Choose your songs wisely.

Dale Brown

A.C.: What three songs do you never ever want to hear again at an audition?

DALE BROWN: I don’t think I really have a running list of “ugh” songs. Nonetheless, there are two things I believe helpful to keep in mind:

• In this age of needing pop/rock style songs in your book, be careful to choose wisely. Select a song that has a story arch, an emotional journey. These songs are generally written to relay a feeling, not an active story. Expect as much from your pop song as you would from those written for theater.
• Also, songs of all types come in and out of popularity to use in auditions. Have an awareness of what songs are tending to be over-done. Give yourself some options in your book in the event you’re hearing your song in the room while you’re awaiting your turn.

DALE BROWN is currently leading a 5-week Musical Theater Showcase that began Monday, January 3. Click here to learn more about the showcase.

Dale joined Tara Rubin Casting in 2007. His current specific projects with TRC include on-going casting for all US companies of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and the original casting of both BILLY ELLIOT, THE FIRST WIVES CLUB and Des McAnuff’s production of GUYS & DOLLS.

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