The purpose of this course is to compile a successful audition book with contrasting styles and appropriate repertoire for the student. The student will also research each song contained within their audition book. Research will include material concerning the show that contains the specific audition song, the composer/lyricist, specific traits of the character performing the song, etc. Research will be done outside of class each week, and presented to the instructor for grading.
Performances of certain song material will also happen periodically throughout the semester and at the final exam.
In order for a student to receive disability accommodations under Section 504 of the
Americans with Disabilities Act, he or she must contact Student Counseling Services
(SCS). SCS will assist with information regarding the appropriate policy and procedure for disability accommodations before each semester or upon immediate recognition of the disability. SCS is located in Alumni Hall Room #4 or you may contact them by phone at 601-925-7790. The Director of Student Counseling
Services, Dr. Bryant may be reached via email at mbryant@mc.edu
.
Mississippi College has adopted the practice of finding students early in the semester who may be exhibiting behaviors that could ultimately have a negative impact on their academic progress. These behaviors are often called “red flag” behaviors and include, but are not limited to, excessive absences, poor test grades, and lack of class participation or evidence of non-engagement. Identifying these behaviors early gives the instructor the opportunity to raise the “red flag” on behalf of a particular student so that the student can take the appropriate action to redirect his/her progress. The system alerts the student, the student’s advisor, and the
Office of Student Success.

These messages are intended to help a student recognize an area of concern and to encourage him/her to make some choices to improve the situation. When a student receives an Early Alert message, the student should quickly make an appointment to talk with his/her professor about the situation. Also, students can make full use of the Office of Student Success to set academic goals and connect to campus resources.
Week One (Jan 12-16):
Introduction to class and explanation of assignments
Week Two (Jan 19-23):
Turn in one song study, and perform audition song
Determine possible cut
Week Three (Jan 26-30):
Turn in two song studies and discuss in class
Determine possible cuts
Week Four(Feb 2-6):
Turn in one song study and perform audition song
Determine possible cuts
Week Five (Feb 9-13):
Turn in two song studies and discuss in class
Determine possible cuts
Week Six (Feb 16-20)
Turn in one song study and perform audition song
Determine possible cuts
Week Seven (Feb 23-27)
Turn in two song studies
Determine possible cuts
Perform 3 of your previously studied audition songs
*Mid term – consider audition book and how to navigate second half of semester

Week Eight (March 2-6)
Turn in one song study
Spring Break
Week Nine (March 16-20)
Turn in one song study and perform audition song
Determine possible cuts
Week Ten (March 23-27)
Turn in two song studies and discuss in class
Determine possible cuts
Week Eleven (March 30-Apr 3)
Turn in one song study and perform audition song
Determine possible cuts
Week Twelve (Apr 6-10)
Turn in two song studies and discuss in class
Determine possible cuts
Week Thirteen (Apr 13-17)
Turn in one song study and perform audition song
Determine possible cuts
Week Fourteen (Apr 20-24)
Turn in two song studies and discuss in class
Determine possible cuts
Discuss prep for final exam
Week Fifteen (May 1)
Dead Day – Turn in Exam take home portion, and sing your best 8-bar,
16-bar and 32-bar cuts; Also sing two contrasting songs from your book that show you at your best

Each song study should thoroughly represent the following items:
 Show the song is from (synopsis, where the song fits within the show, important facts about the show, etc.)
 Composer
 Lyricist
 Specific style within the musical theatre genre
 Characteristics of that style
 Choreography (if applicable)
 Original production information
 Notable Revivals
 Notable performers who have set standards for the certain role
 Character/Role
 Character process throughout musical using musical numbers or monologues as specific markers that trace the journey the character takes within the show
 How does the character change? Do they change?
 What are some things from your life that you can use as
“substitutions” to really experience the show as the character, or communicate as the character?
*suggestions taken from excavatingthesong.org/theperfectauditionbook
 Operatic aria or classical art song; operetta
 Gilbert and Sullivan
 Early Musical Comedy/Tin Pan Alley or Vaudeville Novelty Song
 Standard ballad and up-tempo, pre-1943
 Golden Age ballad and up-tempo
 Top 40 songs (not from musicals)
 Sondheim
 Rock Musical – Ballad and up-tempo
 1960s/70s show tunes – ballad and up-tempo
 Contemporary Musical theatre – ballad and up-tempo

 Disney or film tune
 Contemporary Art Song
 Post-millennium (since 2000)
 Specialty song
 Money Cut – 8/16/and 32 bar versions