Another audition song question!

Can anyone please suggest to me a ballad to sing for an audition? Soprano or alto voice is fine. Thanks!

If you're looking for a song to demonstrate acting ability during vocal performance (and I'm assuming everyone wants to do that!), then I'd recommend looking at any of the female songs from Jason Robert Brown shows - Last 5 Years and Songs For A New World in particular. Both those shows are particularly good since the show structure means that you get to have little vignette acting moments within the song, and they don't require a huge amount of backstory that you can't get across in an audition (and the music shouldn't be too hard to find - vocal selections are readily available).

Not A Day Goes By, from Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along is a great piece as well. The Wild Party (the Michael John La Chiusa one) has some a great ballad that Toni Collette sang (talk about pedigree), Low Down-Down, which is great.

Also, think outside the square and even look at male songs that you think you could sing/act a treat to, and provided you can find the music, get it transposed to best suit your voice and give it your best!


As I'm also going for the WAAPA auditions, this is a question that I've thought long and hard about as well!

Emms.

Thanks for the suggestions Em!

Are you using any of those songs you mentioned for the WAAPA audition?

I may get up the courage to audition as well! :) Best if less people use the song eh?

*laughter abounds* Auditions are like formals, no girls want to rock up wearing the same dress, or singing the same song. Well I haven't really picked my songs yet... I've got plenty of time right? At least a few weeks - plenty of time. Well let me know what you're style is: belter, gentle, just generally what kind of parts you think you're suited for, and let me suggest some specific songs for you that I think would suit.

Much love,

Emms.

Keep in mind your age/life experience in relation to that of the character you are playing/singing. I'm in love with "The Last Five Years" but have been advised not to sing one of those songs in an audition situation because "Cathy" is a bit older (and a bit more married!) than myself. So try to pick something that you can put across with the experiences you already have. Good Luck!

That's true Neris, but similarly, I've also seen people be great at playing people who they don't resemble (think Charlize Theron in Monster). Some directors and actors absolutely praise people who are able to transform themselves in character. I suppose it's what you're comfortable playing, and what you think gives you a chance to show an emotive spectrum that you can produce.

J.

My comment would be not to try Jason Rober Brown material unless you are bringing someone to accompany you. It is musically difficult for a piano player to sight read. I've seen some of the best Piano players I know falter in the middle of one of his pieces. Also, cut them down. They're way too long for an audition. But do it well, the story lines are complex and most of them require most of the material to make them work.
Even so, it is great material and IF you can pull it off, then you've done yourself a service. So good luck to all you auditionees and I hope to see you over here next year.

Dave....

hi all,

well I too am trying out for WAAPA for next year and I'm having mucho problems trying to figure out songs as well! what everyone has said is v. good advice and I'll be taking it onboard. I've never auditioned before, so if anyone has any calming and relaxing techniques they wish to share, that would be great!

cheers!

My advice-
Sing something you have been singing for a while, that suits your voice and that you sing really well.
Also, find something you are able to characterise and are able to show you connect with.
It's not really about finding the perfect song it's about finding a song you are comfortable and confident doing.
Picking a difficult song and trying to learn it before auditions at this point in time is not the best idea.
Hope that helps.
Good luck and just have fun with it.