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Audition Question

Question:

I just recently got sent an audition notice for a production at the University of Wisconsin center in my hometown.  It’s for "Little Shop of Horrors."  Now my dilemma – I’m a senior in high school, which is strike one against me since it’s a college production.  I’m also short (5′3", 110 lbs).  But the big problem is that I can’t sing, and I don’t know how to read music.  I’ve tried out for one other musical and didn’t get a part, which wouldn’t bother me very much if not for the fact that over half of the males that tried out did get a part. On the other hand, I’m a very good character actor.  So, does anybody have any suggestions for me for this audition? Thanks,   Brian Woods BTW, does anybody know where I can order the script for "The Rainmaker"?  Samuel-French?  That will be my last play in high school, and I have to do whatever it takes to get a part.  I know that nobody else in the school will see the script beforehand, so I’ll be a step above all of them.  Or if you know an anthology that most small-town libraries would have that contains it, that would be okay too.                                 * * * * * [This message was posted to the ACTING-L mailing list and relayed to this newsgroup.  You may followup to the newsgroup or, if you are a  member of ACTING-L,  reply  to  the  list.   For  more  information  send E-mail to

Response:

Brian,   So, figure out what part you want from Little Shop, learn the songs for it by heart and audition with that.  Sounds like you could be a Seymore with your build, and that’s not a role that needs a legit voice (ala Rick Moranis in the film), so why not give that a go?   As for the rest, come on, man, call the library and find out if they have it.  If they don’t, they’ll get it on loan for you from another library.   Good luck. BTW, does anybody know where I can order the script for "The Rainmaker"?  Samuel-French?  That will be my last play in high school, and I have to do whatever it takes to get a part.  I know that nobody else in the school will see the script beforehand, so I’ll be a step above all of them.  Or if you know an anthology that most small-town libraries would have that contains it, that would be okay too.

  = — OKBYE Andy                                 * * * * * [This message was posted to the ACTING-L mailing list and relayed to this newsgroup.  You may followup to the newsgroup or, if you are a  member of ACTING-L,  reply  to  the  list.   For  more  information  send E-mail to

Response:

I agree with Andy, Brian. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a part in "Little Shops". After all there are only 2 male parts and I’m sure the competition will be fierce at UW. The main thing is to enjoy the audition. Think about it, you have full attention from professionals for a few minutes. If you think of auditions as a mini performances. You say you can’t sing but you can act. I’ll tell you what: how about acting like you are a singer. I’m sure you can sing but are not as confident singing as you are acting. He! I’m the same way and my last 3 shows were musicals. I just don’t tell anyone I’m not a singer and I act it through. My best friend lives in WI, he just moved back from Hawaii. He is a singer and actor going to UMN. I’ll give him your email I’m sure he wouldn’t mind giving you pointers. We just finished "Tommy" here in Hawaii. He was Tommy. Now, he is definitely a singer but he’s gifted so that doesn’t count… Break a leg. Fred – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Brian,   So, figure out what part you want from Little Shop, learn the songs for it by heart and audition with that.  Sounds like you could be a Seymore with your build, and that’s not a role that needs a legit voice (ala Rick Moranis in the film), so why not give that a go?   As for the rest, come on, man, call the library and find out if they have it.  If they don’t, they’ll get it on loan for you from another library.

                                * * * * * [This message was posted to the ACTING-L mailing list and relayed to this newsgroup.  You may followup to the newsgroup or, if you are a  member of ACTING-L,  reply  to  the  list.   For  more  information  send E-mail to

Response:

Brian — As long as this is a college production, whoever plays the part of Mr.Mushnik, a character part, will be substantially below the age of the character — so thiss is the one that might be for you!!! And his singing is definitely that of a charcter — I know because I played this part and I’m not at all a singer!!!   Trust me on this!!! There is one really good number that he has in the show that is not in the movie…."Mushnik and Son"!!!! What’s the worse that can happen???  That you won’t get the part?? That will be the case if you don’t audition — so go for it!!!! Break a leg!!! Don Squire – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just recently got sent an audition notice for a production at the University of Wisconsin center in my hometown.  It’s for "Little Shop of Horrors."  Now my dilemma – I’m a senior in high school, which is strike one against me since it’s a college production.  I’m also short (5′3", 110 lbs).  But the big problem is that I can’t sing, and I don’t know how to read music.  I’ve tried out for one other musical and didn’t get a part, which wouldn’t bother me very much if not for the fact that over half of the males that tried out did get a part. On the other hand, I’m a very good character actor.  So, does anybody have any suggestions for me for this audition? Thanks,   Brian Woods

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Response:

<< and I’m not at all a singer!!!   Trust me on this!!! Oh, Don…..how tempting! Don may not be a singer, but he went out and told his story with his voice when we did Damn Yankees this summer, I think lots of people get hung up on whether they are a great singer or not, and frankly some of the most interesting voices are those that are not flawless, are quirky. This comes from a Singer/Actress who loves Billie Holliday – She had one of the quirkiest voices, yet it was beautiful because of the feeling behind the song. Sing, record yourself, listen to yourself until you can say, ooh that sounds much better, or gee, if I only ennuciate more this would be much better. Learn to hear yourself, but don’t listen to yourself. What I mean, hear your outer voice, but don’t listen to your inner voice that tells you you aren’t a singer. Acting and singing take confidence. Suerte! @ Amy Hamilton                                 * * * * * [This message was posted to the ACTING-L mailing list and relayed to this newsgroup.  You may followup to the newsgroup or, if you are a  member of ACTING-L,  reply  to  the  list.   For  more  information  send E-mail to

Response:

<< and I’m not at all a singer!!!   Trust me on this!!! Oh, Don…..how tempting! Don may not be a singer, but he went out and told his story with his voice when we did Damn Yankees this summer,

                        Thank you, Amy!!!!  I think lots of people get hung up on whether they are a great singer or not, and frankly some of the most interesting voices are those that are not flawless, are quirky.

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Response:

Hi. I was hoping someone could help me. I am thinking of attending an audition and it states that the open call audition begins at 2pm, but the open call cards are given out at 12. What does this mean? Also, that rehearsals begin Feb. 2nd. Are these normally during the day or evening? Is it acceptable to ask this question? Thanks in advance for your help.

Response:

Hi. I was hoping someone could help me. I am thinking of attending an audition and it states that the open call audition begins at 2pm, but the open call cards are given out at 12. What does this mean?

I expect it means you have to sign up for the auditions at noon. Also, that rehearsals begin Feb. 2nd. Are these normally during the day or evening? Is it acceptable to ask this question?

If it’s something like a community theater (i.e., no pay) rehearsals will be during the evening, but if it’s a paying job rehearsals will most likely be during the day, although there are exceptions. Make sure you understand the pay situation for the rehearsal period.     *       Tucson Arizona, out where the cacti grow         *     * My typos & mispellings are intentional copyright traps *

Response:

Hi. I was hoping someone could help me. I am thinking of attending an audition and it states that the open call audition begins at 2pm, but the open call cards are given out at 12. What does this mean? Also, that rehearsals begin Feb. 2nd. Are these normally during the day or evening? Is it acceptable to ask this question? Thanks in advance for your help.

I haven’t a clue, but if there is some kind of phone number listed why don’t you just call them and ask? If they indicate they think your questions are dumb, then you can indicate – clearly  - that you think they are unclear and unorganized. Just because you’re going to audition for them, doesn’t mean you have to grovel. You’re a person, too, after all. Roundtable http://roundtable.iwarp.com http://villakreuzbuch.s5.com

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