<p>In researching the audition process, I have run across several sites which suggest that students shoud stick with audition material that is gender, age, and race appropriate. The gender and age I guess I naturally assumed but the race part through me. As the mother of a D involved in theater since she was 8, most of the roles she has played were not race compatible. Actually, I am not sure that she has ever played a role where the part was written for an African-American female (except the Lion King) and she has leading roles in Annie, Anastastia, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Our Town, and Miss Saigon as well as other productions. Once Directors heard her sing, race was never as issue. We never shied away from an audition because the lead role was Russian or Vietnamese or whatever? </p>
<p>Help, what do we do if this is correct? Her repetoire will need immediate expansion. What songs and monologues can she appropriately use? </p>
<p>Is there much diversity at Michigan?
Does the school choose applicants for reasons beyond their vocal and acting abilities? ( Meaning I understand the they need a colorature, a mezzo, an alto but do they typecast for plays with respect to race)</p>
<p>I know this is a sensitive topic but I don’t have anyone else to help me with the answers. Any insight you can give me is greatly appreciated as my goal is to help guide my D to a successful and happy educational experience.</p>