Choosing the right song for your "Into the Woods" audition is crucial. This beloved musical features a diverse cast of characters, each with unique vocal demands and personality traits. Selecting a song that showcases your strengths while aligning with a character's arc will significantly improve your chances of success. This guide will help you navigate the process, exploring suitable songs and offering advice for a successful audition.
What Makes a Good "Into the Woods" Audition Song?
Before diving into specific song suggestions, let's establish the key elements of a strong audition piece for this show:
- Vocal Range and Skill: "Into the Woods" demands a wide vocal range and strong technique. The score is challenging, encompassing soaring melodies, intricate harmonies, and emotionally charged moments. Choose a song that showcases your best vocal capabilities.
- Character Alignment: Consider the character you'd like to play. While you don't need to choose a song directly from the show, select a piece that reflects the character's personality, emotional landscape, and vocal style.
- Dramatic Interpretation: "Into the Woods" is a character-driven musical. Your audition shouldn't just be about hitting the high notes; it should demonstrate your acting abilities and emotional range. Choose a song that allows you to portray a nuanced character and tell a story.
- Memorization: Always memorize your song. This demonstrates professionalism and allows the casting director to focus on your performance rather than your reliance on sheet music.
- Song Length: Aim for a song that's around 16-32 bars, allowing you to showcase your skills without overstaying your welcome.
Popular Song Choices and Character Matches
While no song perfectly mirrors a specific character, here are some suggestions, categorized by vocal type and character archetype:
For Characters Requiring a Strong Soprano Voice:
- "Think of Me" from The Phantom of the Opera: This song showcases a powerful vocal range and emotional depth, suitable for characters like the Witch or Cinderella. It highlights vulnerability and a sense of longing.
- "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" from Phantom of the Opera: Another strong choice for a character requiring longing and high notes. Suitable for characters such as the Baker's Wife.
- "On My Own" from Les Misérables: This ballad demonstrates emotional vulnerability and a powerful soprano range, suitable for characters such as Cinderella or even the Baker's Wife (depending on interpretation).
For Characters Requiring a Mezzo-Soprano or Alto Voice:
- "I Know Things Now" from Into the Woods (a safe bet!): If you are comfortable with the show's style, this song, showcasing a more comedic yet still emotionally resonant vocal style, is a very safe audition choice. It is from the show but not overly difficult technically.
- "The Last Midnight" from Into the Woods: If you're a more confident singer, this is a powerful song showcasing the Witch's potent vocal range and dramatic flair.
- "The Rose's Turn" from Gypsy: This powerful and dramatic ballad showcases a strong mezzo-soprano range, suitable for characters with a more mature and complex emotional landscape.
For Characters Requiring a Tenor or Baritone Voice:
- "If I Loved You" from Carousel: This beautiful duet (sing the tenor part) showcases romantic vulnerability, suitable for the Baker or Prince Charming. If you choose this, clearly state which part you are singing.
- "Maria" from West Side Story: This classic showcases vocal strength and romantic energy. It is appropriate for hopeful and slightly naive characters such as Prince Charming.
- "This is the Moment" from Jekyll & Hyde: This powerful and dramatic song showcases a strong baritone range, which could work well for characters such as the Baker or the Wolf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I don't have a strong voice but want to audition?
Focus on your acting abilities! "Into the Woods" is also about excellent character work. Choose a song that highlights your best qualities and find a way to connect its narrative to a character's story in a compelling manner.
Can I sing a song from "Into the Woods" itself for my audition?
While you can, it's often better to choose a song from a different show. This allows you to show your range and avoids direct comparison to the original cast recording. However, if you have a unique interpretation or a particularly strong vocal skill matched with a particular song choice, this can be an effective choice.
How long should my audition song be?
Aim for 16-32 bars; anything shorter might not give the casting director enough information, while anything longer will likely bore them.
What should I wear to my audition?
Dress in comfortable, yet presentable attire. Nothing too flashy; the focus should be on your performance.
By carefully considering your strengths, the character you wish to portray, and the advice provided above, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful "Into the Woods" audition. Remember, preparation and thoughtful song selection are key to showcasing your talents. Good luck!
