drama involves some singing and dancing given its a pantomine. Billy Connolly once likened his voice to that of a goose farting in the fog. Mine's worse. Don't complain to me that we have a shortage of male auditionees if you're all going to try and be this year's "Eurobeat" or "Cabaret". Topic for discussion - Is dramatic/comedic theatre facing a certain extinction because musicals pull an audience? Well, no, we know there have been quality dramatic productions this year. Right? As a non musical actor is it all in my head that there seems to be an ever increasing bias toward musical productions? Am I cynical enough to suggest amateur theatre may be leaning toward the quick buck a musical can generate? Many of the people who populate this forum are on club committees - please tell me it's all coincidence that there is not one non-musical audition to be had in Perth during September. Please!!! Guess I can concentrate on the garden and other thoroughly enjoyable activities next two months. I'm gonna say it because I've hinted at it before in previous posts - we will see more of this and we will see more of the same production in the same year perfomed ad nauseum by any number of clubs and for God's sake, how fricking stagnant will amateur theatre be in 5 years!!!!! Guess I'll be auditioning exclusively at KADS and Garrick (I know there was a recent exception)because their stages don't accomodate musicals (although I'd pay to see The King & I perfomed at KADS - the equivalent of one of those rubber guys folding himself into a cardboard box) It's in my head right? No more musicals than in previous years? Right? Grrrrrrrrrr

Thread (36 posts)

Threaded Flat

jmuzzFri, 22 Aug 2008, 10:00 pm

TaureanSat, 23 Aug 2008, 08:17 am

An Alternative

Hi Muzza, this one must have slid past without you noticing

http://www.theatre.asn.au/audition/2008/from_the_fourteenth_floor_you_can_see_the_harbour_bridge

See.... some Directors haven't gone Musical yet....*laffs*

EDIT: Actually... you are quite right. I apologise... "From the 14th floor" is auditioning in OCTOBER, but I guess that it still fits in the basket with the other "coming ups".

"Be nice to your Tech's - or they'll turn out the lights and go home!"

Daniel KershawSat, 23 Aug 2008, 09:00 am

I can sing in key. The

I can sing in key. The problem is, I am not sure which key it is.

NormaSat, 23 Aug 2008, 09:39 am

Um.....musical madness??

It's certainly true that auditions for musicals bring people out of the woodwork!! for whatever reason.

May be some people think that if they can sing it doesn't mattter about any acting????

Old Mill isn't proposing to do any musicals next year and you don't live too far away jmuzz.We might well have a couple to interest you and should be announcing the programme soon. (We would have announced it by now if it wasn't for an unexpected hiatus- one first class drama has suddenly been withdrawn by the agents- and this after we had been given the OK)

jeffhansenSat, 23 Aug 2008, 11:55 am

Musicals

OK Murray, I put my hand up as a club committee member at Melville. We are presenting our one and only musical of the year for our final season. You have been conspicuous by your absence at auditions for our other five seasons I believe. Sure, musicals bring in the audience, and allow us to present what we like to term "artistic endeavours", that, while a rewarding experience for cast and crew, don't pay the bills. We all need to pay the bills to survive, so I hope you don't begrudge us a populist season or two to top up the coffers. By the way, A Chorus Line does offer the opportunity of a non singing male major role of Zac the director, for those who don't regard vocal ability as their long suit. http://www.meltheco.org.au

jmuzzSat, 23 Aug 2008, 01:01 pm

Touche

Fair comment Jeff and certainly wouldn't want to begrudge any theatre doing at least one musical a year. It just seems that there has been a move toward clubs doing more and more recently and I guess I'm wondering why. Is there such a lack of quality dramatic scripts out there? I am also aware I have never auditioned at Melville - nothing deliberate in that I assure you - I have no allegiances having done plays at Garrick, Marloo and Playlovers over the last 12 months and will soon be stepping out at KADS for the first time. Would love to audition for something that looked interesting and worth the travel to theatres such as Harbour, Kwinana, Roleystone, Melville. I've also never appeared at Old Mill who are just down the road so to speak. Timing is always everything and work has seen me less than keen to commit to anything but one acts in recent times but if I can save you from having to audition for every male role that comes up at Melville, I'll certainly try :) (and Melville does have a nice little bar which is always an incentive).

Robert WhyteSat, 23 Aug 2008, 01:58 pm

Another point

Once upon a time this website was pretty comprehensive of auditions that were going on around town, I know for a fact that a lot of them are not posted on here for whatever reason. When the ITA was originally formed, it was with the intention that theatre groups communicated with each other, which when it was created wasn't happening very much. Looks like you'll have to do what I used to do many years back, become a member of every single club so you know whats coming up. I don't know why this is the case, but obviously clubs won't or don't put them on this site. Maybe there needs to be a dedicated volunteer to coordinate putting the stuff on here, because its not a true picture of whats on offer. My five cents. Cheers Robert.

Robert WhyteSat, 23 Aug 2008, 01:58 pm

Another point

Duplicated post edited as I cant delete it

Walter PlingeSat, 23 Aug 2008, 07:44 pm

Too many Musicals

Yes it looks like it has been a pretty dry year for drama :( The musical line up pretty much means I won't won't be doing a play until next year perhaps. Oh well...I'm sure there are a load of tone deaf, two left footers that'll be happy. Serious actors won't be :)

Melissa MerchantSat, 23 Aug 2008, 08:03 pm

I think it's a good thing

From a purely selfish point of view that is. This way, there's nothing tempting me out of my self imposed, academic based, hiatus. Thank you clubs of Perth :) Melissa

TaureanSun, 24 Aug 2008, 09:05 am

You and I both Daniel

I guess I am more fortunate than you Dan, I have found my vocal key.....

Z Flat Demolished.

"Be nice to your Tech's - or they'll turn out the lights and go home!"

DazzaBMon, 25 Aug 2008, 08:53 am

I Object

I really like performing in Musicals, I'm loving the choice that is becoming available - particulalry seeing that with more and more musicals getting the green light companies are beginning to try some of the newer, lesser known musicals :) I think this can only be a good thing - different shows and an extension of musical theatre as a form. My objection here is your assertion that serious actors don't do musicals. If that's not what you meant here then you need to explain yourself more clearly, as this came across as a dig at musical performers. I take myself very seriously as an actor. I completed a degree in acting and directing, however I prefer to perform in musicals. I apply all the same techniques and abilities to my performances in musicals as I would in a non-musical show. Anyway, that's my two cents on this matter. DazzaB "Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." Scott Adams

SkybeMon, 25 Aug 2008, 04:04 pm

Size of cast??? maybe???

Size of cast??? I too have been looking at auditions coming up muzz I'm itching to do something after having a few months off. I love musicals - but im not a 'pretty sounding' singer - nor a perfect one. So the roles I can audition for are usually limited. And there are SO MANY amazing female (and male) singers out there. I once had my confidence totally knocked by a group of old ladies who told me...'If I wanted to be a part of their chorus again - I would need to learn to sing'...they didnt look at my 16 years of dance training/teaching nor my acting ability...*breathe sky...breathe*...luckily Ive since found out that I just need to pick what I become a part of a little more carefully. *Spits out her sour grapes*...But back to the topic... I agree that cash and bums on seats may have something to do with groups choosing musicals but I think it might have more to do with cast sizes. We don't hear about other groups smaller play auditions because directors/groups can get a bigger enough pool of people to audition from within their own circle. But with musicals people people people and more people are needed - so groups get the word out there so that they have a bigger pool to grab their cast/crew from. Maybe? - Sky

jmuzzMon, 25 Aug 2008, 04:24 pm

You're absolutely right....

it was an assertion...or assumption even. Not sure where you thought I felt musicals were on a "lower rung" than other plays and can't really find anything in my original post which suggests there was clarity required. Where did I have a dig at musical performers? If anything, that's another bug-bear I have with musicals. I have been to some (and I emphasise some) which seem to be filled with WAAPA students doing the musical course there. If anything, some of the musicals in Perth seem to be verging on semi-professional status and whilst I agree each and every production should be of the highest standard possible, I hope we don't become a "try-out" platform for every would-be professional out there (this extends to theatre in general). My post is clearly stated as a comment that there is a lack of plays other than musicals in Perth at present to audition for - that the balance seems to be vearing toward musical theatre and questioning the reasons why that may be. Some people have pointed out that the auditions function on this website may not be used by clubs as much as it was meaning there is no notification of certain auditions and I'm prepared to accept that. It's also fair for you to say that as a musical-biased actor, this is a good time for you. Can't argue with that. Anyway, I've spent enough time whinging - just be assured I have nothing but the highest admiration for those talented few who can sing, dance and act.

Daniel KershawMon, 25 Aug 2008, 05:22 pm

Here's something to ponder.

Here's something to ponder. Has Daniel Day Lewis or Katherine Heburn, who hold the record for most Best actor/actress oscars, ever been in a professional musical production? To quote Darren verbatim, "I apply all the same techniques and abilities to my performances in musicals as I would in a non-musical show". How would method acting apply to musicals? Surely it could not because musical performance is unnatural. How are the actors able to emotionally replicate how they would feel breaking out into song in the middle of the street, when it is completely unrealistic to do so? Let's face it, musicals and plays are inherently different and should be approached as such. I personally perfer plays simply because it challenges me more as an actor, rather than a performer like it would in musicals. And before the musical theatre horde respond... I respect your choice to enjoy and perform in musicals, but BRING ON THE PLAYS DAMNIT! :)

Walter PlingeMon, 25 Aug 2008, 05:29 pm

Musicals

I've never liked musicals at all and never have. It is my bugbear. Look at the Chaser's 'If everyday was like a musical'to understand how phony it is. Agreed with Daniel - BRING ON MORE PLAYS GODDAMMIT!!!!

jmuzzMon, 25 Aug 2008, 05:29 pm

Good point

I've never really had a problem with directors inviting or (God forbid I say this) pre-casting (as long as they clearly indicate certain roles have been pre-cast when looking to shore up numbers for the roles left uncast). I think what you say has an air of truth to it, particularly re cast sizes. Still, can't argue with Dazza's comment regarding how happy he feels at the moment - I see the glass half empty and for him the cup is overflowing. C'est la vie I guess.

Walter PlingeMon, 25 Aug 2008, 05:32 pm

Musicals 2

Jmuzz said - 'Is dramatic/comedic theatre facing a certain extinction because musicals pull an audience?' Musicals 'pull' alright.

jmuzzMon, 25 Aug 2008, 05:35 pm

Wow....did I start something here?

Looks like we're getting spirited debate back which is excellent. Just some rules I'd like to propose - let's be spirited but respectful. I think everyone has done that thus far but I'd hate to see this debate slide into mud-slinging. I'll say it again - I respect the talents of the musical performer and hold them the equal of those who simply choose to act. The really good musical performers are breathtaking just as the really good actors are magic to watch. I'd like to hear more opinions on where Perth theatre is at - are there more musicals being done or is it in my head? Jeff Hansen addressed how he sees it from the Melville perspective. Anyone else out there care to comment?

jmuzzMon, 25 Aug 2008, 05:39 pm

Hmmm....spoke to soon

See my comments below - I think you're out of order. Would challenge anyone who saw, say, Eurobeat last year to tell me they didn't find something in it to enjoy. I love a good musical - I simply know I would suck as a musical performer. I don;t think we need to write off a genre in that way.

jmuzzMon, 25 Aug 2008, 05:46 pm

Whoops! - potential apology to Stirling

I note the play is entitled "Sing On!" but it may in fact be a straight play and not a musical. If so, my apologies

Daniel KershawMon, 25 Aug 2008, 05:49 pm

I think we should not hold

I think we should not hold it against theatres if they put on a safe show (like a musical) to pay the bills. I can also say the same for TV adaptations and Black Yak (despite how much they annoy me). However saying that, community theatres are non-profit organisations, so, if they have enough money to cover expenses, why can't they take more risks with their seasons?

Daniel KershawMon, 25 Aug 2008, 05:52 pm

Sing On!

It's a play about a community theatre putting on a musical. It is the sequel to Play On! It's basically the same play, but they sing in it.

jeffhansenMon, 25 Aug 2008, 09:27 pm

Profit

On the subject of community theatre and finances..... Each and every theatre group in Perth (and beyond) has it's own set of costs associated with producing 5 or 6 seasons a year. These costs are not insignificant, and of course vary from club to club, depending on each groups unique situation. I agree with Daniel, in that community theatres are non-profit organisations. This means that no-one is making a living from the club, or no shareholders are being paid. It doesn't, however, mean that we don't need to make a buck. Rights, rent, power, gas, insurance, maintenance, licenses, set building etc etc... all need to be covered. Some of these costs still need to be paid, even if no shows are being produced. If we want to improve our venue, i.e. painting, airconditioning, new seating, a new dimmer board, new sound system et al, we need to make over and above our costs. We need to make a profit. This money can then be ploughed back into the clubin the form of improvements, and to fund shows that we know won't pull the numbers to break even. I guess I'm restating what I said further up the page. We're not in it to make money. We are here beacause we love doing it. It would be nice to have aircon when doing that period costume drama in February though......... http://www.meltheco.org.au

DazzaBTue, 26 Aug 2008, 11:48 am

You didn't

You never said anything against musical performers - the person whose comment I replied to did: "Yes it looks like it has been a pretty dry year for drama :( The musical line up pretty much means I won't won't be doing a play until next year perhaps. Oh well...I'm sure there are a load of tone deaf, two left footers that'll be happy. Serious actors won't be :)" posted by the person directly above me. I can actually see your point although I also tend to think that this site is not the font of knowledge it once was regarding up-coming auditions. I wasn't having a go at you jmuzz ;) DazzaB "Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." Scott Adams

DazzaBTue, 26 Aug 2008, 12:16 pm

Re-stating what I mean

Okay, seems like I didn't put my thoughts very well further up. I can see how it looks like I'm a musical fan and am glad that there's very few plays advertising their auditions on this site, but that is not the case. I enjoy a good play, be it drama or comedy (though I prefer a drama) as both an audience member and as a performer. My first post was in reply to what one of the many Walters on here said in regards to serious actors not being happy due to the barrage of musical auditions.

It is my hope that all forms of theatre that the various community groups around Perth engage in flourish. I believe that for many various reasons auditions for plays are not finding their way onto this site but auditions for musicals are. I don't know if this is a good thing in the general sense or a bad thing. As someone who is about to direct a musical the competition is making life a little difficult, but you deal with it don't you - healthy competition encourages us to strive for our best.

As for my comment regarding utilising the same techniques and abilities for my performances in musicals as I would in a non-musical show, the comparison to film actors is a little frivolous - film and stage are worlds apart, at least my experiences in both tells me that they are worlds apart. Film acting is inward and focusses on making an impression, stage acting is about expression - the subtle nuance that can only be captured by a camera that a film actor will use is virtually pointless on stage as it gets lost and won't be communicated to the whole audience. However, I do uphold that the skills and techniques are inherently the same but applied in a different manner - inwards or outwards depending on the medium. And as for a comparison between a play and a musical and discussion on whether musical performance is unnatural and if the actors are able to emotionally replicate how they would feel breaking out into song in the middle of the street, when it is completely unrealistic to do so - my experience tells me that the best way to perform this unnatural act is to find a way to make it seem natural. Look within at who you are and at how it could seem natural for you to sing in a particular moment - draw from your past, tap into sense memory - this is method acting right? Or have my studies misled me?? When I'm watching a musical I think an actor has done well if they can do this - make it seem natural for them to be singing.

Anyway, there's two more cents for the pot.

DazzaB

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." Scott Adams

Walter PlingeTue, 26 Aug 2008, 12:53 pm

Singing and dancing

Don't get me wrong here. I think anyone who can sing and dance well deserves respect. It's the whole concept about musicals that I hate.

Walter PlingeTue, 26 Aug 2008, 06:03 pm

Two in fourty

Of the forty productions taking place at The Blue Room from January 2007 to December 2008, two of them will have been musicals. I can't remember the last time Black Swan, PTC or PICA had a musical on. It's just all the theatre hams putting them on.

Daniel KershawTue, 26 Aug 2008, 09:07 pm

Method has its origins in

Method has its origins in theatre, or have my studies mislead me :) You should change your name to Darren, the Defender of Musicals Everwhere Far and Wide. You certainly champion your cause. Best of luck with your audition.

DazzaBWed, 27 Aug 2008, 10:18 am

hmmm...

I believe you are right, method acting did originate in straight (and I use this word hesitantly) theatre - that's not to say that it is only valuable for straight theatre performance. You yourself mentioned screen actors such as Daniel Day Lewis as practitioners of the method in film. And I'm not sure why you would think I have a "cause" regarding musicals - I simply stated my case that I'm enjoying the variety of musicals going on at the moment, I never wanted to be perceived as "the Defender of Musicals Everwhere Far and Wide" as you so succinctly put it. I think it would be a true shame if community theatre stopped producing plays. What a loss that would be to everyone; from performers to directors to playwrights, the list goes on. Pleae don't mis-interpret me. I'm sure I said in one of my posts that I support all forms of performance... It's interesting to note how things we post here get mis-construed... Something to keep in mind when typing up one's post I think. Keep in mind how other people might read it and make sure your post says exactly what you want it to say! Oh, and many thanks for the well wishes regarding the Sleeping Beauty auditions. It would be great to see you back down at MPAC if you're interested ;) DazzaB "Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." Scott Adams

jmuzzWed, 27 Aug 2008, 12:14 pm

D'oh!!!

Sorry Daz, all is clear now. The comment you were reacting to reminds me of the screen test a movie studio did on Fred Astaire many moons ago when young Fred was starting out. It went along the lines of; "Can't act, can't sing, balding, can dance a little." He seemed to do all right despite these deficiencies as a serious actor. ;0

NaWed, 27 Aug 2008, 04:29 pm

I've been waiting for

I've been waiting for someone to say the obvious, but oh well... Method acting was created and developed by Stanislavsky....you know, Russian guy, worked with Chekhov... The term itself was probably developed and introduced widely more by it being used by NY actors after it was brought over to America. Mermaid shadow puppet now on sale at Puppets in Melbourne

LogosWed, 27 Aug 2008, 06:16 pm

The Birth of Naturalism

As I understand it (I could be wrong) Method acting is more accurately what Lee Strasburg (Spelling?) made out of Stanislavsky's theories at the NY Method School. Monroe trained there as did Hoffman and many others. First off, I love musicals but they are not in any possible way naturalistic, there is, as has been pointed out, nothing natural about bursting into highly organised and choreographed song and dance in the middle of a school playground. (Grease) Particularly when the people singing are on average 5 years too old to be the people they are playing (If not more). Musicals are fantasy land, not very far from pantomime and melodrama and accordingly require a different range of skills. Great musicals actors often flounder in serious theatre and vice versa. Those brilliant few who do both with equal ability are giants and deserve our worship (or at least admiration). I too here in SA have noticed that musicals are becoming more popular. Not long ago you couldn't get the men to do good musicals now you can't seem to get them to do straight plays. The audiences like them, shows like Rent, Blood Brothers and Urinetown are unusual in that they are not complete escapism and have serious messages. What's the message in Grease? That in order to get the boy you want you have to be a tart. There is a belief that I think is supported by statistical evidence but I can't find it now that the more unhappy we (as a community) are with our lives in general the more we will seek escapism in our entertainment. Think about it. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

NaWed, 27 Aug 2008, 06:31 pm

Yes, that's what I meant to

Yes, that's what I meant to say... my exact history of it is vague. Thanks Tony! Mermaid shadow puppet now on sale at Puppets in Melbourne

Paul TreasureMon, 22 Sept 2008, 02:42 pm

Here's Something to Ponder 2

Daniel Day-Lewis will be playing Guido Contini in the film version of the musical "Nine", he is replacing Javier Bardem. This musical film also includes Oscar winners: Sophia Loren, Dame Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman & Marion Cotillard Katharine Hepburn starred as Coco Chanel in the Broadway production of the musical "Coco" "How are the actors able to emotionally replicate how they would feel breaking out into song in the middle of the street, when it is completely unrealistic to do so?" To badly paraphrase Bob Fosse (I can't remember the precise quote) In a good musical, when the emotion gets too much for mere words, you sing! It's not unnatural, Daniel, it hyper-natural [That is, if it's good] This is why in my opinion Opera is the ultimate art form... Anyone who saw the Met broadcast of Romeo et Juliette would agree, having seen the best performance and characterisation of Juliet EVER, in any version - Anna Netrebko rocks!

Daniel KershawMon, 22 Sept 2008, 03:23 pm

Well informed response

Well informed response Paul. Thanks.

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