[nae]

I'm posting this here since I don't know where else to even though it's completely different than most general discussions.
I'm auditioning for the first time at a community theater for " The Wizard of Oz." My theater friends told me to go for the lead role which is of course, Dorothy. Now, I obviously have no experience and I readily profess that I have the lack of talent for the main role. My question is, I have the choice of auditioning for Dorothy at one audition or auditioning for the chorus/any other part that they will give me at another audition, what do you think I should do? I'd appreciate the thoughts of mainly people involved in theater, but anyones suggestions are welcomed. Also, any suggestions/advice on the actual auditioning would be great. It's a little under a month away and I feel like this:
:kspin: :kconf: :kwhoa: :kwhoa: :kwhoa: :kshock:

Yep, that's about it.
In Him,
Nae

[Nate]

This will probably do better in the Visual/Performing Arts forum.

*whoosh*

In His love,
Nate

[Thespia]

First of all...calm down. Its a process. I know it sounds scary, but if you are calm it will be lots lots easier

Remember...they WANT to like you. They want you to be good so their show will be good. Its also probably good to remember that you haven't had any expirience before. Go ahead and audition for the lead, but tell them you'll take any role. Don't be devestated if you dont' get it!! Acting is a craft, and like anything else...it takes LOTS OF PRACTICE, not just talent to make it work. You may have the talent, but don't forget that some people have been doing this for years and years. If you like doing this show...then you've really found something you can stick with! I've been doing shows pretty much my whole life...and its really something I've come to adore. Give yourself time to work on it...don't give up if it doesn't work out this time.

The audition will probably be all roles at once...then readings leads/speaking roles, and dance. Bring 2 songs to sing...a uptempo one and a ballad. Make sure they are BROADWAY songs and not songs off the radio or with tapes. (they don't have to be from The Wizard of Oz, but they can) Bring your sheet music with you in a folder of some kind so the pianist can play it. Most of the time they want to hear just 16 bars from the songs...but they may ask for the whole thing. Be prepared to do whatever they ask vocally. Have your 16 bars marked off for the pianist. Sometimes they may want you to sight read something...just do your best.

Bring comfortable clothes and dance shoes for the audition. If you don't have dance shoes, wear tennis shoes or something comfortable. If you mess up the dancing, just act like you didn't and be cute and maybe no one will notice. Never get mad at yourself and make a face if you mess up.

They will ask you to read from the script if you are called for the lead. Again, just do your best. Think about WHO Dorothy is...how she would say things...and how you can use your VOICE and BODY to be her.

***Good luck on your audition*** Remember...its good expirience even if you don't make it. I would encourage you to do the show to be in chorus or whatever. Its really good expirience and you may just fall in love with it. Let us know how it went!!!

[***starburst***]

Excellent tips Thespia, I couldn't have said it better myself.

Always aim for the highest part. That way they can give you any part underneath they feel you're qualified for. But, if you audition for a smaller part, but have the capabilities for the lead, they can't give you the part you deserve.

And don't be discouraged with a small part. This is your first play, everyone starts out small. My first play I had a nothing part, and a few years later I had the lead. Very rarely will someone get the lead in their first play.

Do whatever part you have to the best of your ability. Just because you may only have one line or so, doesn't mean you should slack off. It will give you experience, and also will show the directors your abillities.

Another tip: if you can possibly get together with someone (music teacher from your school, voice teacher somewhere) to go over this music with you, it will help immensly. It's hard to hear little things sometimes when you're singing. It's so incredibly helpful to have someone who knows what they're talking about give you tips and help you work through tricky spots. It will make your audition piece better, and will also give you confidence singing in front of someone.

If you can get together with the director or music director of this musical, even better. A lot of times they are willing to work with people planning on auditioning. This is even better because it will help you sing the way they want you to, and will show them that you are willing to work hard for this part.

Good Luck!!! I'm anxious to know how it goes!