Get the Callback: The Art of Auditioning for Musical Theatre

All great auditions require preparation and practice, but what's the secret to securing a callback? What are the best ways to prepare for that pivotal moment? And once you're in front of the casting director, what does it take to make the most out of your moment in the spotlight? In this second edition of Get the Callback: The Art of Auditioning for Musical Theatre, Jonathan Flom provides practical advice on the many facets of preparation, including selection of songs and monologues to suit your voice and the audition, organizing and arranging your music, working with the accompanist, and presenting yourself to the casting team. The book gives a detailed description of the actual audition performance and even offers advice on how non-dancers can survive a dance audition. In addition to extensively revised chapters on the audition process and how to build a repertoire book, this guide also features updated chapters on headshots, resumes, and cover letters; voice training techniques from Matthew Edward; advice from musical director Joey Chancey; and a foreword by casting director Joy Dewing. Aimed at professionals as well as young artists, this second edition of Get the Callback is a must-have for both seasoned and aspiring musical theatre performers.

About the Author :
Jonathan Flom is associate professor of Musical Theatre at Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University (Winchester, VA). He is the author of Get the Callback: The Art of Auditioning for Musical Theatre (Scarecrow, 2009) and Act Like It's Your Business: Branding and Marketing Strategies for Actors (Scarecrow, 2013).

Review :
Get the Callback offers a methodic guide to the audition process, from preparation to culmination, whether a curt 'thank you' or a contract. . . . Writes in a straightforward manner with a touch of humor. The format will not intimidate students, but is detailed enough to be useful for the aspiring professional. . . . The style is direct, the writing is economical, and the counsel. . . is practical. . . . A useful and reasonably priced reference source.-- "Journal of Singing " This handbook offers practical advice on all the facets of auditioning for musical theater in high school and college students, with an entire chapter devoted to auditioning for college training programs.-- "Reference and Research Book News" Jonathan Flom has put together the perfect resource for performers ready to enter the audition circuit. Whether you are a high school student ready to audition for college theatre programs, or a college student entering the professional world, this book is a must read. What a wonderful and much needed resource. It will be an integral part of my curriculum.--Lori Sessions, Theatre Director, JP Taravella High School, Coral Springs, FL Listening is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other. Listen to what Jonathan Flom has to say in this book. He's offering you the gifts of his own first hand experiences, education, and expertise in his field. Please read, listen, and learn from what he has carefully put down on paper and the joy of auditioning is easily yours! Well, maybe not easily. But this book is his gift to you so that you can give your gifts to audiences. And isn't that ultimately what auditioning's about?!--Ed Linderman, Composer, Musical Director You could sign in and do the auditions, one after another, hoping and wishing and spending month after month, perhaps year after year, wondering why you are getting close but no closer, running in place and not getting callbacks, not getting cast. Or, you could read Jonathan's book and start auditioning like a pro.--Mark Olsen, professor of Acting and Movement, Penn State University School of Theatre In this second edition of Get the Callback, Flom not only updates the first edition but shifts the focus from 'getting the job' to 'getting the callback, ' which is something the prepared actor can actually control. A great guide for young actors in high schools and colleges who are embarking on their careers--but also offering good reminders for those already out in the profession--the book covers all aspects of the audition process: preparation, pulling in new material, the actual audition, how to talk to the accompanist, how to interact with the audition panel, the callback. Flom even covers aspects of the process that are often overlooked--how to read audition announcements properly, the best head-shot styles and résumé layouts--and includes an updated list of repertoire styles and genres. Finally, Flom provides sound advice about how to negotiate a job offer. In other words, this one little volume is an invaluable resource for anyone who plans to audition for a musical theater production--whether in high school, college, or professional theater. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; graduate students; professionals.-- "Choice Reviews"