Auditioning for the Musical Theatre (Paperback)

~ (Author), Charles Strouse (Foreword)
Key Phrases: imaginary acting partner, acting beat, audition situation, Music Corp, Miss Jones, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

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

Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (January 5, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140104992
• ISBN-13: 978-0140104998
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #152,873 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 49 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.

16 of 17 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" (Hippyville USA) - See all my reviews

While this book is, of course, geared torwards musical theater, there are many tips in here that can be used for any kind of audition.

The other review for this book was so good, I almost don't want to write a review, but I want to so, here I am. :D

I decided to find books on acting last year and I stumbled across this one.

At the time I wasn't auditioning for any musicals, but I started reading it anyways. I didn't think much of it though, I mean I thought it was helpful, but I wasn't able to see its true practicallity until I was actually in the middle of the audition process.

I found this book extremely useful because it told me how and when to move during a song. And it taught me how to stand out from the "pack" of other singers/actors and make an impact. It also helped me gain some much needed confidence in my own performance abilities.

Also, if you don't sing, but you act, it gives you some pretty good reasons to think about, as to why you may want to consider learning to sing as well. :)

I would reccomend this book to any actor along with "Audition". These too books alone will teach you enough to get through auditions. But I also suggest reading some books about finding your own technique as well. One book I have been reading recently that is quite helpful is "The Actor Speaks". It is a book that has around 20 different actors talking about their own personal technique, and will help you discover or at least really think about your own.

So, what are you waiting for? Get this book, and start improving your abilities today!!!

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

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.