Should I audition for West Side Story using an acccent?

Question

I'm 14 years old and auditioning for a community theater production of West Side Story with the song "America" in June. I have heard that it is bad to audition with an accent, but I'm perfectly comfortable singing with the Puerto Rican accent, and I've been told by my mexican neighbors that I do it well. Since I am going to be auditioning against adults, I don't know if using the accent will be hurtful, or if it will be helpful because they want people who know how to do it. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Accents are lame unless you have an ear for it and are good at it. That's the thing about auditioning for a role that will require an accent is that most people don't spend a long time ahead of time researching and developing a good accent and depend on getting the part and doing it after. This makes someone who's really good with an accent have a leg-up because that is one less thing you are going to have to worry about whenever it comes to lines, music, dancing and character analysis. If your accent is good, use it, they should be impressed that you can do accents or even that you have the guts to do an accent when most people don't. Good luck on your part, but I noticed that your avatar is blonde. That might be a problem. But it's all in the eyes of the director because I've seen it happen and a director will just choose to get you a wig.

Answer 2

Unless it's your real accent, as in, that's how you always speak, then no. Never fake an accent for an audition. It could end up hurtful to you because you won't know what the director is really looking for. If they are interested in seeing what you can do, they will ask you. But it is unnecessary to do it unasked.

When you get a part in the musical is when you can start practicing your Puerto Rican accent. Use cassette tapes and movies and surround yourself with the voice. Mexican neighbors aren't going to help unless they have a Puerto Rican cousin. You need Puerto Rican accent, not Mexican. They are different.

Also, don't sing a song from the musical you are auditioning for. It screams amateur and often they don't take you seriously. It looks like you have no knowledge of music theatre.

Good luck at your audition!

Answer 3

Yes. This will set you aside from the others but make sure
that your acting and singing are not compromised by using
it. You might find out if the production will be using
Puerto Rican accents or not. Make sure the producers
know you can do both...then you can be open for all parts.
Very important to ask some real Puerto Ricans about your
accent first.

Answer 4

Pipino Caudisso Vidavo Streila Elas Llquil Pravder Bisk Elbmesen Seman Esu Taw Aedi Nadro Etaicerppa Touba Kas Erwsna Ekil Dluow Emoh Eswob Snrea Stniop Tiderc Evid Rouy Erus Senileduig Elttil Teark Troppus Aideppik Chreas Bew Reckech Ecrous Setis Earsh Chraeres Swullad Revocsid :D (loopy i comprehend yet there kinda like futury names... per chance?) xxx

Answer 5

use the accent because they need to know that u can do it!!! Trust me i auditioned for adelaide in guys and dolls and didn't get the part because i didn't use the strong new york accent!! The only girl that did use the accent got it which was a bummer 4 me but atleast i learned a valueable lesson!!!!!

Answer 6

Not a good idea. It may be different than what the producer is looking for and they hate bratty thespian kids with faky accents.

Answer 7

hahaha you're mexican neighbor is probably hoping you do it with an accent so they can laugh at you. Get over yourself.

Answer 8

Don't do the accent unless, requested.

Answer 9

Give em everything you got!

Answer 10

Ask them !

Practice both, then ask them which they would prefer ; )