Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I received the book in a very timely manner and the book was in good condition. I would buy other products from this seller.

I am not too impressed with this book, nor its author, Donald Oliver, with whom I had the "priviledge" of taking a series of his classes. His book, and consequently, his methods, are far too rigid; the guidelines in the book are presented to the reader as if they are the ONLY way to do an audition, and if you don't do it HIS way, you are wrong. He even provides a list of songs NOT to sing. However, I believe that a successful audition is not about following a set of rules, but rather what works for each actor. A song might be overdone, but if one can do it, and do it well, then, by all means, do the song. Additionally, Donald Oliver is a pompous, arrogent man, who "name drops" to try to impress his students, and believes that his way is the only way. Do not buy into the "rules" of this book. If you must read this book, only use it as a reference. I recommed the book "NEXT" by Steven M. Alper instead.