Feature: AUDITIONS: Gleefully Looking for New Vocalists at Lyric Theatre Singers

The Lyric Theatre Singers are looking for a few good men. Let me clarify that: The Lyric Theatre Singers, a unique Montreal vocal ensemble is gearing up for auditions for its 2018/19 season and are looking for talented new members, particularly for the tenor and bass/baritone sections. Fresh from their June show, Journey to Broadway, and their special appearance at the renowned Festival de Lanaudière, the community group will reunite in September to begin rehearsals for the new season.

For those readers not yet familiar with Lyric, 'The Singers' could probably best be described as glee for grownups. Similar to the fun harmonious vocal groups seen in Pitch Perfect and Glee, Lyric's shows involve a 40-member cast singing in tight harmonies with a small live band; sometimes in a concert-style formation and other times with full staging and lively choreography. "We began in 1990 as a stand and sing choir and it has developed into something more complex and interesting", describes Musical Director and Founder, Bob Bachelor. Over the years Lyric did away with their handheld choral books to create a more powerful performer-audience connection. "Our audience truly appreciates that The Lyric Theatre Singers are singing to them and not just at them," says Bachelor.

Known throughout the city for their annual December Christmas concert and June Broadway revue, The Lyric Singers offer local vocalists (currently aged 20-something to 70-something) a great opportunity to work with professional directors on a variety of musical styles. Last year's repertoire encompassed classical, swing, jazz, spiritual, and pop, along with a myriad of showtunes from Broadway's golden-age to the latest Tony Award-winning musicals. Maestro Bachelor brings up a good point that typical chorales do not cross over so many musical genres. "How many ensembles can perform a formal Christmas concert and then turn around five months later and produce a show which is the total opposite in style and concept, and perform both of them equally well?"

While many Montreal community performers may opt to do a book show over a musical revue, the advantage of Lyric is the enormous amount of stage time each performer gets. In most traditional musicals, the ensemble performs in a handful of numbers and spends a great deal of time in the wings, waiting to go on while the leads get the spotlight. With Lyric shows, performers can expect to be actively onstage for about 20 musical numbers. Solos, duets, trios, and other featured moments are spread around fairly evenly, allowing more performers a chance to shine; opportunities that chorus members would never get in a book show.

When asking alto Julia Morin, about her inaugural year with Lyric, she commented frankly "Although I felt some anxiety about being able to commit to the schedule, it quickly faded. Lyric is full of people who are passionate about music and their energy is contagious!" New members get assigned a mentor to guide them through the year, offering a way for newcomers to ease into the group, which strives to foster an inclusive bilingual professional rehearsal environment. "There were a few times I was unable to be at rehearsal and my new friends were always ready to help me catch up on material I'd missed," laughed Morin.

Morin has now stepped up to coordinate new member auditions for the season. There are openings in all vocal sections but a stronger need for male singers. Auditions take place August 26 and 28 at Montreal-West United Church (88, Ballantyne North, in Montreal-West). Candidates should prepare a song from the Broadway repertoire and bring sheet music for the accompanist in the correct key as well as a photo and artistic CV (if available). Be prepared for an ear training exercise to help determine your learning level. The ability to read music is certainly helpful, but not an essential requirement. To book an audition or for any questions, contact Julia Morin (514-961-0662 or lyrictheatresingers@gmail.com) or visit lyrictheatrecompany.com.

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