How to Audition for the Musical Theatre: A Step-By-Step Guide to Effective Preparation [Paperback]

Donald Oliver (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 188039958X | ISBN-13: 978-1880399583 | Publication Date: September 30, 1995 | Edition: Rev Sub

Preparation is the key to a successful audition. Donald Oliver shares his many years of Broadway experience and will show you how to build your song portfolio, what not to sing, where to find songs, how to work with a vocal coach and what to do if you forget the lyrics. All the details of good and effective preparation are discussed in a plain and straightforward way. Also included is a list of the most overdone songs. This is a book to help the novice and aid the professional do a better and more convincing audition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Donald Oliver has compiled and edited the acclaimed collection of George S. Kaufman's writings entitled By George, and The Greatest Revue Sketches. Since 1978 he has worked with Chelsea Music, Inc. in preparing the music for the Broadway productions of Assassins, Cats, Five Guys Named Moe, Guys and Dolls, Into The Woods, Jerome Robbins' Broadway, Kiss of the Spider Woman, La Cage Aux Folles, Merrily We Roll Along, Passion, Starlight Express, Sugar Babies, The Phantom of the Opera, The Secret Garden, and The Who's TOMMY, among countless other shows, films, club acts, and recordings. His show, The Case of the Dead Flamingo Dancer, written in collaboration with author/lyricist Dan Butler, was produced both in the United States and in England. As Artistic Director for the Octagon Theatre Company in New York, he co-produced well-received revivals of Knickerbocker Holiday, Zorba, and Drat! The Cat!

Product Details

• Paperback: 141 pages
• Publisher: Smith & Kraus; Rev Sub edition (September 30, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 188039958X
• ISBN-13: 978-1880399583
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #770,515 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HOW TO AUDITION FOR THE MUSICAL THEATER covers the basics., July 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Audition for the Musical Theatre: A Step-By-Step Guide to Effective Preparation (Paperback)

Donald Oliver does a brilliant job of covering all the audtioning basics in this entertaining, yet informative book. Oliver uses witty and often hysterical anecdotes to describe the neccessity of preparation, confidence, and common sense for an audition. Everything from headshots and resumes, to callbacks and casting agents is covered in a timely and humorous fashion. Oliver does a particulary fine job of describing the best types of audition songs and where to find them. Several helpful Appendices (located in the back of the book) give helpful information; lists of places to find sheet music and performing-arts texts, as well as a list of the most overdone audition songs. This is a must-have book for every actor seeking employment.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Fun, March 22, 2006

By 

Morgan McCann "theatremaniac" (Norman, OK USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Audition for the Musical Theatre: A Step-By-Step Guide to Effective Preparation (Paperback)

I am a musical theatre major at the University of Oklahoma, and I purchased this book for a class on auditions. I found however it was a much better read than a standard text book. Mr. Oliver presents a large amount of very useful tips and techniques while keeping the book very "readable". The stories he recalls from his experience provide an insight into the art of auditioning, and they prove quite amusing for anyone who has been through the ringer of an audition on any scale. The book clips along quickly and by the time you are finished you are sure to have a smile on your face and many useable pieces of information in your head.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for all Musical Theatre performers!, July 6, 2006

By 

S. Berg "Suzie B" (Calgary) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Audition for the Musical Theatre: A Step-By-Step Guide to Effective Preparation (Paperback)

This book is fantastic! It has a lot of useful information in it, and it's excellent for preparing you for an audition. I had an audition for Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! and after reading this book, I went in there feeling totally prepared, and guess what? I nailed the audition! I got 2 callbacks and now I'm in the show.
This book tells you everything you need to know. From song choice and preparation, to what to wear and how to present yourself. A definite "Must" for all those who wish to get in to Musical Theatre.