So, my kid has less-than-stellar pre-screen results (passed one school, deferred to acting in another, and failed two), so we are thinking of strategy going forward. His rep was geared for one of his favorite schools, a school that seems to emphasize contemporary musicals and has even suggested that, in the future, performers need to be strong on rock repertoire. Unfortunately, that is one of the schools that turned him down after pre-screen. So, at this point, does he just stick to his guns and keep practicing that rep, or does he go a safer route and choose more traditional pieces that he sings well. He has always been told that a good actor takes risks, but is rock-contemporary (from newer musicals) too risky? Should he go for a more classical sound instead? Or do we tailor of each school, running the risk of getting it wrong. Any thoughts? So tough to know what to do…
I would consider possibly changing the song choices, but not because they are contemporary. Contemporary MT itself is not a risk. It may be good to have one contemporary and one more traditional MT. I don’t think the issue is necessarily that he sang contemporary songs. But simply maybe these songs are not the best choice to show him off (on the other hand, it was fine for one school and we know how competitive this process is!). I would suggest working with his voice teacher or coach to discuss which songs in his entire repertoire show his talent and skill set the best. Rather than worry so much as to what they want to hear, pick songs that are the best choices for him (while meeting any specific stated requirements). You mention about taking risks being good. Generally, that is true in this field and in classes, but not so much when it comes to college auditions. I’d opt to show his best stuff, rather than risk taking for this situation.
Are you working with a coach? I would have someone who knows the schools and what they want listen to his songs and tell him upfront what he needs to do - keep them or move on.
Another reason to change up his rep is to build confidence. If he feels that this rep didn’t do the trick and he continues to use it in future auditions, he may always wonder what if he had changed it.
While not quite the same, my D did only one audition in her year prior to the holidays. It was Early Action (non-binding) at Emerson. She was accepted to Emerson in December, but deferred to Regular Decision for the BFA admissions. After that result, my D decided to change ONE of her two songs. She was quite successful in most of her auditions/admissions after that. Can’t say if the song change played a part in that.
Also, for the record, my D’s two songs were contemporary, and not traditional MT, except she did have a pre-1960 song for just the schools that required that. She was accepted at schools where she sang two contemporary pieces. So, again, I don’t think your son’s issue is that the songs are contemporary, but simply that maybe these two songs didn’t show off his talents as well as perhaps another choice might (hard to say, without consulting with a voice teacher or song coach). And of course, not every school is going to say yes anyway. But I see early results as a chance to maybe change things up a bit before going forward. My kid did that.
Thanks. @4gsmom, S is working with a coach and that is how we came up with the rep. His coach auditions thousands of singers each year (professional MT) and she thought his pieces, while not obscure, are ones that she rarely hears. She is surprised by his pre-screen results, but due to schedules, we will not be able to meet with her until after his first audition. @sooziviet, I like your idea of changing one piece, in case there is a confidence issue. Ugh, this all feels like such a gamble…
I agree with @soozievt, even if he sang his rock-contemporary pieces beautifully in his prescreens, it may help his confidence to change it up a little since he was less than pleased with his results.
I would suggest putting something more traditional in his book. Some schools may ask what else he has that he can sing so it would be nice to have one available. I would suggest he maybe do just one rock piece and something more traditional rather than doing 2 rock songs.
Some other things to consider: as I just alluded to, make sure his two pieces are contrasting. Schools want to see differences in tempo and style. Make sure your songs do that. And make sure they show his range if possible. Also make sure he truly connects with the pieces. Did he really love and feel comfortable with them? Do the characters he is portraying make sense - could he truly play these characters in a show?
Thanks @soozievt. He has a good book that shows quite a broad range, so he will always have something if auditors ask. The pre-screen had one contemporary rock piece and one very old (1940s) swing/jazz piece. We chose this because he likes it, it fits his personality, and contrasted with the other. Also, we didn’t want to go to the pieces that are in golden-age anthologies, as we felt they were possibly overdone. Now I’m thinking he should choose a more conventional golden-age piece, of which he has some good ones in his repertoire.
Not all golden-age songs are overdone. It also is not necessary to find something obscure. Stay away from the MOST overdone ones, but it is OK if it isn’t unique! Show off what he can do and yes, a range of skills. It more important to find the right songs to show off someone’s skills and talents than worry too much about finding a unique song or one they will like, etc.
D got a “no” from her November audition last year. (In hindsight - she SHOULD have gotten a no from them, program was all wrong for her and she would have been miserable there- they just figured it out before we did) That shook her up- and our strategy was to dig in with some things (monologues and 2 of her songs) and shake up others. Example- we bought an all new audition outfit (ok- we bought 2) all the way down to the shoes. And she started working on some new songs with voice teacher that she LOVED rather than what she thought was “right”. One is still her go to audition song to this day
Here’s my take … and it’s only my opinion …
Make sure your pre-screen pieces are things you love and that you can knock out of the park - and if you’re second guessing now, change them. Because if you don’t, you’re always going to wonder “what if?”
My daughter only passed one pre-screen - and that was the one where we redid her pieces.
And congrats on getting the thumbs up from one of your son’s pre-screens! All you need is one! =D>
@claire74 - sorry! The way I read your original post, I thought your son had used 2 contemporary rock songs in his pre-screen which is why I wrote my response the way I did. It is obvious you have a well thought out and diverse set of rep in his book. Knowing that, I would revisit the songs in his book and pick those he does best no matter the time period or style. Then narrow it down to the 2 he can really knock out of the park. Again, I think the suggestion of changing one of the pieces is a good one.
I will say I would try to stick with 2 main pieces for most auditions, simply because the more they practice and present them, the more confident they are with their pieces during an audition. This is not to say you shouldn’t have others prepared in case you are asked for something else. But in general, I think keeping it simple works best as there is so much to stress about in this process.
Another suggestion is to get some outside opinions - I know you have a coach. But maybe there are other experts in your area who might give their two cents. Or I know there has been discussion on here of a website that allows you to upload your prescreen and get feedback – I just can’t remember the name of it now. Anyone?
Honestly, quite possibly there was absolutely nothing wrong with his prescreen. I don’t believe you mentioned which schools you submitted to, but as you know, many of them are so highly competitive, it is relatively common not to get through them all. So congrats on the ones you passed.
And as far as the “re-direction” for one school, you may want to look at the thread discussing a few posters’ re-direction from MT to Acting at Ithaca as a result of their pre-screen. That re-direction is not necessarily a bad thing. At some schools there is a lot of synergy between the acting and MT programs. Often you can get fabulous acting training and still find a way to get to study voice and dance while being an acting major - so you may want to look into what the “redirection” would mean. You may find he likes the curriculum and will get as good or better training as in the MT program at that particular school. Getting redirected is still a win. There are many who are just told no!
Best of luck to you! I’m sure you all will figure out the best pieces moving forward and your S will have an awesome audition season!
Is Stagelighter.com the site you are referring to @vvnstar? That would be a good place to get some feedback.
Yes, thanks @mom2MTgal! @claire74- you may want to check out stagelighter.com if you want to get an impartial opinion of his prescreen material. I personally have not used that sight but it has been mentioned numerous times on CC so may be a way to get an outside opinion. Good luck!
I would also make sure the monologue and acting of the songs is strong in addition to reviewing the song choices. A lot of times it is the acting faculty that make many of the pre-screen and even final decisions. They tend to be pickier about the acting than the voice.
~VT