Date: February 23rd
Times: 4-6 pm
Location: The Lafayette County Arena Classrooms
Instructors: Rene Pulliam & Justin Wadkins
Join us for an exciting “How to Audition for a Musical” workshop, specially designed to prepare you for Theatre Oxford’s upcoming spring musical production, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to fine-tune their skills before stepping into the audition room. In this session, you’ll receive expert vocal instruction, focusing on vocal technique and how to select and present your audition song with confidence. We’ll provide sheet music for recommended audition pieces from the show, helping you understand what casting directors are looking for musically. You’ll also get acting tips on how to bring your audition to life. Learn how to interpret scenes, engage with your character, and present yourself in a way that stands out during the audition process. Whether you're a seasoned performer or new to musical theatre, this workshop will equip you with the tools and confidence you need to audition successfully.
Prices
$50 for YAC and Theatre Oxford Members
$55 for non-members
Online registration will at noon on February 22nd.
Instructor Bios:
From 1993-2019, René Pulliam was head of the BFA program in Musical Theatre at the University of Mississippi. She received her BA in Music from Whittier College in 1972 and her MFA in Dance/Choreography from Mills College in 1992. She has directed and/or choreographed hundreds of musicals across the United States, including the West Coast premiers of Smile, Closer than Ever, and Over Here. She has been awarded the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Award for her choreography on No, No Nanette and Good News. Her performance credits include television (The Carol Burnett Show), commercials (Dr. Pepper), and touring companies (The King and I, Godspell). She apprenticed with the late rhythm tap dancer Eddie Brown and has shared the stage with such tap legends as Honi Coles, Jimmy Slyde, Bunny Briggs, and the Nicholas Brothers. She is an advocate for Theatre and Dance in the community, having been on the founding board of Theatre Oxford (1996) and returning in 2019. She continues to work professionally as a theatre and dance artist, directing and coaching for The Cumberland County Playhouse, in Tennessee. Most recently, she directed “Oklahoma”, the Ford Center for the Performing Art’s summer community musical.
Justin Wadkins is an award-winning music director, having music directed many shows across North Mississippi and Tennessee. Some favorites include MAMMA MIA, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, OLIVER, CATS, SWEENEY TODD and Disney’s TARZAN. Favorite performance credits include Jud Fry (OKLAHOMA!), Old Deuteronomy (CATS), and the Baker (INTO THE WOODS). Justin is an active voice coach, specializing in musical theatre and audition preparation. Additionally, Justin facilitates sound baths as a certified sound healer and is passionate about spreading awareness of personal well-being with the community.
