Want to Nail That Audition? Neil Rutherford announces Melbourne Audition Masterclass
After the success of his Sydney Masterclass at the Opera Centre today, Neil Rutherford and AussieTheatre Productions are thrilled to announce an exclusive Musical Theatre Audition Masterclass in Melbourne for professionals, graduates and up-and-coming artists alike.
Presented by internationally acclaimed Casting Director for Legally Blonde, South Pacific and countless musicals on the West End and Broadway – NEIL RUTHERFORD, this one-off opportunity will take place on Friday 21 September at The Space on Chapel Street from 10am – 1pm and registrations are now open.
Neil, who has performed leading roles on the West End (including Thenardier in Les Miserables and Motel in Fiddler on the Roof) and moved into casting 10 years ago will share his extensive knowledge of both side of the musical theatre industry in an intimate and safe environment.
6 singers will be chosen at random from those attending, to work on their audition material with Neil in front of the rest of the group.
The masterclass is also an opportunity for performers of all levels to ask niggling questions in a safe and supportive environment.
“My approach is from someone who has been on both sides of the casting desk, who knows why actors need to ask these kind of questions and who doesn’t judge” said Rutherford.
“It’s about promoting the actor and making them feel fantastic. No question is a silly question, because someone else will want to ask it and may not be brave enough!”
Attendees who wish to sing are requested to bring two audition pieces —one ballad and one up tempo – from the contemporary repertoire and either Rogers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Rogers and Hart, Kander and Ebb, Jerry Herman or Sondheim. A pianist will be in attendance on the day to accompany.
Specific focus will be on what the audition panel need to see, what makes a good audition song, how to best present your CV, dealing with audition nerves, callbacks, dance auditions, acting auditions and many other topics relating to the audition needs of professional actor.
He will also reference from his new book, Musical Theatre Auditions and Casting, published by Bloomsbury Publishing quoting from such celebrated directors as Jerry Mitchell, Richard Eyre, Bartlett Sher, Christopher Gatelli and many others with whom he has worked.
The book will be available for sale at the masterclass at The Space for a discounted rate of $30 (RRP $35) and is available to purchase online here.
Full price is $49 and student concession price is $29.
For more details and to book your place in the workshop, visit our workshop page
