<p>I certainly don’t think it’s a <em>requirement</em> to have to sing or play the instrument. That’s clearly not so. And I also don’t think you cannot get in if you’re a bad singer or if you don’t play an instrument. </p>
<p>But I do feel that in this extremely competitive process, it never hurts to increase your odds. Does that mean you have to be a MT level singer? No. But I do think it means you should be prepared in case they ask you to sing. Sure, some people blurt out something and get in. But again, we’re talking maximizing your chances. . </p>
<p>I’m worried that the straight actor might take away the message that they don’t really have to worry about preparing a song. Honestly, I think it really helps to have a couple of songs prepared just in case. This does <em>not</em> mean you have to be a great singer. But I do think it helps to find a voice teacher who will work with you to find a couple of songs that even a non-musically inclined person can sing a capella with comfort and security, and sound good. To my mind it’s about maximizing your chances and walking in there really prepared. If they don’t ask you, fine. But if they do, then you will be ready.</p>
<p>PS. Hope that didn’t come across as harsh or pompous. It’s hard when you can’t edit your posts after the initial time runs out. I agree with what everyone is saying, only I wanted to say that I feel people should prepare for a song or two just in case.</p>
<p>It will definitely be a requirement to sing if you are auditioning for a program in MUSICAL THEATRE. It might even be a requirement to play an instrument (as we saw with RCS).</p>
<p>But even some programs in THEATRE, or ACTING, or DRAMA (without the “musical” adjective) will also require you to sing at your audition. Read ALL audition instructions from EACH school you are auditioning for.</p>
<p>As everyone has been saying, if you have to sing for your audition, and you are not a singer, PICK AN EASY SONG.</p>
<p>They are just using the singing to evaluate other things about you, your voice, your stage presence, comfort on stage, etc. They are not looking for Pavarotti.</p>
<p>KEVP</p>
<p>Forgive the meta-critique but I think our posts come across more persuasively when we avoid using caps for emphasis. Caps are read as shouting, whether or not that is the author’s intention. We can make our points clear enough without shouting at each other. :)</p>
<p>Yes, why not sharpen your tools if you can? No need in staying tone-deaf as a singer if you can hone the skill a little. It will only help you later on as an actor, even a straight actor, if you can actually sing a little if you need to. But it isn’t a polished performance song they are looking for if it is part of a BFA Acting audition. NJTheatreMom’s story illustrates what they are seeking perfectly! They want a risk taker, comfortable-in-your-own-skin-while-singing-even-if-you-can’t-sing kind of person.</p>
<p>Thanks all. </p>
<p>My son will gladly sing even though he can’t, so at least he has that going for him.</p>
<p>As you all know finding time for yet something else he has to do to get into college, even if fun, puts a strain on him and the whole family. Our family summer vacation has now become college tours.</p>
<p>shacherry, same here! Maybe we’ll meet you along the highway somewhere…</p>
<p>My D went exclusively BFA Acting and was asked to sing at Minnesota, UMiami, and I’m sure others. At both auditions they looked at her resume asked her to sing, a capella, music from one of the musicals she had been in.</p>