Spring is around the corner, and that means a lot more auditions will be coming up! Your audition repertoire needs to include a wide variety of songs, in your key and memorized — ready to be performed at a moment’s notice. Learning a song for an audition at the last minute should be avoided, since your performance will be far better when you’ve had a chance to really assimilate the music and lyrics with practice over time.

And just like a shoe should be purchased in the size that fits your feet, a song should be written-out in a key that suits your voice. There are several websites that offer to sell music in a variety of keys, but please be careful when transposing on these sites; I’ve seen some bizarre results from online transpositions. (For those of you who understand music, I’ve seen a song printed in the key of F-major using E-sharps instead of Fs! Or notes written with flats, in a song with a key signature of sharps!) After you’ve obtained your printed music, you should always have it played through by an accompanist, and make sure that what is on the sheet music is really what you want to hear at the audition.

If necessary, I'll be glad to do any needed transpositions via fax, email, phone, or mail. I've been a music copyist since 1972, and provide sharp, accurate, digital, publication-quality sheet music. My credits include everything from Broadway shows to classical music. If you like, I can deliver the output via email attachment (as a PDF file you can print), or we can go through mail or FedEx.

I found the following online, and thought some of you might find it interesting.

Musical Theatre Audition Advice from Stephen Schwartz
(Composer/Lyricist of Wicked, Godspell, Pippin):

The art of auditioning is, as you know, not something that can be fully discussed in a brief email. There are books written and classes taught about it. What you most want to do is to present who you truly are and to show your skills to their best advantage. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Know something, if you can, about the role or roles for which you are auditioning, and pick appropriate material to show. For instance, if you’re auditioning for Carousel, don’t sing a rock song from Rent, and vice-versa. The same holds true for what you wear to the audition — you don’t want to come in a costume, obviously, but you want the auditioners to be able to envision you in the show. Thus, you wouldn’t wear a punk “streety” outfit to an audition for The Sound of Music, nor look like a cheerleader if you go in for Hair. I know these things seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t consider them.
2. Beyond the above, don’t try to second guess the auditioners. Just go in and do your piece to the best of your ability. Be focused and as in-the-moment as you can.
3. Be REALLY well-prepared with your material, if possible. Remember, you’re likely to have an accompanist who can’t play it perfectly, and you will be nervous, which will be distracting. So be ready to the extent you can.
4. Don’t try to sing beyond your range or riffing ability. You would be surprised how many good singers decrease the effectiveness of their auditions by adding a higher note than they can hit comfortably or a riff that they are not good at, when they don’t need to do either. Know what you’re good at, and stay within it.
5. Never apologize for anything. As I said before, try to seem (and feel) as relaxed, confident, and focused as you can. Just be true to yourself, and you will impress people, at least in my experience.

Spring Musical Performance Classes with Acting Teacher, Diane Hardin

Diane with one of her star pupils, Zac Efron

I’ve been privileged to teach well-received Musical Theatre Workshops with renowned acting teacher Diane Hardin, who created Young Actors Space in Los Angeles after a successful acting career. Her list of students includes Leonardo Di Caprio, Jessica Biel, Robin Wright Penn, Hillary Swank, Toby McGuire, Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal, Alison Mack [Smallville], Kellie Martin [Mystery Woman] and many others.

Our workshops concentrate on musical theatre auditioning and performing. Each student needs to have one song prepared (memorized) with sheet music. Diane Hardin and I work on the musical, vocal, and dramatic aspects of the performance.Students also learn a great deal by watching each other. For the final 40 minutes, parents join us and the students perform what they’ve worked on.

• Tuesday, April 21st from
  6-9 pm for kids (8-12)
• Tuesday, April 28th from
  6-9 pm for teens (13 and up)

The cost for the three-hour class is $175, and the class size is limited to 12 students. Classes are held in a midtown studio. These classes always fill quickly, so if you’re interested, email me at bob@bobmarks.com.

Sing and Act for NYC Casting Directors!

Denise Simon, well-known acting teacher and former agent, has put together valuable seminars culminating in auditions for some of New York City’s top Casting Directors. I work with the students in small groups perfecting their audition songs, while Denise distributes “sides” (scripts) for short scenes. We work simultaneously in separate rooms, and then put it all together for an informal audition with a guest Casting Director.

Our March session with Disney’s Jennifer Rudin is completely sold-out, and there are only a few spots open for our next two sessions. Call Denise at 212-501-2484 for registration or more information.

Sunday, March 29th from 10-5 pm
with Jennifer Rudin, (Head of Casting for Disney Theatricals) SOLD OUT

Sunday, April 26th from 10-5 pm
with Sara Schatz (Jay Binder Casting)

Sunday, May 17th from 10-5 pm
(Guest casting director To Be Announced)

TERRI TROIANO IS MAKING ANOTHER APPEARANCE AT NEW YORK CITY’S FABULOUS LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATRE.

Her new show, “City Lights,” features a variety of songs, many written by her favorite songwriting team, Kander & Ebb. Information and Reservations: (212) 695-6909. (Of course, you’ll find me at the piano!)

Have a wonderful Spring!