How to Audition for Musicals As a Child

Finding a great song that isn’t overdone can be a challenge. Especially if you are ten and have never been in love or had your heart broken. Let’s face it. There are only so many musical theater songs written for young performers. Picking age appropriate material is important so that you can relate to it, but you can also find songs that work by making some adjustments. Maybe a child has never been in a romantic relationship but I’m sure they can identify with losing their best friend or having a celebrity crush.

I am asked all the time about how to choose musical audition material. I decided to ask my collaborator in my upcoming musical audition workshop, vocal coach Bob Marks, to weigh in. Bob has coached hundreds of young performers on Broadway, such as Lea Michele, as well as pop stars, like Ashley Tisdale and Britney Spears.

Here are some of the questions he gets asked.

Student: Where can I find a song no one else sings?
Bob: Why would you want to sing a song no one else sings? In my experience, it’s a good idea to sing a song that is not overdone, but not one that the casting team has never heard. You want them to be listening to YOU, not just wondering where the song came from. And the accompanist may have a lot of trouble playing a song he’s never seen before. I think it’s best to give a unique performance and let them remember you!

I have to agree with Bob. And if there is a song you absolutely love, enjoy singing, can relate to, and shows off your voice and personality, go for it! Let them hear the song like they’ve never heard it before.

Student: What if I can't relate to my song because of age or gender?
Bob: There are many ways to relate to a lyric, and the private subtext you create (what you’re thinking while you sing), is very personal. You might be singing a love song to a pet or parent, not necessarily your spouse! However, if the people you’re auditioning for feel that the song is inappropriate for you, it might hurt your chances for a callback.

Well put, Bob. I have heard songs written for boys, sung by girls. And vice versa. If you can create a natural, believable story, by all means, sing it.

When auditioning, the song can be taken out of context from the show. How do you, not the character, identify with the song? If you are singing "Part of Your World" from "The Little Mermaid," it is improbable to think you are a mermaid on land for the first time. Perhaps you can imagine you just landed a role on Broadway and play the awe, excitement, and exhilaration that would come with that notion.

I hear kids that have the most beautiful voices. The only thing missing is the story they are telling through their song. Who are you singing to and why are you telling them this? Pay attention to the “monologue” of your song. It’s what will get you the callback and hopefully the job!!!!

How To Handle Being Dropped By Your Agent

My 13-year-old client Samantha called me this week crying, “It feels like my boyfriend just dumped me!” Her agent had just dropped her. Whether you are in a romantic relationship or a business arrangement, it hurts when the other party moves on. You may be thinking, “I’ll never work again!” or “Will another agent or manager ever sign me?”

Don't fret! Here are some tips to handle your situation.

1. Find out why you are being dropped. Some common reasons include: your rep can’t get you appointments for auditions, you’re too tall for your age, or you’re in the dry teenage years.

2. Find out why you can’t get appointments. It is often for a specific reason: your cold reading skills, acting ability, or vocal qualities are suffering. If this is the case, beef up your training before approaching another industry rep. Maybe your look no longer works and it’s time for an image reassessment. One client was dropped by her agent and came to me for a consultation. I immediately advised her to cut her hair before seeking new representation. It was down to her knees and made her completely unmarketable.

3. Adopt a new attitude. Adolescence isn't a curse, but I am not saying it's easy either! Yes, the hard truth is that there are many actors over the age of 18 who can play teenagers. It is cheaper for production to hire them because these actors can work longer hours and don’t incur tutoring costs. Even though it is tough to get work in the teen years, many reps may be willing to take a chance on you for the long haul. Remember, you won’t be a teen forever. Focus on another part of the business like commercials. Take the time to study, hone your craft, and come back with a bang!

4. Take control of your career. Believe that things happen for a reason and take more control of your career by finding work yourself. You can get a fresh start by using resources such as Backstage to find your own auditions. Many agents and managers will not bother pursuing these leads for you.

5. Don't lose all hope! If you have worked before and have talent, it is time to reassess your assets with a trusted professional. Get an opinion of your strengths, repackage your portfolio, and shop till you drop. I'm not talking Macy's! Agents and managers need talent. Just because your current representation is unwilling to handle you, doesn’t mean someone else won’t. What may not be in vogue for one rep, may be just the thing another is looking for.

6. Make sure you exit with dignity even though you are the one being dropped.This is a tiny industry and what goes around comes around. Don't harbor anger and resentment; you will be the only one losing sleep over it.

Take the time to master your craft, empower yourself and enjoy the journey...

Ask Denise: Agent? Manager? What’s the Difference?

Q: What’s the difference between an agent and a manager?

A: Here’s the basic breakdown:

A MANAGER:

•  Helps to cultivate a career. Does not just book a job.

• Generally has fewer clients than an agent.

• Gives more individual attention.

• While working with a manager, you can freelance with several agents, thereby having access to more auditions.

• Managers generally take a 15% commission off the top.

AN AGENT:

•  Agents are state licensed employment agencies.

• By law, agents cannot take more than a 10% commission. If you only have an agent, you only pay this one commission.

• Can have a small or large number of clients.

Ask Denise: How do I Write a Good Cover Letter?

Q: How do I write a cover letter?

A: Keep it short and sweet!

Here is an example:

Dear Mr. X,

My son, Brandon is 11 years old and loves acting, singing and dancing. He has appeared in numerous local productions, and we believe he is now ready for more professional work.

We live outside of New York City and are willing to travel in for auditions.

We would love an opportunity to meet with you at your convenience.

Please feel free to contact me by email at sallysimon.org or phone me at 345-555-5555.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Sandra Dee (mother of Brandon)

Ask Denise: How do I Choose a Good Agent or Manager?

Q: How do I choose an agent or a manager?

 A: I tell clients it is like picking a pediatrician!

• Send the potential agent or manager a well-lit, casually dressed head and shoulders shot.

• Send a cover letter detailing your child’s talents, skills, acting experience, and training.

• Make sure the personality of the representative will result in a positive effort for your child, including an ongoing relationship.

• Find someone who is excited about your child.

• Assess how well the representative communicates with you and your family.

Ask Denise: Is Show Business Right For My Child?

Q: How can I decide if show business is the right choice fir for my child?

A: Here are some questions that might help you determine if show business might be a good choice for your child.

• Does your child express a strong desire to perform?

• Does he/she talk about it all the time?

• Do you think your child has the “right look?”

• Is your child personable and outgoing?

• Is your child funny?

Ask Denise: How do I Find a Good Photographer?

Q: There are so many photographers out there. Which one will portray my child best?

B It’s all in the research, really. Do keep in mind that initially parents need not spend any money on headshots for their children. A good candid shot of your child will be sufficient for an initial interview; however, if you want to go with a photographer, here are some pointers and some photographer recommendations:

• Find out if the photographer has worked with children.

• Look at his or her book before making the decision to hire.

• Make sure the work environment is compatible with what you want. For instance, does the photographer work in the studio or in natural light?

• Get prices. You don’t need to spend a lot of money. About $300 for a sitting is reasonable, especially since children grow quickly and these shots must be re-done again and again.

Ask Denise: What Advice do Parents or Children in the Business Have?

Q: Do parents and children in the business have any advice for us?

A: Definitely!

The following is advice from Yvette and Taylor Bright. Taylor has performed in both community theatre and regional theatre. She worked productions such as That’s Andy! and the Annie national tour. She has also done commercial and print work.

Advice for Parents, by Yvette

•  Be flexible, the schedule is demanding.

• The experience is the child’s experience, not the parent’s.

• Don’t be afraid to take time away from the group when it’s needed.

• Have an open mind about schooling; don’t expect that the experience will be the same as at home. Remember: “not the same” doesn’t mean not as rewarding; in fact, it’s more rewarding.

• If you are touring, sign up for all the airline and hotel reward points.

• Keep open communication with company management and the education provider.

• Visit as many sites as you can in the various cities.

• Respect the adult actors’ time and privacy.

• Be professional; it’s a business.

• Have fun!

Advice for Kids, by Taylor

•  Have fun and enjoy every performance.

• Learn as much as possible from the professionals you work with.

• Get your rest, and drink plenty of water!

• Be respectful and do what you are asked to do to make the child wrangler’s job easy.

• Remember you are there to do a job.

• Share the experience with your friends and family.

• Visit as many places as you can.

• Be thankful for the opportunity.

• Use your down time to keep up with schoolwork.

• Laugh, Laugh, Laugh.

Ask Denise: Do You Have Any Book Recommendations?

Q: Can you recommend any scene and monologue books for my child?

A: Of course! Here’s a great list:

• Great Scenes and Monologues for Children Ages 7-14; edited by Craig Slaight and Jack Sharrar

• Great Monologues for Young Actors; edited by Craig Slaight & Jack Sharrar

• Great Scenes for Young Actors from the Stage; edited by Craig Slaight & Jack Sharrar

• Childsplay; edited by Kerry Muir

• Monologues for Young Actors; by Lorraine Cohen

• Scenes for Young Actors; Edited by Lorraine Cohen

• Monologues for Young Actors; edited by Robert Emerson & Jane Grumbach

• The Young Actors Workbook; by Judith Roberts Seto

• Scenes That Happen and More Scenes That Happen; by Mary Krell-Oishi

I’d also like to recommend some other books that have been very effective for my students:

•  Audition ; by Michael Shurtleff

•  Meisner On Acting ; by Sanfore Meisner