Musical theatre is a tough and over-crowded industry. Yet, despite the huge competition, many performers find auditioning difficult with little knowledge of what the directors, creative teams and producers are looking for, or how to win the panel over with their unique talent. As a leading international casting director, Neil Rutherford has seen thousands of hopefuls audition over the years. Uniquely, he also understands what it is like to audition from his years as a professional actor in musical theatre. This book provides a unique perspective on the musical theatre audition process and how to improve the chances of landing a role. With wit, humour and insight, Neil Rutherford guides the reader through the crucial elements of musical theatre auditions, opening up the process of casting and auditioning to the thousands of hopefuls trying to secure work in this industry every year, as well as anyone involved in musical theatre. With a foreword by Tony-award-winning director Bartlett Sher, the book also contains contributions from some of the world's leading directors and musical directors, including Sir Richard Eyre and Jerry Mitchell, adding further valuable insight from those at the centre of the musical theatre world. This book is a vital tool for anyone hoping to improve their audition chances and survive in the world of musical theatre.

Neil Rutherford's book provides a unique perspective on the musical theatre audition process from the viewpiont of one of the most influential and commercial casting directors in the West End, who has also had extensive experience as a professional actor.

It’s 1945. American soldiers return home to ticker tape parades and overjoyed families; Private First Class Donny Novitski, singer and songwriter, returns with the hope of rebuilding his life with just the shirt on his back and a dream in his heart. When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation’s next swing band sensation, Donny joins forces with a motley group of fellow veterans, and together they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen. However, complicated relationships, the demands of the competition, and the challenging after-effects of war may break these musicians. But, when Donny meets a beautiful, young singer named Julia, he finds the perfect harmony in words and music that could take this band of brothers all the way to the live radio broadcast finale in New York City. Victory will require every ounce of talent, stamina, and raw nerve that these musicians possess.

All great auditions require preparation and practice, but what’s the secret to securing a callback? What are the best ways to prepare for that pivotal moment? And once you’re in front of the casting director, what does it take to make the most out of your moment in the spotlight? In this second edition of Get the Callback: The Art of Auditioning for Musical Theatre, Jonathan Flom provides practical advice on the many facets of preparation, including selection of songs and monologues to suit your voice and the audition, organizing and arranging your music, working with the accompanist, and presenting yourself to the casting team. The book gives a detailed description of the actual audition performance and even offers advice on how non-dancers can survive a dance audition. In addition to extensively revised chapters on the audition process and how to build a repertoire book, this guide also features updated chapters on headshots, resumes, and cover letters; voice training techniques from Matthew Edward; advice from musical director Joey Chancey; and a foreword by casting director Joy Dewing. Aimed at professionals as well as young artists, this second edition of Get the Callback is a must-have for both seasoned and aspiring musical theatre performers.

The "Audition Doctor" of Backstage shares the secrets of successful auditioning for the musical theatre. Fred Silver uses his twenty-five years of experience in the theatre, training thousands of actors, to give vital advice on: ·Choosing the right voice teacher or vocal coach ·Why auditioning for a musical is different from auditioning for a play ·Choosing the right material ·How to act a song ·What to sing at a callback ·How to handle the accompanist ·What to wear to auditions ·How to "sell" a comedy number ·How to handle stage fright Plus lists of more than 130 excellent yet unusual songs -- including selections suitable for juvenile actors, romantic leads, character actors, comics, and performers who are primarily dancers. With a foreword by Charles Strouse, composer of Annie and Bye Bye Birdie. "When Fred Silver writes, it is worthwhile to read carefully, and practice what he teaches." -- Donald Pippin, music director of Oliver, Mame, A Chorus Line, and La Cage Aux Folles

With guts, love, and her finger on the pulse, rock musical audition coach Sheri Sanders shares the essential tools artists need to interpret rock material with openness, sensitivity, creativity, and authenticity so they may succeed in the audition room and on stage. It includes tips from interviews with industry insiders and innovators.

In the United States, there are 300,000 actors; 100,000 hold union cards. There are 184 college theater programs and 108 performing-arts high schools. There are 578 acting schools and coaches in New York City and Los Angeles alone. The Complete Professional Audition is the one book all of those actors need-because before actors can act, they have to pass the audition! Here's practical, hand-holding advice for choosing material, rehearsing, warming up, staying calm, standing out in a crowd, understanding casting, avoiding pitfalls, following up, getting the right headshot and resume, and accepting an offer. There's even a section on handling rejection-not that The Complete Professional Audition user is ever going to need that, of course. Ultra-useful appendices of recommended songs and monologues (yes!) make this the complete guide for everyone with an audition coming up. • Designed for both play and musical auditions • There are 300,000 actors and acting students in the US-and all of them want an edge at the audition • Through his workshops and seminars, author Darren Cohen knows exactly what actors need to pass an audition and get that part • Practical, down-to-earth ideas that work From the Trade Paperback edition.