The theatrical musical is an excellent activity to add to your curriculum when submitting the application for enrollment at the university; in addition, it is becoming more and more popular with young people and adults. Whether you want to perform in a school, neighborhood or professional music production, there are a few steps you need to follow. Get ready for auditions, then get out there, do your best, and have fun.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Train Properly
Step 1. Start by taking some lessons
The theatrical musical includes singing, acting and dancing. If you have any difficulty in any of these disciplines, take a few lessons in your area; teachers post advertisements in local newspapers and magazines. These lessons can also become part of your curriculum, improving your skills.
He works with people who have had success in the musical theater field or who have taught others who have since made it
Step 2. Practice for a long time
Even after you finish training, you will need to keep practicing, gaining new skills and maintaining your flexibility. Learn new dances and songs, enter some local production - these will be great experiences, which you can use to try out your new skills.
Step 3. Get in shape
In the performance of any musical you will have to move a lot, both on stage and off. You may find yourself dancing to masterpieces of choreography. In any case, you have to be in shape! Do a great deal of cardiovascular exercise, such as running, jumping rope, and swimming. In order to be able to move and sing at the same time, it is important that you have a lot of stamina.
Step 4. Surround yourself with many artists from the musical
It is important to hang out with other aspiring actors, singers and dancers. Not only will you get advice on your discipline, but you can also inform each other about auditions. In addition, they will provide you with great moral support.
Part 2 of 4: Prepare for the Audition
Step 1. Think strategically about the material to be presented at the audition
Make sure that the piece you bring to the audition matches the style of the musical you are presenting for. There are different genres of musicals; for example, Rent is a rock opera: if you auditioned for this musical, you wouldn't have to sing a folk ballad or a country song. Follow the theme: in this case, you could sing something from Jesus Christ Superstar or The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
- Never go to an audition with a piece from a show the company has staged in the last 5 years; they will inevitably compare you to whoever played it in their production. What they are looking for is something new, not someone to reproduce a past performance.
- During the audition, try to avoid songs that have been sung a thousand times, or those that are too well known or complex. You certainly don't want to give the impression that you are a beginner. Casting staff look for artists who have a thorough understanding of theater.
- Some of the more common songs that have been sung an exaggerated number of times are: Tomorrow and Maybe by Annie; Memory from Cats; My Favorite Things from All Together Passionately; any song from Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera or Les Misérables; Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz; Don't Rain on My Parade from Funny Girl; Shy from Once upon a time there was a princess; I Enjoy Being a Girl by Fior di loto; Seasons of Love by Rent; In My Own Little Corner at Cinderella.
- Disney movies are great, but not for auditions. Avoid presenting songs from these films.
- Avoid presenting songs made famous by some well-known Broadway artist (Taylor the Latte Boy is a perfect example).
- Think very carefully before presenting a piece that makes extensive use of obscenities or innuendoes.
Step 2. Prepare a monologue
Musicals aren't just about music - in most cases, you'll have to alternate between singing and acting. Be prepared to demonstrate your skills in both disciplines. Don't choose overly famous monologues; Producers, directors and casting people like to be surprised by the choice of a monologue. If you choose a trivial one, they may not pay much attention to the performance you have prepared.
- Keep the duration of the monologue under 2 minutes. You need to be able to show a wide range of emotions in a short period of time. Casting staff will review dozens of people, for these and other parts - if they want something longer, they'll ask.
- Choose a monologue from a play or film. Most musical monologues are meant to prepare the songs; consequently, they are not as developed as those made for films and plays.
- Avoid monologues that employ obscene language or gestures, a strong accent, or excessive movement. You need to highlight your acting skills, not your ability to offend. There are some exceptions, however, as you will need to calibrate yourself to the tone of the musical you are preparing to audition for. If, for example, it's a risque show, a nonconformist and vulgar monologue might be a good choice.
Step 3. Practice your dance
If there is a dance number in the musical, the audition will be conducted as a dance lesson: you will be taught the number and then asked to perform it. Either way, you should practice a great variety of dances. Learn new ones often and you will improve quickly.
Step 4. Register
Before the audition, make a video in which you recite the monologue and sing the songs. Then watch it: just like athletes, you should observe your performance, analyze it and correct errors or anomalies in the transitions between one position and another. Look out for any inaccuracies in body language or facial expressions, as well as speech defects.
Make sure that, in the pieces you present at the audition, there is a proper balance between the expressions of the face and the movements of the hands and body. Using your hands to tell the story is great, but if your face looks like it's on the verge of falling asleep, you won't be able to impress anyone. Keep every part of your body alert and under control
Part 3 of 4: Exit the Party
Step 1. Find and schedule an audition
Unless otherwise indicated, an audition should always be booked. Most of the booking contact information will be found on the company's website or in an advertisement published in a newspaper.
Step 2. Dress for the part
To attend the audition, dress well. The way you present yourself is crucial. Sometimes, you may need to wear a costume. Help the casting staff see you in the role you need to play, but don't overdo it to the point that the costume detracts from the performance. Stay away from props.
Step 3. Prepare the song, monologue and dance
Most groups will tell you what they want you to do for the audition. Usually, they will want to hear a song (always from a musical) that fits your vocal register and age, and a short 1-2 minute monologue.
Step 4. Audition
The first few times, it could be an exhausting experience. There are different kinds of specimens.
- There are open auditions. In this case, you perform for the benefit of everyone: the director, the music director, any other member of the commission and the other people who audition.
- There is also the closed casting, in which the audition is held only for the director and the musical director.
Step 5. Prepare to receive a "rejection"
Each position is different, and the director / producer has a clear idea of what he is looking for. Introduce yourself, and do your best. If you can't, it's probably not your fault.
Step 6. Introduce yourself with a smile and in your best shape
Be polite, without arrogance. Make a good impression. Be careful what you say and who you say it to. If the casting people like your personality, they might think of you for a different role, perhaps in another production.
Don't freak out. In the world of theater, people who use offensive words don't go anywhere, at most to sit in the audience. Face your experiences with an open mind and a positive attitude - this way you can go the distance
Part 4 of 4: Getting into Business
Step 1. Attend a university or conservatory
It is a necessary step, especially if you want to make theatrical musical your profession. Many people speak of a natural "raw" talent. There is nothing that can replace it, but refinement is still necessary. Specializing in theater at university will provide you with a well-rounded education, which will help you enter the world of the musical, but also get several other jobs associated with the scene. Conservatories focus on refining specific disciplines, such as singing, dancing, acting and playing some musical instruments.
While in college or conservatory, think about which disciplines will set you apart as an artist. There is no telling what skills a producer will require, so the best thing is to know a great variety of performing arts. Steve Martin is a comedian, but he often performs playing the banjo. If you know how to play the banjo and show up to play a musical version of Huckleberry Finn (like William Hauptman's Big River and Roger Miller, who wrote the song King of the Road), you'll find yourself a step ahead of other actors who don't. they know how to play. It is much easier to play the banjo than to successfully pretend that you know how to do it
Step 2. Make contacts
Building relationships is also part of your education. Sure, it's commonplace, but knowing the right people is important. Get an idea of who matters and who doesn't. Then attend the shows and parties that follow them, where these people are likely to be. Behave in a calm and controlled manner. Compliment for the show. Highlight what you have in common or how you might prove useful. Over time, these contacts could lead to other auditions and jobs.
Step 3. Create a resume and portfolio
As with any other job, a detailed and well-structured resume will give you a more professional air.
- First enter your name and basic information, such as phone number, email, postal address and date of birth. In this section you could also add your own vocal register (for example, soprano, alto, tenor or bass).
- Next, enter a list of the productions you have participated in. This entry should include the name of the production, that of the company that set it up, the place and period in which it was performed and the role you had. Then you should add any major educational or extracurricular activities you have done, such as singing, dancing or acting lessons, sports skills, or instruments you are able to play. You will also need to write down who your teacher was or the company you did these activities with.
- Think about your internet presence too. Enter the name of your Twitter and Facebook account and any website. With all the personalities and musicians having success on YouTube, producers pay close attention to the online presence of their artists. If you enjoy a large following on the internet that could translate into a greater presence in the room, producers will be even more interested in you.
Step 4. Get an agent
Most people believe that agents only work with big Hollywood stars. That's not true at all: agents are paid to be around and have numerous contacts. While you may develop these relationships over time through social intercourse, accelerating this process could be beneficial. Agents can get you more auditions and they can also give you more exposure, which could translate into musical work in the future.
When you get an agent, pay attention to the people they have worked with. Make sure he doesn't just take your money without doing anything in return
Step 5. Service in the trenches
Whether you're looking for your big break or your first starring role, you'll still have to wait before you get it. It will take a couple of shows before it finally starts to be recognized in the theatrical environment. If you wait and be patient, not only will you end up with a larger resume, but you will also be a better actor!
