[Mr_X]

Hey guys. I know I probably posted this before, but it disappeared. My school is having West Side Story auditions in two weeks, and I want to go in there knowing exactly who I want to go for. Here are a couple of my headshots so you know what I look like:



I'm the school's leading comic actor, though I have a great voice. I have been Ali Hakim in Oklahoma!, Ed Carmichael in You Can't Take it With You, Joly in Les Mis, Dr. Chumley in Harvey, Mr. Snow in Carousel, and a Game Show Host in a new show called How to Be a Successful Teenager. I am a tenor, though I can sing in baritone range. I can sing from about a G or G#2 to a G#4, sometimes an A4. The only person I know I won't be going for is Bernardo haha. Any advice?

[Celeste_SM]

How's your dancing? That's the most critical part you left out of your resume above.

[Mr_X]

Well, although I haven't played many dancing roles as you're seen, I've always been able to do moves and with a great amount of energy. Sure, I can't tap dance or any of that, but I can learn moves, and do them with a lot of energy.

[Celeste_SM]

Ok, since this is a school show, your age doesn't really matter, so your options are Tony, Riff, another Jet, Shrank, Officer Krupke or the social worker. Krupke can be a comic role, if the director does the number with him on-stage. The social worker can be very funny, but that's just a bit part. Tony is the lead. Riff is the supporting lead, but should be an excellent dancer. The other Jets are basically equal, but Baby John gets a few funny lines.

That's my opinion and I paid no attention to your vocal range, so take that into consideration.

[LisaKitty]

Based on your voice type and look, I'd say you would make a good Tony. That is a definite tenor role, which requires a strong singer.

However, based on your acting type, you might want to look at Action as well. He's generally played as the "comic" of the Jets (or at least, he has been in all the productions I've seen, as well as the one I was in). He should be a pretty strong dancer, however, so depending on the rest of the dance talent at your school, this may or may not be a good option for you.

Just a couple of ideas to think about ...

[Celeste_SM]

But if I remember correctly, Action is also the most angry one, and the one who rapes Anita. It takes some acting chops, which you might very well have, but your face looks too nice to rape anyone.

[Mr_X]

Haha thanks. I was definetely gonna try to go for Tony, Riff, or one of the Jets. Riff I dunno, because of all that dancing, but I have the energy. Everyone has been suggesting me for Baby John, since I guess he gets to get lifted up and around.

[brown_eyed_actress]

yea, i would definately put down a part that you're interested in or passionate about getting (like tony or riff) but the director probably has an idea of who he/she wants in what parts already, so you're at his/her mercy, unfortunately. ah, the curse of typecasting!

keep is posted, though!

[BroadwayBeast]

I'd say Baby John. He is a great character, but Arab would also be good. But maybe you could go for a change and play a romantic lead and go for Tony. Whatever these people tell you, just go for what YOU think is best.

[Mr_X]

Thanks for all your help! For my audition, I sang "Maria" and read for Tony. I felt really well about how I did and thought I had a good shot at Tony. But I think I got called back for a Jet. Our callbacks were just people standing in a line and the director talking about them. Plus, I don't feel that I look like Tony. But I'm not too disappointed, since I'll probably get to be a Jet, which is a great supporting role!