Theres one song in particular in my repetoire that I absolutely LOVE and feel great singing, and I have 16/32 bar cuts that work perfectly, but I’m a little concerned it isn’t popular enough. The show that it’s from wasn’t Off Broadway/Broadway - its only been in regional theatres. The show was written in 2014. Its lisenced by MTI so I am able to find synopsis of the show and understand what it is about and the context of the song, so thats not a concern.
My concern is that it may be too unheard of to sing at a college audition. I know overdone songs are a big issue but is there such thing as UNDERDONE? Every time I perform this at a masterclass or workshop, no one has ever heard of it. I saw a post on here somewhere saying that unheard of material can work in your favor because the panel will ask you about it, which starts a conversation and gives you a chance to communicate and show a bit of your personality, etc. Would there be any downsides to doing an unheard of song?
I’d love to hear any and all opinions on this or any positive/negative experience you or your S/D has had using lesser known material.
I cannot see a downside of lesser known material. If it meets the requirements, and it is a good fit for you, do it.
My D’s pre-1960 song (used for just a few of her schools) was pretty uncommon. Sometimes that is a conversation starter. Sometimes it is refreshing after they have heard certain songs repeatedly. I wouldn’t go out of my way to find something utterly unique, but if you have and it is a really good song for YOU, go with it!
One more thing…I can think of a show licensed in 2014 by MTI that only played in regional theaters. This particular show is very good for your age range. Don’t be so certain that MT faculty won’t know of it (even if your average Joe doesn’t!). For instance, if it is the musical I am thinking of, the music and lyrics are by someone who won a Jonathan Larson Grant. So some MT faculty may truly know of it.
Odds are the faculty will know it, especially if the show is licensed by MTI. To be honest, a fresh new show can have more overdone pieces than a classic, sometimes.
@soozievt Wow! I just googled a bit and you’re right about the Jonathon Larson Grant. I seriously had no idea! Thanks so much for your answer and thanks for helping me discover that bit of info!
@TheaterHiringCo Hmmm thats definitely a good point… I’d hate to go in thinking my piece is unique and end up boring the panel with an incredibly overdone song haha thank you for your reply!
One of my D’s songs was from a show that was never on Broadway. It was perfect for her type and voice and at the time (she’s a Junior now) it was new and almost no one knew the show. She loved having a completely different song!