1. Bass: lowest male voice type with a vocal range of E2-E4
2. Baritone: 2nd lowest male voice type with a vocal range of A2-A4
3. Tenor: 2nd highest male voice type with a vocal range of C3-C5
4. Countertenor: highest male voice type with a vocal range of E3-E5
5. Contralto: lowest female voice type with a vocal range of E3-E5
6. Alto: 2nd lowest female voice type with a vocal range of F3-F5
7. Mezzo Soprano: 2nd highest female voice type with a vocal range of A3-A5
8. Soprano: highest female voice type with a vocal range of C4-C6

This should include:

• Rep sheet at the front. 

• Sheet music of all chosen pieces "Audition ready" 

• Minimum of 4 contrasting songs. 

• (A minimum of 2 minutes no more than 4 mins in song length.) 

• Tape your sheet music together (*print one sided to do this) So it can fold out easily for the MD to use.

Prepare and practice your songs ready Auditions.



Resources for you to use are all on this Padlet. Have a read through and if you have any questions, please feel free to email me or comment on the above post.

walkers@bpc.ac.uk

Warmed up

High quality Track on USB stick in Mp3 file format.

Be prepared.

If you are asked to present a song or monologue, prepare your piece well. Memorize your selection and practice it many times. - Knowledge of context of the play/musical and writer/composer/lyricists.

Be kind to everyone and smile.

Remember that your audition for every show begins the moment you walk in the door. You may be perfect in the audition room, but rudeness or misbehavior in the lobby will be noticed.

Be on time for your appointment. PLAN YOUR TRAVEL.

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment so that all of your paperwork can be completed before you go in for your auditions. Arriving early also gives you time to relax and focus and not feel rushed.

Use your waiting time wisely.

It is great to see old friends and make new ones at an audition, but be sure to take some time to focus on your audition.

Dress appropriately.

At Stages theatre Company, we always ask that actors come dressed for movement. This means you should dress in clothes that are comfortable and will not impede your movement, but still be neat, clean and nice looking. (Please, no flip-flops, boots, high heels, wheeled shoes, etc. Sturdy shoes that stay on your feet are a must. Dance shoes are appropriate).

Introduce yourself.

When you walk into the audition room, tell us your name and the name of the piece you have prepared. This makes a good first impression.

Don’t watch the directors.

While doing your audition, do not look directly at the people you are auditioning for, unless specifically directed to do so.

Mistakes happen.

If you make a mistake, do not apologize. Remember that others may not even notice a mistake, but if you point it out to them, they will know for sure.

It’s OK to be nervous.

Don’t worry about being nervous. Just about everyone is nervous. Do your best to smile and have a good time.

Remember - They want you to succeed :)

How context affects music

• Musical style

  Context can affect how music is articulated, including the notes, rhythm, melodies, and pieces. 

• Performance

  Context can affect how music is performed, such as playing jazz guitar in a concert hall in India. 

• Understanding

  Context can affect how a piece is understood, such as how Westerners might relate organ music to being in a church. 

Factors that influence context

• Historical period: The time period in which the music was created 

• Cultural influences: The society, family, education, and growing up experiences of the composer 

• Composer intent: The composer's life and intentions 

• Societal environment: The political happenings and musical styles of the time 

Contextual analysis

Contextual analysis is the examination of a musical work within its context. This approach can help to understand how a piece of music was created and how it is received. 

1. Bass: lowest male voice type with a vocal range of E2-E4
2. Baritone: 2nd lowest male voice type with a vocal range of A2-A4
3. Tenor: 2nd highest male voice type with a vocal range of C3-C5
4. Countertenor: highest male voice type with a vocal range of E3-E5
5. Contralto: lowest female voice type with a vocal range of E3-E5
6. Alto: 2nd lowest female voice type with a vocal range of F3-F5
7. Mezzo Soprano: 2nd highest female voice type with a vocal range of A3-A5
8. Soprano: highest female voice type with a vocal range of C4-C6

Key points about connecting context to character:

• Backstory matters:

  A character's past experiences, family dynamics, and social upbringing provide crucial context to explain their current behaviors and perspectives. 

• Social and historical setting:

  The time period, cultural norms, and societal structures where a character lives significantly impact their choices and limitations. 

• Internal conflict:

  Context can reveal internal struggles a character faces, like personal trauma or societal expectations, which drive their motivations. 

• Character development:

  By exploring a character's context, writers can create more nuanced and believable characters with depth and complexity. 

Example:

• Character:

  A young woman raised in a strict religious community who is now living in a big city.

• Context:

  Her upbringing might lead to internal conflict as she navigates the freedoms of urban life while still grappling with the values instilled by her community.

• How context affects character:

  This could manifest in her behavior as being cautious, questioning her choices, or feeling conflicted about certain actions due to her past beliefs. 

Key aspects of historical context in performance:

• Social norms:

  How people interacted, class structures, gender roles, and societal expectations at the time. 

• Political events:

  Major political happenings, conflicts, or leadership that may be reflected in the performance. 

• Cultural values:

  Dominant beliefs, customs, and artistic styles prevalent during the period. 

• Economic factors:

  The economic situation of the society, including the status of different social classes. 

Why is historical context important in performance?

• Authenticity:

  Understanding the historical context allows performers to accurately portray characters and situations, adding depth and realism to the performance. 

• Interpretation:

  By considering the historical context, audiences can gain a deeper understanding of the themes and messages within a performance. 

• Critical analysis:

  Analyzing the historical context enables a more nuanced discussion of the performance, considering how it reflects or challenges societal norms of its time. 

Example:

• A play set in Victorian England: To accurately portray the characters, actors would need to understand the strict social hierarchies, gender roles, and the limitations placed on women during that era. 

Things to be working towards....

After each session:

Reflect on your development (Strengths/improvements/targets/collaboration with others/ vocal skills) doing this will make evaluations a smoother process, as all the information will be there already to use, rather than just recalling from memory.

Research into the responsibilities of a professional 'Vocalist/Singer' in the performing arts industry. How can you you apply this to your own development?

Skills and techniques you are developing: Breath control (use of diaphragm), posture, support, enunciation, timing, pitch, projection, dynamics, blending, the difference of techniques used for a pop song vs musical theater... FULL List of skills to refer to in Docs uploaded.

Creating a performing arts CV is essential for showcasing your skills and experiences in the entertainment industry. Here are some key points to consider when crafting your CV:

• Highlight your most significant stage, screen, or performance pieces: Elaborate on the roles and productions that best showcase your talents and range.

  
  

• Include relevant training, workshops, or masterclasses: List any special skills that can make you stand out, such as singing, dancing, or mastery of an instrument.

• Use a simple and concise format: Recruiters are looking for candidates who match their ideal job profile.

  
  

• Incorporate a touch of color in headers or section breaks: Ensure it doesn’t detract from readability, especially in more conservative industries.

  
  

• Tailor your CV to reflect your personal brand and artistic vision: Whether you're just starting your career or looking to refresh your existing CV, this guide is designed for performers and creatives at all stages.

  
  

  
  For more detailed guidance and examples, you can explore additional performing arts CV samples and guides to see what works for your level of experience or role.