Meet the 2016 Auditions Team - Sonum Batra

Composer and Musical Director-extraordinaire SONUM BATRA says what she's looking for from auditionees.

Training: I trained at King's College London and now work as Music Director for lots of different theatre companies. I'm looking to study orchestration for film next.. so watch this space!

What are you looking for from auditionees?

I like watching singers who really perform their songs with honesty and intention, rather than just standing there and singing. It's lovely watching people enjoying themselves and not being afraid to just... go for it!

Tips for auditionees:

My first would be to NOT be nervous! Come into the workshop and enjoy yourselves. Don't be afraid to try things out of your comfort zone... oh, and pin/tie your hair back, and bring water!

Why should people get involved with YMT?

At YMT you not only get the chance to rehearse and perform a musical, but you get to be involved with the creative process. You work with composers and writers and perform a brand new piece of theatre. It's a really exciting thing to be involved in. You also get the chance to improve your skills across all three disciplines, whilst being surrounded by a room full of people who have all the same interests as you!

Favourite show? 

My all time favourites are Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods (I even wrote my dissertation on it!) I think Stephen Sondheim is an absolute genius! I'm a big fan of Punchdrunk and really loved The Drowned Man.

What/who should young people research in the arts?

Anything that inspires you. Go and see as much different stuff as possible. Theatre companies like Punchdrunk and Phizzical are a couple of my favourites..

Favourite food?

I love Indian food... oh and hummus. I could live on the stuff!

Ideal holiday?

Somewhere with a good hiking trail, salsa and lots of coffee - (so South America!) I think Colombia, Cuba and Argentina have to be my favourites there. Oh and I really want to go back to Israel. I have Kilimanjaro next on my list, as well as Japan and Iceland. I don't think I can pick an ideal holiday, I think I just want to see the whole world!

THE most important question: Scone (as in stone) or Scone (as in gone)?

I'm northern ! Scone / gone!

Don't forget to read all our entries in the Meet the Auditions Team series and don't forget to book your audition!