Not the best singer ever, but wants to be in musical theater...?

Question:My friend isn't best singer ever, but she really wants to be in musical theater. What should she do? (She asked me this) She's not TERRIBLE, she's just not amazing. She's even an alto in choir.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: My friend isn't best singer ever, but she really wants to be in musical theater. What should she do? (She asked me this) She's not TERRIBLE, she's just not amazing. She's even an alto in choir.

She should stay in choir, that will keep her singing. If her family can afford it, maybe voice lessons which will help her work on her solo singing. She may have been labeled an alto in choir but a voice teacher will actually listen to her and help her extend her range as well as work on the quality of her voice. She may actually be a mezzo, you never know.

Dance classes would also be a great idea. Ballet, tap and jazz would be ideal. Of course acting as well. She should always keep trying as well. Not every role in theatre is a soprano and just because your school choir teacher has her sing in that section doesn't necessarily mean that is what she is. She may actually have a good range and can sing high to low and a voice teacher can really help with that. Singing in choir is MUCH different than singing for the theatre so I realy recommend a private teacher if at all possible. That is a long term thing, not something you do for a couple of weeks. It takes months to years to work on your voice.

good luck to her,
Marianne

Professionals have to amazing in all areas of performing. She should audition for the school musical or community theatre musicals and see if she can cut it.

Tell your friend to audition for what ever parts she wants (even lead roles with solo's) and let the casting director know she'll take any part given to her.
She may land a lead because the songs are in her range.
If she's a good (not great) singer, she'll do fine in a chorus.
If she's directable, punctual, professional, and has acting skills, she would be a great asset on any stage.
Sometimes producers ask actors to help out behind the scenes if they don't get cast in a role. If she's willing to help out in wardrobe, production, props, etc, she will learn valuable lessons about theater, meet contacts who can tell her about other auditions, and learn skills that will be very helpful in the future (if she decides to continue in theater).

If she keeps practicing, she will get better.

If she is serious about it she needs to break down and get some lessons or she will never break free from the chorus. But there are a lot of roles that are more geared toward actors than singers like Ado Annie in Oklahoma or Adelaide in Guys and Dolls.