How to Make a Musical Theatre Audition Book

Finding the right material to audition for Musical Theatre jobs is an art-form in and of itself. But having a variety of songs that show off your range and ability is crucial to the business. Follow these tips from a Broadway veteran so you have all your bases covered.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a three ring binder
• 5-7 choice songs

1. Pick your material. In choosing songs for your audition book for mainstream Musical Theatre, pick songs that you know, that also show off your voice. Don't pick songs that are beyond your current technical ability. You want songs that showcase you, but aren't going to give you a case of nerves because you're struggling with high notes or lyrics. Pick a song that you enjoy singing, and it's helpful to pick ones where the lyric means something to you.
   
   There are a number of types of songs that you should have in your book to cover any type of audition you may face.

2. 1) The Standard
   This is any American style pop standard from the 1930s to roughly the 1960's. It's a good choice to pick a song in this category that you can sing straight, or swing or make a little jazzy - many songs of this type lend themselves to various interpretations. Ella Fitzgerald's versus Janis Joplin's respective versions of "Summertime" come to mind.

3. 2) The R & H
   Rodgers and Hammerstein are the undisputed kings of the Golden Age of Broadway. It's pretty much a given that you will audition for if not do one of their shows at least once in your career. A lot of times you can kill two birds with one stone and have this also be your "Standard" song.

4. 3) The Comedy Song
   Exactly what it sounds like. Find that funny, laugh out loud song for your book that you can sing well and get that casting director laughing out loud. This song usually will be an uptempo - funny ballads are fairly uncommon.

5. 4) The Power Ballad
   Everyone loves a power ballad. Find the one that suits you - and give it all you've got. Frank Wildhorn, Maltby and Shire, and Stephen Schwartz are all good places to start.

6. 5) The Sondheim
   Like R & H, Sondheim has assumed the mantle of the modern-era genius cum savior of musical theatre. It never hurts to have one of his songs in your book - the range of his material is vast, so there are plenty of uptempo and ballad choices in his catalogue. See the warnings below though before you memorize the entire "Sunday in the Park" score.

7. 6) The Specialty Song
   This category is a bit of a catch-all. But with the advent of the "Juke-box" musical, such hits as "Rent" and "Spring Awakening", musical theatre just ain't the old grey mare she used to be. Find a song or two that's going to cover these areas - an FM rock hit from the 80's, or maybe a twangy Shania Twain song. For the more traditionalist eccentrics, throwing a Gilbert and Sullivan patter song into this category doesn't hurt either. Whatever gets you the job.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to have a good mix of uptempos versus ballads in your book. If your book is ballad heavy (as many are) try to find those faster tempo tunes to balance it out.
• Use those plastic cover sheets for your music. Not only will it protect your book, many accompanists find them easier to turn.
• About every six months or so, go through your book. If there is a song that isn't working for you, get rid of it. Likewise, try adding new material (that you've rehearsed and are comfortable with) to your book to avoid falling into that common affliction: ABM or Audition Book Malaise.
• Avoid songs that everyone sings. You know the ones - for young girls, anything from "Annie" or "Les Miz". For guys, the oversung power ballads or "Corner of the Sky" from "Pippin". There is such a dirth of great material out there - unless you're auditioning for a show and they are specifically asking for one of the old warhorses, you'll make a much better impression with the casting directors if it's something they've never heard or only rarely get to enjoy.
• Be careful with your accompaniment! If it's every actor's nightmare to have a bad accompanist at their audition, it's every piano player's nightmare to have to sightread something with six sharps in 7/8 time! Go easy on the more complicated tunes by Sondheim or Jason Robert Brown - your accompanist will love you for it - and you'll give a better audition.
• Avoid unclear photo copies. Be sure your music is legible and easy to read!

[Psalmist4M]

on 6/18/2008 Good article. I wished I'd followed my desire to go into theater but did get my degree in music. I do enjoy doing local theater with my church. Thanks for the tips.