[katia11]

OK I read on a character list that one of the characters in the show I am auditioning for is a heavy dance role. What exactly does that mean? Should a somewhat beginner dancer completely avoid this role then?
Just curious.

[appstatesinger]

i think a beginner dancer could pay the role depending on how strong his/her acting and singing abliities are... if the person can move... and learn quickly, then of course he/she can play the role

t

[DaddyDiesel]

Depends on the show and charactor. If its heavy Ballet and tap then I imagine a begginer having a problem learning this. My friend got cast as tyrone in Fame, Heavy modern dancing, and he was able to pull it off well and he didnt have much experience dancing. Of course he is very athletic.

[The Drama Queen]

Yeah, if you could tell us what role it is we could give you a more specific answer. Tap and Ballet require a ton of training, so if the role is heavy in those styles I would try for something else. Jazz and Modern styles are easier to pick up if you are a good mover, so a non-dancer could have a shot at the role too.

[katia11]

I was just asking in general, but I was researching for The Pajama Game and it said Gladys had heavy dancing. I'm not exactly sure what kind of dance is featured in this show- but it's pretty traditional. I'm just trying to figure out what characters I can reasonably look at auditioning for.

Thank you!

[Sweeney Hyde]

Actually The Pajama Game was Bob Fosse's first choreography job on Broadway and it is not exactly traditional..."Steam Heat" in particular can be very hard...it SCREAMS Fosse...But most people can pick it up. When I was in The Pajama Game our Gladys was going through her first musical theatre experience. She had done many straight plays, however. For The Pajama Game, unless the choreogropher makes it tough, the dancing is not too heavy, however it is still not easy. There is a polka number, "Once a Year Day", a tango, "Hernando's Hideaway", the big Fosse number, "Steam Heat", as well as the traditional dance numbers like "Racing With the Clock", a tap "I'll Never Be Jealous Again", and a "ballet", "Jealousy Ballet". Most of the characters dance, so no matter what you will probably be subjected to it.

[Sweeney Hyde]

How old are you? What is this for? Community? High School?

[katia11]

I'm 17, a junior, auditioning for a local high school. Sorry- I was just judging by the story and the music I've heard. I figured it wasn't modern like "Working" or "Jesus Christ Superstar", so it must me more traditional. I need to take Musicals 101

I really think a part like Gladys would be a super long-shot, but I was just curious because I never saw a site say something about a role like that.

[Sweeney Hyde]

What is your range?

[katia11]

The highest I can go without going hit or miss is probably like an E. I can sing pretty low. Unfortunately, I have very limited singing "knowledge" perse(I've been in musicals and singing groups, even had small solos, but never had real private lessons) but with my "head" voice (girly- what I use for singing at church) I'd say like low A to a high E (is that okay?) and with my "chest" voice I can go lower I suppose, but not as high. I hope that makes sense!

[Sweeney Hyde]

You could do Gladys vocally...she's an alto or mezzo...but there is a smaller part you could go for...an alto...she is the secretary of Sid, the main character. Her name is Mabel. She sings a duet with Mr. Hines in Act 1 that is very funny called "I'll Never Be Jealous Again". I would shoot for that if i where you. There is a cute little vaudevile-style dance in that song too. When we did it, our Mabel had the whole house in stiches with one line...it really is a good supporting part. If you don't get that, however, there are a number of other small female parts, too...

[katia11]

I haven't even thought of that one since my friend was telling me how much see wanted it . . . anyways, the past two years the leads (Reno in Anything Goes and Sally in Me and My Girl) have gone to juniors, so that's perhaps a good omen. Mabel would be pretty neat (who am I kidding? having any role that involves a microphone would be neat!)

Oh and a role like Mae or something would be wonderful enough. I was just looking at the leads and was wondering. . . dreaming. . . I think Gladys caught my eye simply because she sings "Steam Heat".

What does it mean to be a legit mezzo? I saw that on a website too.

[Sweeney Hyde]

First off, it doesn't matter that you're friend wants a part you could be good for. Its good to compete as long as you don't get proud...I myself am up against 2 friends for the same part in Cinderella. It's ok because whoever doesn't get it will get over it. Shoot for the stars...
A mezzo is someone who is in between an alto and a soprano. A good example would be Joan Diener's Aldonza in Man of La Mancha.

What do you plan to sing?

[katia11]

Also I've been racking my brain for a really good audition piece. Your suggestions are great, and I may just go with one of them. I was wondering if "Paris Original" from How to Succeed would be good for this show- I don't think it will be overdone, and the tone change is amusing. Or am I off the mark?

[Sweeney Hyde]

To be perfectly honest How to Succeed is one of probably only two or three shows I'm really not familiar with...Iknow the basic storyline and a few songs but that's it so I really couldn't tell you. You should get one of the songs I told you about from Brigadoon and do it...I really think those will be you're best shot...especially for Mabel. "The Love of My Life" would really be perfect because it has almost the exact same feel and theme to it as "I'll Never Be Jealous Again". I have a good feeling about the match of that song and that part...

[katia11]

Thanks for all your help. I'm going to call it a night, but I'll definately be working on songs over the weekend!

[Sweeney Hyde]

Post what happeneds when you audition. ie the part you try out for, the song, what part you get, etc.

[ClareBell]

From a choreographers view Fosse really stylised is not the easiest style to pick up without previous Jazz training. I have pupils who I have danced with, now teaching for years and only a handful have picked up the style.
It all depends on how hard your willing to work and try how easy you will pick things up and dance training especially Jazz will help.

[shadowdancer]