Musical Dilema?

Question:I have a problem, some people in my school (casting people from the musical group) approached me and asked me to play the lead in this years musical. One problem? My friend (not that good of a friend) really had her hopes on that part and she thinks that now that I'm auditioning (director says I have a foot in the door) she can just forget about it. This may be true.

the msuical is high school musical (don't ask. we are tweaking it, though) and i'm supossed to play the part of Gabriella. I'm a dramatic mezzo soprano (very dark mezzo soprano). Do you think my voice will fit? I have a lot of musical experiénce and a trained voice... but haven't audiotioned or been in one in about a year. She has no experience but sing in the chorus as a soprano.

What to do about her?

How to approach the audition? We have a voice coach, a dance instructor and a drama teacher in the jry. And I haven't auditioned n such a long time...

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have a problem, some people in my school (casting people from the musical group) approached me and asked me to play the lead in this years musical. One problem? My friend (not that good of a friend) really had her hopes on that part and she thinks that now that I'm auditioning (director says I have a foot in the door) she can just forget about it. This may be true.

the msuical is high school musical (don't ask. we are tweaking it, though) and i'm supossed to play the part of Gabriella. I'm a dramatic mezzo soprano (very dark mezzo soprano). Do you think my voice will fit? I have a lot of musical experiénce and a trained voice... but haven't audiotioned or been in one in about a year. She has no experience but sing in the chorus as a soprano.

What to do about her?

How to approach the audition? We have a voice coach, a dance instructor and a drama teacher in the jry. And I haven't auditioned n such a long time...

Unfortunately, theatre is a really difficult hobby to share with your friends.

I made a slot in a theatre troupe that two of my friends also wanted, and it has been a significant part of my life for five years; the best decision I ever made was to audition.

You should talk to your friend about it and tell her that you really want the part, too. Just say that you're going to audition for the part and whatever happens happens.

Make sure you tell her BEFORE either of you audition that if you do get the part it will probably just be because a darker mezzo soprano fits the role better than a soprano, or something.

Also: Root for both of you--tell her things like Good luck and How'd it go?

This way you'll likely land the role and keep the friendship.

Oh, and tell her she deserved the part, too.

Let me tell you something about life.... people's feelings get hurt and you can't help it sometimes, and you can't stop your own success just because someone else wants it to. What about when you get a job? They are offering someone a $20/hr raise and you both want it. Are you just going to let her have it? No... and that is the secret to life. Get ahead.

Tell your friend tha's show biz! I'm that kind of show biz kinda girl. Try out, and if you get the part tell your friend that's just how showbiz is.

singers can rarely be friends with other singers because this happens. if you are both serious about a musical career then you should go for it and she'll have to deal with it. amke no apologies but don't discuss it with her..that's show biz. if you are not serious and she is then value your friendship and step down.

The first question you have to answer for yourself is... do you want the part? If the answer is no then say that upfront- but it sounds like the answer is perhaps yes, so you need to weigh how to best present your participation in the show to your friend.

A true friend will have to put jealousy aside- and that should be extended both ways- could you do the same as what you are expecting of her if the roles were reversed? Remember, this is ultimately high school, not your future careers riding on this part- and artistic differences are no excuse for ending a friendship (my senior year I got the part of Sandy in Grease and my best friend didn't even make the cast, she was upset, but we got past it and still visit 20+ years after graduation)

As for your director that promised you a part, I never do that with my school productions. I can proudly say I have always let the audition merit be the guide to my cast- sometimes it falls predictably and sometimes a new face really surprises everyone- the cast should reflect the best possible casting for the show. So... if you want the part, say that with your heart and with an awesome audition!!!! Best of luck to you, your friend and the production.
HS choir/musical director 16 years

Way too much DRAMA.