Everybody has different strengths and weaknesses - that’s what makes music theatre so interesting! | British Youth Music Theatre

Everybody has different strengths and weaknesses - that’s what makes music theatre so interesting!

Continuing our Audition Tips series, hear from Musical Director, Pianist and Vocal Coach, Gemma Hawkins! She'll be on the panel for the audition workshops (21 Jan - 19 Feb) and has some great advise for all of you coming through this year.

1. Be Yourself - don’t try to be a different person. Everybody has different strengths and weaknesses; that’s what makes music theatre so interesting!

2. The panel are on your side! We’ll want everyone to do their best and show us what they have to offer.

3. Nerves can strangely be a very good thing! They’re a sign that you want to do well, and the adrenaline sometimes helps you produce things you didn’t know you were capable of.

4. Stay hydrated; it will help your energy and concentration. Sip water for a few hours before your audition and keep topping up through the session. Bananas are also a good source for energy and good for calming the nerves.

 

 

Gemma Hawkins was the Assistant Musical Director for the Disney / Cameron Mackintosh 2015-17 tour of Mary Poppins, and before that the Barnum UK Tour starring Brian Conley. She graduated from the Royal Academy of Music’s Musical Direction course, having studied oboe and piano accompaniment at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Credits as MD include The Snowman (UK Tour), Great Expectations (BYMT), The Last 5 Years (Barbican, London), Pippin (BRIT School), Side By Side By Sondheim (Edinburgh Fringe) and the Fingask Follies.
 
Gemma has worked frequently in several of the UK’s leading performing arts schools including the Guildhall, Royal Academy of Music, Urdang Academy and BRIT School, where she has musically directed and arranged for many projects and showcases.

Step forward onto the stage and kick-start your career in performing arts with BYMT. Auditions are booking now, from Sat 21 Jan - Sun 19 Feb 2017, touring 24 cities from Inverness to Plymouth and London to Dublin and Belfast, and everywhere in-between. Take a look at the full list of dates and times here.

BYMT National Auditions 2017