Book description
Musical theatre is a tough and over-crowded industry. Yet, despite the
huge competition, many performers find auditioning difficult with little
knowledge of what the directors, creative teams and producers are
looking for, or how to win the panel over with their unique talent. As a
leading international casting director, Neil Rutherford has seen
thousands of hopefuls audition over the years. Uniquely, he also
understands what it is like to audition from his years as a professional
actor in musical theatre. This book provides a unique perspective on the
musical theatre audition process and how to improve the chances of
landing a role. With wit, humour and insight, Neil Rutherford guides the
reader through the crucial elements of musical theatre auditions,
opening up the process of casting and auditioning to the thousands of
hopefuls trying to secure work in this industry every year, as well as
anyone involved in musical theatre. With a foreword by
Tony-award-winning director Bartlett Sher, the book also contains
contributions from some of the world's leading directors and musical
directors, including Sir Richard Eyre and Jerry Mitchell, adding further
valuable insight from those at the centre of the musical theatre world.
This book is a vital tool for anyone hoping to improve their audition
chances and survive in the world of musical theatre. Neil's
encyclopedic knowledge of the profession, combined with his sense of
fun, is invaluable, and his experience on both sides of the casting desk
make him uniquely qualified in his field. -- Christopher Luscombe,
Director Neil is a wonderfully knowledgeable, dynamic and very well
respected casting director. His personal approach and understanding of
the industry from both sides having also been an actor helps put actors
at ease and enables them to deliver their best audition. -- Wendy
Scozzaro, London Agent Neil's expertise is not only in casting but a
comprehensive understanding of today's current musical theatre
vocational training make him an outstanding voice in his field. -- Chris
Hocking, Choreographer And Deputy Principal, Arts Educational School
Neil has several gifts and considerable wisdom when it comes to all
things theatrical. A creative man blessed with wit and intelligence, and
the power to communicate, he is deeply respected in the world of
entertainment excellence. -- Richard O'brien, Legendary Writer And
Performer If you are lucky, you will be walking into an audition room
with Neil Rutherford, a person who knows this complex art better than
anybody. And a person who loves actors with all his heart and who
understands what it takes to make of an audition something like painting
a beautiful miniature. And certainly Neil knows more, for he knows the
profound art that is to be found in an audition. -- Bartlett Sher,
Director Originally an actor playing roles in London's West End, Neil
Rutherford worked in production at the English National Opera before
becoming Head of Casting for the Ambassador Theatre Group. In addition
to his professional casting work worldwide, Neil regularly lectures in
audition technique at major UK drama schools and events, holds
masterclasses throughout the world, and has been an audition panelist,
contributor and adviser to Channel 4, the BBC, ITV, BBC Performing Arts
Fund, The Actors Centre, Spotlight Actors Publications, and numerous
drama schools in the UK. www. neilrutherford. com
