Singing-examiners discussion

Programme choice (Cinderella)

Chosen to show comedic character acting and contrast with more serious songs.

Subject matter (Cinderella)

The stepsisters complain about how Cinderella attracts attention despite their efforts.

Characterisation (Cinderella)

Over-the-top

Style & mood (Cinderella)

Comic

Narrative context (Cinderella)

Highlights the contrast between Cinderella's natural beauty and the stepsisters' forced attempts.

Genre (Cinderella)

Golden Age musical theatre (classic Rodgers & Hammerstein style).

Writers (Cinderella)

Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II.

Other musical (Cinderella)

The Sound of Music.

Vocal & dramatic skills (Cinderella)

Clear diction (fast lyrics)

Programme choice (Dear Evan Hansen)

Chosen to contrast with comedic pieces—shows emotional depth and control.

Subject matter (Dear Evan Hansen)

Grief

Characterisation (Dear Evan Hansen)

Honest

Style & mood (Dear Evan Hansen)

Contemporary musical theatre / pop-influenced.

Narrative context (Dear Evan Hansen)

Occurs after Connor's death.

Genre (Dear Evan Hansen)

Modern musical theatre / pop-rock.

Writers (Dear Evan Hansen)

Benj Pasek & Justin Paul.

Other musical (Dear Evan Hansen)

La La Land (songs).

Vocal & dramatic skills (Dear Evan Hansen)

Controlled breath for sustained phrases

Programme choice (A Chorus Line)

Shows storytelling through song and acting-driven performance.

Subject matter (A Chorus Line)

A student describing a terrible acting class.

Characterisation (A Chorus Line)

Naturalistic

Style & mood (A Chorus Line)

Musical theatre with speech-like phrasing.

Narrative context (A Chorus Line)

Part of audition stories—reveals character background and personality.

Genre (A Chorus Line)

1970s Broadway / concept musical.

Writers (Avenue Q)

Marvin Hamlisch & Edward Kleban.

Other work (A Chorus Line)

Hamlisch also composed They're Playing Our Song.

Vocal & dramatic skills (A Chorus Line)

Speech-like delivery

Programme choice (IGAK)

Adds classic musical theatre style and sophistication.

Subject matter (IGAK)

Finding joy in love rather than material pleasures.

Characterisation (IGAK)

Confident

Style & mood (IGAK)

Jazz-influenced

Narrative context (IGAK)

Expresses romantic feelings in a humorous

Genre (IGAK)

Pre-Golden Age / jazz musical theatre.

Writers (IGAK)

Cole Porter.

Other musical (IGAK)

Kiss Me

Vocal & dramatic skills (IGAK)

Smooth phrasing