BWW Blog: Micah Young - On Second Thought

If only we knew what people wanted, life would be easier, right? If we could read each other's minds and anticipate every step along the way in work and personal related matters, what a world this would be. Yet, we do try to do just that, and it ends up in second guessing decisions.

This happens all too often when deciding on audition repertoire. "Would they want to hear this song, or that song? If I did this song, that would be something they'd want to hear. Is it in the style of the show?" And so on. The constant questions instill self-doubt and a lack of confidence. There needs to be an evaluation of the repertoire insofar as it relates to the audition, and what sounds good in the voice of the actor. But guessing what the casting director wants to hear, and not what you want to sing doesn't always pay off.

In a recent audition for a musical, one performer thought the casting team did not want to hear something classical; they went with a different style of music. The second performer had played something classical and got the gig. Good advice is always helpful, but in this circumstance, the first performer didn't choose the repertoire that was the best choice, but repertoire that they thought was the best choice.

When I've played for actors, preparing for their audition, or even in the audition itself, it is a reminder often stated: it's your audition. You need to be able to show your best traits, and you do that by performing the repertoire that best suits you, and that you want to sing. Of course, repertoire given from the show is another matter. But when you have the chance to sing, sing what you want.