Auditioning for the Musical Theatre [Paperback]

Fred Silver (Author), Charles Strouse (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 1988

Drawing from his more than 25 years of experience coaching performers, Fred Silver, Back Stage's own "Audition Doctor," explains how to successfully audition for the musical theater. Contains a listing of over 130 audition songs.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Invaluable! -- Charles Strouse --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (January 5, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140104992
• ISBN-13: 978-0140104998
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #224,075 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Musical Auditions Will Never Be Easier!, August 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Auditioning for the Musical Theatre (Hardcover)

Fred Silver is a man who's been around the auditioning block a few times... and this experience is captured in this book for every aspiring musical theatre actor/actress. He spells everything out in terms that even the most naive actors can understand. Not only does Silver explain how to look at an audition, but he also goes into great detail about how to emphasize, breathe, stand, walk, and... well, EVERYTHING! He even talks about the use of your eyes and posture to win those directors over. Another great aspect of this book is that he provides a list of "not-overdone" songs that have worked for his students in the past. What a valuable resource for any musical actor or actress!

I, too, have been around the block when it comes to auditioning for the musical theatre. And I must say, Fred Silver's book points out many of the lessons I have learned through the process. If you want the part, read this book.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Indispensible Tool for ANY Theater Student., January 23, 2004

By 

Liolania "In2Jesus" (Oregon USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Auditioning for the Musical Theatre (Paperback)

NOTE: Revised Grammatically and Structurally on Saturday October 23, 2010.

While this book is, of course, geared towards musical theater and those interested in it, there are many tips in here that can be used for any kind of audition and it also gives tips and guide lines for those who may not be singers per say, but are primarily actors but are still interested in pursuing a role in a musical.

I decided to find books on acting last year and I stumbled across this one while I was in the library scouring the shelves for any book on acting, acting methods, or auditions.

At the time I wasn't auditioning for any musicals, but I started reading it anyways as I was certain it would be helpful in the future when I do audition (10/23/10 I can now say that it has been). I didn't think much of it though, I mean I thought it was helpful, but I wasn't able to see its true practicality at the time because I was reading it for future use, and that is probably a good thing because with things of this nature, it is good to give your self ample time to process the material so it can be put in to practice.

I found this book extremely useful because it helps you to determine exactly how and when you should move while performing a song for musical theater, which has been one of my, if not, my biggest problem in musical theater when audition or entering competitions. Mastering the blocking part alone will help anyone stand out in an audition, as many amateurs make the mistake of either not moving at all or moving too much, and if you are pursuing a professional career that is never going to get you a part no matter how good you can sing. Through learning these things I was able to help myself become more confident in my own abilities because my abilities became stronger and more polished, obviously this does not get rid of nerves, but it certainly helps ease them.

I would recommend this book to any actor along with "Audition". These two books alone will help give you knowledge, but they are no supplement for the actual experience you will get in an audition and from a good theater teacher and voice teacher. I also highly recommend the book "The Actor Speaks", that book contains around 20 different actors talking about their own personal technique, how they learned to be able to act effectively, it is a very entertaining and informative read.


God Bless ~Amy

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You want the part? Read this book, now., March 5, 2005

By 

Abermarie "Amber Marie" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Auditioning for the Musical Theatre (Paperback)

The moment I read the introduction I was hooked. Silver uses humor and wit to bring to life these practical and useful methods he shows you to give a flawless performance. He teaches you everything from how to relax before an audition to how to become the part. I can not describe to you all how much I am in debt to this man for teaching me the way to a auditioners heart. Mr. Silver will not let you down.