<p>So, I am applying at UNCSA for the Acting BFA and there audition requires a 16 bar song from the standard musical theater repertory. I am a singer and do musical theater but I always have trouble deciphering exactly what that means. Should I be looking at the "Golden Age" stuff or does it matter? I'm more of a belter and have an iffy head. My really high stuff (high Fish) is apparently very good, according to my voice teacher but the rest can be shaky. Plus, this audition is without an accompanist so I don't want anything too difficult acappela. I feel much more confident in my belt voice and my mid range. I'm a Caucasian girl and have dark hair. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Thanks!</p>
<p>You should ask your voice teacher. He/she is probably very familiar with musical theater songs and knows what songs would highlight your talent. More than the song itself is the importance of picking the right 16 bars from that song that showcase your talent. Try not to pick anything that is highly popular and overdone.</p>
<p>Also, recognize that the expectations of straight acting programs and musical theater programs are different.</p>
<p>At my orientation for the high school program, I was told to look at Golden Age (“Rodgers and Hammerstein? Great.”) and avoid Sondheim, brilliant as he is, and stay away from modern/rock musicals. They’re looking for something melodic that shows off your voice and what you can do. I’m sure you’ll make a great choice. Break a leg at your audition!</p>
<p>The best song in my book currently is Gimme Gimme. However, I know that it is massively overdone at college auditions. However, that is what I do well. My monologues are both from more obscure plays and not regularly used monologues. So, should I find a song that is more obscure and would the style of Gimme Gimme be a good choice? Or should it be more of a soprano-y, lyrical song?</p>
<p>I think you should do whatever song you think suits you best. I got into UNCSA just singing “Nice Work If You Can Get It” which I’m sure has been sung at college auditions billions of times. As long as it shows off your voice, and more importantly- your ability to act and tell and a story through song, any song should really work. As UNCSA is not a musical theater program and this is an a cappella audition, I wouldn’t fret too much. Break a leg!</p>
<p>BFA acting programs that require songs are not usually looking for singers. They’re looking for actors who can sing if a play requires it. Don’t worry so much about the song and focus on the monologues. Sing something you’re comfortable with, even if it’s way overdone. Again, they’re not looking for you to stun them with a song, just prove you aren’t tone deaf.</p>
<p>Hope that helps!</p>