The following
is a list of general audition guidelines for singers compiled
by:
Beth Macleod; Artistic Director
SOUTH SHORE CONSERVATORY'S
OPERA BY THE BAY
Scott Brumit; General Director
LONGWOOD OPERA
Lynn Shane, Director
BOSTON SINGERS' RESOURCE
If you have any
other comments to add, you may email your thoughts to info@BostonSingersResource.org
The Preparation:
* DO follow all the application directions EXACTLY and send materials
all together (not in parts!).
* DO NOT bombard company with email questions before reading all of
the application instructions.
* DO make sure all your materials are neat, up to date, and professional
looking. Staple 8x10 headshots to resumes
* DO put your name and contact information on every piece of material.
Also put pianists names on recordings.
* DO meet all application deadlines.
* DO NOT call if it says DO NOT CALL.
* A Self-Addressed-Stamped-Envelope (SASE) generally means a standard
business sized envelope (8.5 x 3.5). DO NOT send anything smaller.
* When requesting an audition via e-mail DO NOT include attachments,
but offer to send them in a follow up e-mail or via snail mail. Better
yet, have link
to your "up to date" web site.
* When using e-mail to contact companies DO have a legitimate name.
NumberoneMezzo@hotmail.com or Imthebesttrenor@comcast.net does not look
professional and no one knows who you are.
* DO research the company(s) and it's upcoming season(s) to determine
where you might fit in.
* DO cancel an audition, as early as possible so a waiting list person
can be substituted. No shows are absolutely remembered.
The Audition:
* DO be early for your audition time and let the staff know where
you are if you leave the waiting area.
* DO follow the 3 p's to success - Polite, Prepared and Punctual. Employees
and past company members often monitor auditions and nasty behavior
has a way of getting around.
* DO be careful what you say and who you talk about when waiting to
sing. You never know who is listening.
* DO dress professionally, conservatively, and comfortably.
* DO NOT spend a lot of time conferring with the accompanist.
* DO have your music in books or 3 hole punched with reinforcements
and in a binder. Each piece with a clear label/title. Tempi (metronome
marks), cuts, cadenzas, etc. clearly marked.
* DO NOT give a pianist unbound single pages.
* DO NOT give your pianist music that is wrapped in clear, shiny plastic.
It often creates a glare from lighting.
* DO be sure to correctly communicate the tempo you intend.
* DO NOT snap your fingers or tap on the piano if you are unhappy with
the tempo.
* DO NOT hug the piano when auditioning.
* DO be flexible. If a director wants to work with you a bit at your
audition, this is usually a GOOD thing and the easier you are to work
with, the better your impression.
* DO be prepared to speak at your audition as well as sing. Many auditors
like to interview singers before or after they sing. Relax and be personable.
* DO handle problems with grace. Everyone forgets words, drops an earring,
trips getting onto the stage, occasionally starts over. Acknowledge
that it happened and MOVE ON. This tells the auditor a lot about how
you'll handle yourself in the middle of a performance when unexpected
things happen.
* Excuses are not wanted at any audition - 'I have a cold,' 'my voice
teacher told me to mention,' 'my car ran out of gas,' 'the train was
late'- sing or don't sing - no whining.
* DO be sure to thank everyone.
The Repertoire:
* DO NOT sing unknown pieces. The auditors will spend the entire
time listening to the piece and not the singer. "I would rather
hear ten sopranos sing 'Quando m'en vo'in a row, as I can then prioritize
the talent more easily."
* DO follow the audition requirements. If you have been asked you to
sing something from a certain work- try to prepare it, or at least sing
from the same composer.
* If the repertoire is your choice, DO sing what you do best right now.
DO NOT sing repertoire that you are working on, has great potential,
or that you have to make an excuse for.
* If repertoire is your choice, DO research the company and the upcoming
works that you are auditioning for.
* DO sing repertoire
that is in a similar style(s).
opera and oratorio auditions - you may sing a selection from the
work in which you hope to be cast.
musical theater auditions - never sing a selection from the show
but pick a similar style.
* DO NOT offer soubrette, lyric, spinto, coloratura and dramatic coloratura
roles in the same audition or on the same resume.
* DO NOT sing pieces that are difficult for the pianist to play - unless
you are specifically auditioning for that work.
* DO NOT sing long pieces/scenes - unless you are specifically auditioning
for that work.
* DO NOT sing if you are sick, if you are exhausted, or if the song isn't
ready.
Sources for local and national audition listings:
BOSTON SINGERS' RESOURCE
www.BostonSingersResource.org
STAGESOURCE
www.Stagesource.org
NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY JOB BULLETIN
www.NewEnglandConservatory.edu/career/nec_job_bulletin.html
CLASSICAL SINGER MAGAZINE
www.ClassicalSinger.com
OPERA AMERICA SINGER SERVICES
www.Operaamerica.org/singmemb.htm