<p>Firstly, has anyone here had any experience with submitting a taped audition to Syracuse?</p>
<p>See… I’ve caught on a bit of a snag regarding my video audition; they’re supposed to be post-marked by Jan 1, but the problem is, my piano accompaniest bailed on me last minute. Unexpectedly awful turn of events. So one of my few questions is: what in the world do I do now? If I can’t find another accompaniest in time… Should I do this acapella or with a backing track? I’d email the school, but what with it being Christmas week, I’m not sure how well that’ll go. Ugh, bad timing.</p>
<p>Also, I’m a little confused re: the requirements on the website. Two contrasting monologues (comedy & drama), no more than 2 min in length and two contrasting songs as wellbut the site says that in a live audition, you’d sing one and be prepared to sing the other if you have to. Would I sing both for my tape, then?</p>
<p>I know all of this is horribly last minute. :\ But I’m grateful for any advice from you guys! I’m also sending off an email to Syracuse and hopefully things will come together in time… eep.</p>
<p>I would suggest that you should not sing a cappella. Tracks could be an option if you really can't find an accompanist... is it really impossible to find another accompanist? Depending on where you live see if you can find another. If you are in a more metropolitan area, you probably can probably find an accompanist "last minute". Have you contacted your school music director, the local church accompanist, local piano teachers? An accompanied audition is 100% preferable to a cappella (most schools insist that all auditions be accompanied), but unless Syracuse specifically says no tracks for video auditions -- a click track would be the next best thing. </p>
<p>Unless it says to only include one song on the video, I would include the two. </p>
<p>Please don't sing a capella. That's never a good idea even if it's not specifically forbidden. If your songs are not too obscure, you can probably purchase a pre-recorded track. There are a number of companies that make them -- Pocket Songs is one that I've used and the quality is good. Of course, if you can find another accompanist, that would be your best bet.</p>
<p>I'm in Singapore, so really, it's nothing but metropolitan here. Unfortunately, anyone I know from school that could accompany me are away on holiday (flying back to the US, etc), including the music directors. I haven't thought to check around with local pianists and it is definitely worth a shot - I just hope the time of year and language barrier doesn't prove too much of a problem. :</p>
<p>If all else fails, I may just purchase a pre-recorded track, yes. I just wasn't sure if that was acceptable. But thank you so much for your words of advice, KatMT and onstage!</p>
<p>Another question that isn't answered by the video guidelines on the site... I'm assuming that it is best the video be uncut and that it's a straight shot throughout. Is that correct, or would some editing be permissable (getting into position for a dance, moving to start the CD, etc)?</p>
<p>I only ask because my father is getting very temperamental about the specifics and isn't pleased that I can't give him a straight answer. :</p>
<p>It is fine to cut you getting into position for the dance, turning on the CD, etc... You would not want to edit the actual pieces you are performing, but the nuts and bolts of making the video would be good to edit out. Good luck finding an accompanist or getting tracks.</p>
<p>Well, it looks like things have come around for the better. Hopefully it's good enough. But thank you so much for your support and advice!</p>
<p>I've just got one more question. Those auditioning by tape are asked to comment on training, background, experience and personal goals in theatre. There's no time limit on this audition but obviously I don't want it to be too long. I've already got something written up and in mind but how long/short do you suggest would be approrpriate?</p>
<p>Do they suggest a time length for the entire audition? I know your monologues should total 2 minutes, but what about song length? I would estimate that your spoken section should not be longer than either the songs or monologues. 1 - 2 minutes at most. I would suggest having an outline of what you want to say, but try to be relaxed and conversational rather than memorizing. They are probably just as interested in your personality as your resume -- so try to show them WHO you are as well as what you've done.</p>
<p>There's no time length for the whole audition, unlike Ithaca (4 min total!). The song(s) should be no more than 90 seconds, so I've got my music cut to that. I'm going to try for about a minute on my spoken section. And yes, I've got notes rather than a memorised paragraph; I just don't want to appear too casual, ahaha. </p>