Good Morning!

I've seen comments posted on this and other theater boards regarding song choice for auditions. It seems that most people are of the opinion that you should never choose a song from the show you are auditioning for.

5 of the last 5 shows I've auditioned for, however, have said in the press release that we should prepare 16 bars of a song that is 'preferrably' from the show. In all cases I work very hard to learn a song from the show that fits my vocal style and range best, although I have other prepared audition songs that I feel better showcase my talent. In most cases, I'm one of only a few people that attempts a song from the show. Ultimately, the audition doesn't go as well as I hope because I'm nervous about singing a song I've never performed before...and I end up in the ensemble or some other small role (well, the most recent show I did land a lead...but that was due to a series of unusual circumstances).

What does a director gain by having an auditioner sing a song from the show vs a song of their own choosing? Would I be better served to ignore their suggestion of a song from the show for the simple fact that I would feel more comfortable? My thought is that singing a song from the show (when asked) shows that I am open to suggestion and easy to work with. Am I reading too much into this?

Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks!
JP

It?s the Directors choice, I prefer them not to sing songs from the show, but all directors are different. If they require 16 bars of a show song, they obviously want it for what ever reason.
In preference I like auditionee to sing what they are comfortable with, rather than something new, that may put them under the pump & get them to the worbley stage!
I also avoid party piece monologues, in fact initially,  all I require is for them to walk confidently to DSC & deliver their name & details, which is something they should know well, one would hope! From that I gain a lot on their stage presence, balance & delivery, before I start on the singing, dancing & dialogue pieces.
I?m sure everyone else will be different.
So do what ever the directors method is &/or audition requirements are, then you can?t go wrong!

Thanks for the comments!

Sue-my problem is that director's were requesting to prepare a song from the show. I would normally not choose to do so if given the option.

I suppose if I look back to the shows that I didn't get the part I wanted...it could be argued that I wasn't the best fit for the role-and I don't think a different song would have changed that (even though-as tristan pointed out-I am the greatest thing in show leather! LOL).

I suppose it's a director by director choice to require or suggest a show song. I'll take 'em as they roll.

Now..here's a challange. Auditions for Sullivan and Gilbert fall on the Monday/Tuesday between my 1st and 2nd weekend of performances of Nuncrackers (I'm playing Father Virgil). Wish me luck changing gears from "Christmas Time is Nunsense Time" to "I Am The Pirate King" LOL

JP