Hello, all you aspiring starlets! Welcome to the blog for the Gainesville Community Playhouse's production of "Pippin." Auditions are coming up this Sunday and Monday, Jan. 25-26, at 7 p.m. at the Vam York Theater. We're hoping for a good crowd on both nights, so bring your friends!
If you've never auditioned for a show at the GCP before, you should know we're always looking for new talent. True, a musical is a big time commitment, but you'll have a lot of fun and meet some great people along the way. If you love musical theatre, or just performing arts in general, this is the place for you.
Auditions for GCP musicals usually consist of singing, dancing and cold reading from the script. You should come prepared to sing 16 measures of a song (bring the sheet music with you). You might also be asked to sing some scales to show your vocal range. We have great piano players who are used to playing at auditions. The dance portion is designed to see how you move and if you can follow directions. Cold readings help the production staff determine if you are right for a part.
Here are a few tips for a good audition:
1. Be prepared. Know your song well and be comfortable with performing it. Sometimes the key on the sheet music is different from a recorded version of a song, so make sure you've practiced with the sheet music before you come.
2. Research the show. If you have no clue what "Pippin" is about, read the Wikipedia article, look it up on YouTube, and listen to the soundtrack. It will help you have an idea of what the directors are looking for in certain parts.
3. Dress appropriately. You don't have to show up looking like a red carpet celebrity, but do use some common sense. The I-just-rolled-out-of-bed-and-put-on-whatever-was-closest-to-me-on-the-floor look does not scream "good first impression." We'll leave it at that.
4. Everyone is nervous. Even people who have been in several shows still get nervous about auditions. Try to relax, have some fun and meet the people sitting next to you. You'll be fine.
5. Consider taking a chorus role if it's offered. I know, everybody wants to be a lead, and you just might get it, but in case you don't, chorus roles are a great way to get your foot in the door and show what you can do as we get to know you better, which might pay off in later auditions.
That's all the wisdom I have for today. Bookmark the blog for all the latest news on "Pippin" as the show goes into rehearsals. We have some fun stuff planned!
Break a leg at auditions. Who knows, maybe you'll see me there...
xo xo GCP Girl
