<p>I recently came across a song that I LOVE from the musical Swing!. Does anyone know if I can use this song for auditions? Or is it against the rules because it’s from a musical revue? Thanks so much!</p>
<p>As a rule at auditions, most college theater evaluators are looking for songs from a traditional book musical, something that tells a story (monologue through song). There are a few musicals that are basically revues, but with a book written to string them together. Anything Goes and Nice Work If You Can Get It are two examples of this, and songs from these shows would work. Swing! is a musical revue of jazz standards that has no book. Unless it’s a song that was originally used in a book musical (in Swing!, I believe the only song would be “I’ll Be Seeing You” from the Broadway musical Right This Way), then you may wish to keep it in your book as an alternate selection if evaluators ask you for a 3rd piece, and it’s a song that shows off your vocal range and story-telling skills. You might also consider a “standard” that was written by one of the usual list of musical theater composers/lyricists (Porter, Berlin, Gershwin, et al.) which are still good “character/story” songs. My son successfully auditioned last year with Cole Porter’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” from the MGM musical film Born to Dance. </p>
<p>It’s always recommended to check each school’s website for details of what they’re looking for. Some post specific information as to # of bars, contrasting styles and time period (Golden Age vs. contemporary - anything post HAIR). Pay attention to anything on a “DO NOT DO” list, and no Sondheim, JRB, or anything currently appearing on Broadway or within the last few years. Best of luck at your auditions!</p>