TARGETING A ROLE (Part 1)
If your audition cut isn’t clearly aimed at the role, you’re spending your 32 bars on something that doesn’t help casting see you. Targeting is about aligning your material so it naturally points to the character.
TARGET THE ROLE WITH S.I.N.G.
Actors often pick songs that sound good on them.
I’m a Broadway audition coach, and that’s only part of the equation. The question is whether the song makes it easy to see you in the role.
When deciding what to sing, use S.I.N.G. — story, integrity, notes, genre — to filter your choices.
S — STORY
Does the song match the character’s dramatic essence?
Not the exact circumstances, but the emotional engine. The highs, the lows, the kind of journey the character lives in.
Ask yourself if this character could plausibly sing this song in their world. If the answer is no, it’s probably not the right fit.
I — INTEGRITY
This is your responsibility check.
Are you aligned with the world of the piece? Does performing this song respect its cultural and historical context?
And are you aligned with yourself? Does this material reflect your values and your standards? Do you actually connect to it?
If the answer isn’t clear, it will show in the performance, and possibly cause real harm.
N — NOTES
Does the song live in the same vocal neighborhood as the role?
You don’t need identical pitches, but you need to demonstrate the same range, quality, and placement.
If the role sits high, your cut should show that you can live there. If it requires a certain vocal weight or texture, your song should reflect that.
G — GENRE
Does the style match?
Identify the musical language of the show — phrasing, rhythm, tone, articulation — and make sure your song either comes from that world or can convincingly be shaped into it.
Style is often what makes or breaks the connection.
MAKE THE CHOICE OBVIOUS
When all four elements align, the casting team doesn’t have to work to imagine you in the role.
The connection is already there.
That’s the goal.
🥜 IN A NUTSHELL
Don’t just sing something good. Sing something aligned. Story, integrity, notes, and genre — when those match the role, your audition does the work for you.
READY TO GO FURTHER?
Picking the right song is only step one. Check out part two to learn about how to use the song in the room to make casting see you in the role you want.
