“I am your accompanist. You do not know me. I am the guy who sits behind the upright in the unflattering fluorescent light of the dance studio, a bottle of water on the floor, a half-eaten Power Bar on the bench, and your audition in my hands.” Award-winning New York theatre composer and pianist Andrew Gerle pulls no punches in this irreverent, fly-on-the-wall guide to everything you've never been taught about auditioning for musical theatre. From the unique perspective of the pianist's bench, he demystifies the audition process, from how to put together your book and speak to an accompanist to the healthiest and savviest ways to approach the audition marketplace and your career. By better understanding the dynamics of professional auditions, you will learn to present yourself in the strongest, most castable way while remaining true to your own special voice – the one that, in the end, will get you the job. If you have ever auditioned for the musical theater, or ever plan to audition, you must read this book! Andrew Gerle's love of craft and talent has overcome his accompanist's rage at the lack of understanding of what it takes to successfully audition and he is ready to help you. Where was he when I needed him? Oh...not yet born...Well, he is here for you! Break a leg! --Mark Linn-Baker, actor and director This book takes the mystery out of the audition process. Written with great wisdom, insight, and humor, Gerle gives a master class on the art of the singing audition. There's something here for all singers from the kid getting out of school to the seasoned pro miss it at your own peril. This book is indispensable for anyone who wants to land a job in the musical theatre. --Deborah Lapidus, faculty at Juilliard Drama and Associate Professor at NYU Tisch Graduate Acting How did he get inside my head??? All my crazy actress fears, insecurities and questions are voiced and answered in this hilarious and informative book. I wish it had been around when I was in drama school. It would have saved me a lot of guesswork and a whole lot of tears. From the seemingly smallest detail (how to Xerox your music/why plastic sheet covers suck) to the really meaty stuff (how to act a lyric), Gerle tells it like it is with wit, years of firsthand experience, and perhaps most importantly, joy. Since reading this book, I have embraced and enjoyed auditioning, and have increased my callbacks and bookings substantially. His words have given me freedom and joy in the audition room. How lucky we are to be actors, singers, and dancers! And how lucky we are to have this book and Andrew to help us along the way. --Piper Goodeve, Drama League Award nominee, professional auditioner This book takes the mystery out of the audition process. Written with great wisdom, insight, and humor, Gerle gives a master class on the art of the singing audition. There's something here for all singers from the kid getting out of school to the seasoned pro miss it at your own peril. This book is indispensable for anyone who wants to land a job in the musical theatre. --Deborah Lapidus, faculty at Juilliard Drama and Associate Professor at NYU Tisch Graduate Acting How did he get inside my head??? All my crazy actress fears, insecurities and questions are voiced and answered in this hilarious and informative book. I wish it had been around when I was in drama school. It would have saved me a lot of guesswork and a whole lot of tears. From the seemingly smallest detail (how to Xerox your music/why plastic sheet covers suck) to the really meaty stuff (how to act a lyric), Gerle tells it like it is with wit, years of firsthand experience, and perhaps most importantly, joy. Since reading this book, I have embraced and enjoyed auditioning, and have increased my callbacks and bookings substantially. His words have given me freedom and joy in the audition room. How lucky we are to be actors, singers, and dancers! And how lucky we are to have this book and Andrew to help us along the way. --Piper Goodeve, Drama League Award nominee, professional auditioner Andrew Gerle (New York City) has played thousands of auditions for Broadway, off-Broadway, and regional productions, and has served as an accompanist and musical director for major Broadway and recording artists over the past 15 years. A sought-after vocal coach, he has worked at NYU's Tisch Graduate School of Acting and is currently a lecturer at the New York Film Academy and Yale University. Used Book in Good Condition