The Enraged Accompanist's Guide to the Perfect Audition

by Andrew Gerle

“I am your accompanist. You do not know me. I am the guy who sits behind the upright in the unflattering fluorescent light of the dance studio, a bottle of water on the floor, a half-eaten Power Bar on the bench, and your audition in my hands.”

Award-winning New York theatre composer and pianist Andrew Gerle pulls no punches in this irreverent, fly-on-the-wall guide to everything you've never been taught about auditioning for musical theatre. From the unique perspective of the pianist's bench, he demystifies the audition process, from how to put together your book and speak to an accompanist to the healthiest and savviest ways to approach the audition marketplace and your career. By better understanding the dynamics of professional auditions, you will learn to present yourself in the strongest, most castable way while remaining true to your own special voice – the one that, in the end, will get you the job.

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction

126 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2011

About the author

Andrew Gerle has played thousands of auditions for Broadway, off-Broadway, and regional productions, and has served as an accompanist and musical director for major Broadway and recording artists over the past 15 years. He is a recipient of the Jonathan Larson Award, three Richard Rodgers Awards, and the Burton Lane Composers Fellowship from the Theatre Hall of Fame. He is the composer of six acclaimed musicals, and his opera The Beach has been chosen by the New York City Opera for a performance with City Opera singers and an 80-piece orchestra in May 2011. A sought-after vocal coach, he has worked at NYUs Tisch Graduate School of Acting and is currently a lecturer at the New York Film Academy and Yale University."

Reviews

[M.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for spelling out the business details of an audition. ...how to organise your audition book, how to mark your music, how to comport yourself at the audition etc. Although it does delve into this briefly, there are more in depth books for learning to act your song. An excellent addition to my studio bookshelf!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Gerle is a friend of mine from NYC, so I cannot be expected to be objective here...having said that, this book is a treasure trove of sound advice, blunt wisdom (philosophical as well as practical), and roaring good humour. Written with intelligence and compassion, it also pulls no punches. From how to mark your sheet music, to how to not go insane in pursuit of a musical theatre career, Andrew has real answers and real perspective. I wish I were rich enough to buy a copy for every single student and colleague in the business.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4-Stars: Recommend

Compact and informative, with a dry wit, this book is the most useful one I have read on auditioning. Despite changing trends, almost all the tips to be found in its pages still ring true a decade after publication. Gerle provides insight into the oft forgot aspect of auditioning, and yet one of the most influential parts: working with your accompanist. Despite having been on many auditions over the years, I find myself almost looking forward to my next one with a renewed sense of confidence after reading this.

[StageNotes · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love this book because it offers an alternate perspective for audition advice. Rather than the continued advice for actors, the reader gets an unbiased opinion from a "fly on the wall." Gerle's advice is useful not just for people auditioning, but for anyone who may need some insight on crafting their unique self.

[connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for performers beginning a career in musical theater, but also an excellent refresher for the professional. Written in a entertaining voice, but filled with good practical advice.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding -- funny and right on point.

[LilMouseWarrior · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was terrified to try out for my local community theatre but now I feel more prepared than ever before. A quick read with humor and tips, a must for any actor.