Is It Taboo to Sing a Song from the Role You’re Auditioning For in a Musical or Theme Park Audition?!
Once you know which role you’re auditioning for, you may find yourself wondering, “Should I sing a song from that role?” or “Should I avoid singing the same song that will be used in the actual performance?”
The short answer is: No, it’s not necessarily a bad idea to sing a song from the role you’re auditioning for. However, there are a few important things you should keep in mind and is it's really worth to do so.
The Benefits of Singing a Song from the Role
Choosing a song from the role you’re auditioning for can make it easier to show your understanding of the musical and the character. It also allows the casting team to get a better sense of whether your voice, expressive ability, and emotional delivery match what they are looking for in that role.
The Drawbacks of Singing a Song from the Role
There is, however, another side to consider.
The judges are the people who work on and run the production. In other words, they have probably heard the professional performers sing these songs hundreds of times.
So, if you choose a song that is closely associated with the role, you naturally need to demonstrate a level of vocal ability and confidence that can hold its own against the professional performances they are used to hearing.After all, the judges are human too. Whether they realize it or not, they may naturally compare your performance with the professional version they hear regularly.
Choosing a song from the role can therefore mean raising the bar for yourself. There is another thing to keep in mind: singing a song from the role is an option that many auditionees will naturally consider.
Imagine that several people decide, “I’m going to sing that song!” The judges may then hear the same song over and over again as they audition dozens of people in a single day.
And again, the judges are only human lol. Eventually, they may simply get tired of hearing it.
After listening to the same song repeatedly, it can become difficult to distinguish one performance from another. You may even risk creating a negative impression: “Oh, this song again!”
This is one of the reasons why auditions often allow applicants to choose a song freely rather than requiring them to sing a specific song, especially during the early stages of the audition process.
Tips for Choosing Your Audition Song
If the audition specifies a song or a song from the show, follow the instructions first and foremost.
If you are given a choice, consider selecting a song that you know well, one that sits comfortably within your vocal range, and—most importantly—one that allows your strengths to shine.
It can also be effective to choose a song that connects naturally with the story and character of the role you are auditioning for.
I’ve also written another article about song selection, so be sure to check it out: “How to Choose the Perfect Audition Song | Tips for Showcasing Your Strengths”
3 Things to Check When You're Unsure About Your Song Choice
Does this song showcase the best qualities of my voice?
Does my personality connect naturally with the image of the character?
Can I communicate a story and emotion even within a short audition time?
I believe these three points are the most important things to consider!
Remember: It’s Not Just About “Becoming the Character”
In an audition, the casting team is not only looking at how well you can become the character. They are also looking for the unique voice, personality, and expressiveness that only you can bring.
Even if you choose a song from the role, don’t simply try to imitate the original performer. Instead, ask yourself:
“If I were to play this character, how would I sing this song?”
That is where you can start to make the song truly your own.
If you’re unsure about your song choice or how you should approach the song, try recording yourself and listening back objectively. You can also ask a vocal coach or instructor for feedback.
From the preparation stage onward, work on developing a song that allows your unique strengths to shine.
At Mayu's Provocal School, we offer audition preparation for performers auditioning both in Japan and internationally.
If you’re preparing for a musical, theme park, or other performance audition, please feel free to get in touch with us ♪Contact Us ♪
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