Audition Song Help

[AspiringActress]

Hello NAPM!
I have been offered an audition for the production of Annie Jr. (Which I believe is Annie, just shortened into an hour), but it is my first audition and I need some help!
I am unsure of what song to sing, I'm thinking about song from Matilda
And I'm not sure whether or not I have to sing acapella
And maybe some help on the general gist of what happens in an audition!

I appreciate any help as I'm a complete novice at this!
Thanks!

[pg]

Well, that's great news that you have an audition. Do you know which parts you are being considered for? Is it for one of the orphans? Or for the ensemble? Or for one of the principal roles? That does have implications for the advice really!

You might like to consider an American song (and there's certainly a vast choice of those!) rather than something from Matilda - though if you are going for one of the young parts then something from Matilda could work very well.

Auditions can take many forms, and it depends what kind of company it is. Is it professional or amateur?

You are likely to be invited to sing, but may not get the opportunity to sing all of the song. You may be invited to read a few lines - if appropriate for the character you are going for. You may be asked to take part in a movement or dance workshop and be shown a brief routine to copy (again, depending on what you are going for).

Do you have any more information to give us about the company? Is this via an agency? If so, they should be able to find out for you/advise you what you need to prepare.

Take sheet music with you (in the correct key) in case there is an accompanist and let the accompanist know at what pace you will be singing the song - this might not be relevant in your particular audition, but if you get the opportunity to do it, you usually can. Make sure the music is legible and will lie flat and/or turn really easily to make the pianist's job easier.

[Humph]

We have just returned from seeing Annie Jn at the Kenton Theatre Henley .
Act Now put on a super version it was 1 hour 10 and very slick and professional.
Sing something you are happy with that you can express and smile - enjoy its a great show

[AspiringActress]

They've asked me to sing as they'd like to hear me sing first
It's with a program called 'Act Now!' and I'm pretty sure they're professional (the website is here:http://www.actnowentertainment.com/home.php)
I'm not necessarily going for a role but just singing and they'll decide the roles, but it would be for an Orphan or Annie
It wasn't via an agent.

Thanks for your help!
I think I may go for something along the lines of Matilda, or maybe something completely different like 'Maybe This Time'
I will have a good think about it!

[pg]

Hi. If you are going for one of the children's parts then I would think a song from Matilda would be great. I see that it is like a part time drama school so it looks as though the adult parts would also be played by children or young adults. This might mean that if you are teenage (I don't know whether you are, but you write in such an articulate fashion that I'm guessing you might be )they would be more likely to cast you in an adult role? Good Luck.

I've had a look at the website. I imagine it's run in an organised fashion (so, one might think of it as "professionally" run) but it's not what I really meant by professional. "Professional" in industry terms would mean that the artists who took part were paid (or should be ). These are shows that I would class as amateur.
That doesn't mean it won't be fantastic quality and a worthwhile experience, I'm definitely not looking down on amateur - it's just a different thing. Lots of amateur shows are terrific.

Is this something that you have to pay for? It looks to me as though you have to pay a fee to be part of the company. The workshops and auditions may be free but I imagine that if you are chosen then you have to pay to be part of the show - have you clarified this with them and are you happy with that? If you look at http://www.actnowentertainment.com/lesson-plans.php it shows the rehearsal schedule for a show so I am guessing this is it how it works. I think it would be better if they made this a bit more clear on the "would you like to audition" page personally. It would just need them to put a note saying auditions and workshops are free but taking part in the show means enrolling on the training course.

[DQsMum]

Good Luck with your audition.

pg, my daughter is in the current ActNow production (Dear Edwina Jr). The only monies we have paid - well into rehearsals was £40 which included the £12 script. They are professionally directed, accompanied, choreographed (we have Drew McOnie) and so I consider the other £28 to be well spent for the experience she is having - 6 (of 12) live shows in a proper theatre.

If your dc fits the spec, give it a go!
Good Luck.

[begolina]

I totally agree wit DQsmum. It is incredible professional for being "amatorial". It will be on stage this week Wednesday to Saturday, we should probably start a topic with the time and the napm children performing in the 2 teams. For the audition, the first one my dc did for this show and this company, it was literally in and out 3 minutes. The producer did hear them sing their short song, took some notes and thank you. Then the two recalls were a 4 hour workshop based on the musical where they went through all the songs of the show all together and then emails sent with the parts or, I suppose, the no thank you. Everything has been running in a very professional way (really, the only difference has been the children not been paid, which is a shame of course ). My dc never did something like this before and they totally enjyoed it. Luckily, the fee was very reasonable if not I wouldn't be able to afford it times 2. and this is why I probably will never be able to let them do Nymt or Ymt and will be always very grateful to Act Now for the chance they gave to my dc.

[pg]

That's excellent news!

I'm still not quite sure from the website what the charges are (if any) for being involved with Annie Jr so that would be something to clarify at or before audition I think. The charges for Dear Edwina sound very reasonable indeed. I know how much organisation and expense is involved in mounting a show - especially a musical.

Sounds like a great opportunity then. Good luck Aspiring Actress.

[AspiringActress]

Thank You everyone for your help!
I've got the sheet music for 'Naughty' from 'Matilda: The Musical' and I'm very excited for my audition
Is anyone else coming along?

[bruno2]

Good luck

[AspiringActress]

Hi guys!
Again thanks for your help!
I auditioned and I hear pretty soon!

[AspiringActress]

Just an update!
I've been given the role of 'Servant' and 'Star To Be'
I'm thrilled to get a part!

[Tess]

Well done, that's good news! Hope you enjoy the show!

[AspiringActress]

Thanks, can't wait!