[ztarwarzchic]

I love theatre. I love acting. I was thinking about trying out for my high school's spring musical. My voice is at best average, nothing special, not bad though, and my range leaves something to be desired, I'm an alto. But I can dance and I can act, so how difficult do you think it will be for me to get a part? Even just a choral part? (I can sing well in a group) Are high school musicals generally difficult to sing?

[simplydramatic]

I would say you should definitely audition! I was in a similar situation. I adore theatre and positively love acting, but I am not a natural singer. However, I decided to start voice lessons, so I could be able to perform in musicals. I recently went to an audition workshop and heard this excellent bit of advice: "In theater, you shouldn't limit yourself to just acting or just musicals. When you do this, you are restricting yourself to only half of your audition choices."

The part you will get really depends on your high school. Do you have a large music/drama department? If so, there will be more competition for a larger role. The chances of you getting into the chorus seem pretty good. Usually high schools give parts to most people, as long as they can hold a tune and pitch. As far as difficulty, it really depends on what the musical is. Do you know what one it is going to be?

Anyways, you should really try out and just see what happens.

[ztarwarzchic]

My school is very into performing arts, but I heard they will except almost anybody because few people try out. Unfortunatly, I have no idea what the musical is. But, I love theatre, so I guess it can't hurt to try out.

[ztarwarzchic]

Update, the school is thinking about doing Hello, Dolly! or Meet me in St. Louis.

[MaryMag]

If you want to audition, audition. If you want to get a part, make sure you prepare. If you truly want to get in, you will do the necessary work. If you're just doing it for a lark, you probably won't do the work and won't get a great (or any) part.

Some things to consider concerning high school musicals:
1) If the performing arts are huge at your h.s. and your h.s. is well known in your area for having great performing arts, it will probably be harder to get in. If performing arts aren't a huge priority at your h.s. or if a lot of people don't audition, you have a better chance of at least getting an ensemble role.
2) A few high school director friends of mine like to cast as many kids as they can in a show. It gets butts in the seats because the more kids you cast, the more parents and relatives show up!
3) At most any theater, h.s. or otherwise, I probably wouldn't expect a lead role from your first audition. They simply don't know a lot about you yet. They only know the brief amount they heard from your audition (and auds aren't always representative of what you can really do - since chances are you'll be quite nervous.) Plus they don't know how hard you work, if you goof around, etc. Just be happy to get your foot in the door!
4) Since everyone is within 4 years of age, a lot of casting depends on height and size. If some roles have to be older than others, the people that look older (taller, larger) will probably get them even if they were better for another role.
5) Favorites. There are casting directors' favorites everywhere. In h.s. theater and elsewhere. Sometimes the favorites are favored for good reason (they're really talented or really hard working) or sometimes they're favored for bad reason. But know that there are favorites in every level of performance. Get over it quickly.

No I'm not done yet... there's more...
Here are my general audition preparation suggestions for you:
1) You MUST know the show you are auditioning for. It's unacceptable to have not read it and listened to the CD. Go to your local library for these things. If your library doesn't have it, ask a librarian about an inter-library loan.
2) Know the specific audition requirements and get back to us.
3) Whether you have to sing from the show or pick your own song to sing, take a few voice lessons so that you can rehearse your song with someone a few times. Again, I say you must must must take voice lessons because to be good at anything, you must train. Here is where you will prove whether you are doing this just for fun or if your heart is really in it. If you want to get in or want a role, you must get some training. Contact your local music store. Sometimes local artists will give lessons out of a local music store. Or contact your local community college or university. College voice students are usually quite willing to make some money by giving voice lessons. Or, if you are really ambitious, you could see if any professors are willing to take on private students. Just know that they'll be more expensive. And I say take not one, but many voice lessons because I think in any audition situation, you regress in skill a little. You're so nervous that you can't utilize the stuff you just learned at your lesson 2 days ago. In the moment, and with all the stress, I think you regress to how you sang at least 3 or 4 lessons ago.

This is just a start. If this is overwhelming, I'm sorry. If you're interested in hearing more advice, PM me and we can chat!

[demon_baker]

And don't be discouraged about being an alto! The low voice is much loved in musical theatre (lol, so as long as you're not doing operas, you're good) and if you really tap into the warm motherly tones you'll find there are a lot of great roles out there (plus, practice your belt -- you probably have it in you ^^x)!

Also, how hard have you pushed your voice in the past? The only reason I'm asking is that I used to have an extremely limited alto range -- my teacher cast me as a part with a soprano range and within the year my range shot up a full octave (no kidding)! See this as a chance to really mold your voice because all the practicing (as long as you warm up and take precautions) will make it a prime time for your voice to grow.

"Hello, Dolly" is a fun show and you should enjoy yourself immensely.

P.S. Apparently most of the female leads in "Hello, Dolly" are listed as "mezzo", which is the word they usually use to describe us poor forgotten altos in musical theatre. You can do it! ^^x

[ztarwarzchic]

Thank you guys so much for the advice! I know a lady in my church who gives voice lessons, so I can see if I can get a few lessons from her with my music. And there is a required song from teh play that everyone has to sing to tryout.

As far as pushing my voice, I can belt, I know that. Anyone know the song "Santa Fe" from Newsies, I can sing that song in a higher key pretty well (though I would never sing it for a tryout. 1, its a guys song, and 2, it doesn't show anyone's voice off really well)

I can sing "I'm not the Girl" from (gasp!) wicked in a lower key, but I can just barely reach the low note at the end. But again, its too popular, so I wouldn't use it as an audition.

A friend who's into theatre told me that singing can GREATLY improve by just learning how to breathe correctly. Is that true?

And thanks again so much for the posts!

[mtgirl118]

Learning to breath correctly can really change the way you sing and the quality of your voice. Your friend is correct.

Ellen Marie

[MaryMag]

[broadway_baby416]

if youre not really confident about your singing, i'd suggest using a song that's more of an acting song--something thats fun and not overly vocal. songs like "popular" and "adelaide's lament" are two examples that are both overly sung, but are lots of fun and are great for acting. just have fun!