<p>Hey there!
I'm going to be auditioning on Sunday for a school-version, community production of Les Mis - I just learnt about auditions two days ago, and I'm actually quite surprised they were able to fit in a time slot for me, this being so late. I was wondering if anybody had anything that'd be helpful?</p>
<p>Some notes:</p>
<p>I've never played a part in a musical before - I'm an avid singer, and my school's chorus teacher told me straightaway that I was getting a part in Dreamgirls this year after she heard me singing in a practise room. I've read up on all the resources I can get (staying away from Sondheim, recent Broadway musicals, etc.)</p>
<p>The director wants me to sing a 16-bar excerpt of any song (I was surprised at this - was expecting at least a monologue to provide), and they'll provide an accompanist for a cold reading of the song we bring in.</p>
<p>I'm a baritone (I've got a low G and, depending on the day and how much I warm up, a high F/F#/G/G# above middle C). </p>
<p>I'll be auditioning with this song, from bare: A Pop Opera - bare:</a> A Pop Opera - Role of a Lifetime - YouTube
I was wondering if this is considered too "modern"? bare was never brought onto Broadway, although supposedly it's in the works for next year or the year after. I'm intending to sing the first 16 bars; I'm likely going to be cast in a supporting role, so I don't particularly need to hit any money notes.</p>
<p>Do you think, listening to the piano part, that it'll give the accompanist trouble? I played my excerpt on a piano after about 30 minutes of picking at it, but I'm not at all a skilled pianist.
If you want, I can send you the score.</p>
<p>First of all, I’m actually considering using that as a college audition song…small world, huh?</p>
<p>In any case, I’m not a pianist so I can’t help you with the piano question. However, from my community theater experience, generally for a first audition they just want to get an idea of what you sound like. Unless this is a very selective company, you really just need something you are comfortable singing, so if you feel comfortable singing it go for it. With you’re range, you should be able to sing the first 16 bars, Role of a Lifetime doesn’t get very high until the key change (surprising considering that Peter is a very, VERY high part at times).</p>
<p>Anyway, good luck and be sure to post how it goes!</p>
<p>For baritones, there is a wealth of music already in Les Mis. Try “Stars.” Or maybe “All I Care About is Love” from Chicago. Both musicals were made before 1990 so 20 years ago is hardly modern, even on Broadway.</p>
<p>@TRS1993: Yeah - I like Role of a Lifetime because it shows off my range quite well without pressuring me. When I worry about a particularly high note, it shows in my voice. I can even sing the entire song, with Gs and all, on a good day; it’s just that I don’t want to be really frantic about the audition, especially since this is my first musical theatre audition.
Thanks!</p>
<p>@MarlonBrando: I’ve already got a song, but I’ll be sure to look at those two for future auditions. 
Thanks!</p>
<p>In general, it’s wise to choose a song that’s similar in style to the show you are auditioning for – but most people advise against singing an actual song from the show. If you get a callback, you will often be asked to prepare a specific song from the show.</p>
<p>Whew! After a (well, I thought messy) audition, I’m getting called back tomorrow!
Wish me luck!</p>
<p>Congrats…break a leg!</p>