Advice...whatever you can give! :)

Hi :) I'm currently a year twelve student in Perth, and I would like to audition for Musical Theatre at WAAPA at the end of the year. At the moment I only ‘perform’ as a part of my drama course at school. I gave up dancing when I was younger (long story) and I haven't really done any singing properly before. I want to begin vocal coaching (for a start), but I just thought I’d ask for any advice regarding what else I can do to prepare myself as much as I can for auditioning. Whatever your advice…I’d really appreciate it. Thanks!

Hey bro! :D First things first - WAAPA is the most recognised Musical Theatre course currently running in Australia. Not only do they almost NEVER take students straight from high school, but they only take the best that audition from around Australia. Unfortunately, not only will you be judged on your acting and dance, but your very first audition with be to sing two songs before the panel. If you haven't really done any singing before, it looks like you might need to do some training elsewhere before you try to tackle WAAPA. There are quite a few other good musical theatre courses throughout Australia, but it would mean a move to the East Coast, either in Mackay QLD (the CQU Conservatorium), NIDA (in Sydney), Melbourne (VCA), or Ballarat (not sure of the name). My advice would be to take a year off after school, do some serious private voice, dance and acting lessons, and then audition for these courses starting in 2008. If you have any other q's though mate, just send us a mail at stevesowden@hotmail.com. Hope I was of some help. :)

Well, you may not be material for the full-time BA course yet, but remember there is always the part-time Certificate course which is very rewarding and helpful to those who have a strong desire to learn. I am currently in that course, and there are at least six, including myself, who are 2005 high school graduates. Its basically same audition process as the BA, except there is no dance callback, so my advice is get working on your voice and choose two great contrasting songs that show you off! Most of all, in an overall sense, take any opportunity you can to perform, that is the only way we can improve! If that means singing in front of family and friends even for their honest appraisal, I say go for it. It certainly helped me develop a lot as a performer, even before I began formal training.

In addition to Tyler's comments, I was 22 when I studied the 1 year Musical Theatre course and was the oldest female in my class. However, it was a great learning experience because it just shows that there is always more that you can learn. And it also is a good start for you to decide if you would be able to handle the BA. The biggest entry requirement (and this will sound a bit sappy) but seriously, just believe & SELL YOUR TALENT! I had no singing or dance training ever and had only performed in community theatre. If you have a natural ability, they will be able to recognise that and just have fun at your audtion. No point in getting nervous, its just another experience in life!

Checkout the WAAPA audition master classes if you can... that gives you a pretty good idea of the process The one year course looks good and you can audition at the same time Don't forget the other places mentioned above (although far from you) as they all offer quality programmes as well

Thanks for all the advice! I have been on the NIDA site, and I considered auditioning for there, too (I'm quite familiar with Sydney and I have family there, so it is a realistic option). It would be ideal to get into the BA course at WAAPA, but I honestly don't mind anymore (i.e. don't mind where I go and if i do a Certificate course) as long as i can do MT... Random question about auditioning (the vocal part) - am I allowed to choose comical, character songs for 'upbeat' or would it be safer to choose an 'upbeat' song that shows off my voice as it is?

Audition for the cert course. I am in the cert course this year and straight out of high school like tyler said. It is just the best preparation for the BA. I am so glad I have done it this way. The BA is pretty heavy stuff and you need to know heaps of music theory and have a good voice. The audition is about selling yourself . NIDA dont take kids straight out of school either for their part time "Triple Threat " MT but hey give it a go. The more audition practice the better and who knows I may be wrong

Hey Puffer who is ya. Your one of 5 of us. Yeh mate we are having a ball, Waap's is just the best place. Great classes, great friends great party. People are the best , thanks to Soph who is just a bundle of energy .

Apply for the certificate and you might want to think about doing the classical voice certificate also. I and a lot of others have done that first to get the voice in line with the level of acting/dancing. Contact a good voice coach immediately - and make sure it's someone with a reputation! As for song choice, pick what suits you! If you know you're a stronger actor than singer then maybe a character piece is a good choice for one and make sure the other is a good contrast and shows your vocal talent. A good teacher will be able to sort all of this out though and answer all your questions. Good luck!

Hey Hopefull, I would give yourself a couple of years to improve your crafts (e.g. singing and dance) and then go for an autition at WAAPA. This will also give you the 'experience' that the panel always talk about. Get involved in community theatre, musicals and dance productions. When you feel ready and confident then GO FOR IT! :) Good luck with everything! Lizi

I was accepted into WAAPA singing a song from Dinsey's Cinderella for my slow # and as a contrasting song, I used a slow Showboat song and sped the tempo to how I was comfortable singing it. You need a song that shows your range as much as possible. Try and choose a song that you have perhaps been singing for years and that you're extremely comfortable and confident with. And don't wait a couple of years to audition!!! Audition asap for the experience. The panel will then give you feedback on what you need to work on for the next time you audition. Just don't be heartbroken if you don't get in straight away. They only take approx 20 out of 100's & 100's of apps Australia wide. I know people that have auditioned 3 times and never got accepted and I know people that were accepted on their 4th year of auditioning. Be positive, it's your happiness afterall!

Even if just for experience, I think I'll audition for wherever I can, and if I have no luck I'll keep up with coaching etc. and keep trying. I had a look on the VCA site...is the only MT course there the 'Foundation: Music Theatre'? The site doesn't tell me too much about it, but it says classes are held in the evenings... I'm too impatient to look around a lot for info ;) especially on sites that don't pass the 'user-friendly' title. I can't find any info about auditioning there, either.

I'm in the Singer Dancer Actor course at NIDA this year and five out of the twelve of us are straight out of school. I would say that it is preferable to have more "life experience" but in the end, if you have what they're looking for, you'll get in.

I would say definitely audition; they do remember you and the experience will be tough but worth it.