Margo Seibert plays a struggling actor in Broadway’s a cappella musical In Transit. Before she starred in Rocky or became Jane, she was in the audition room with just a piano and her audition repertoire—much like her character in the show. Here, Seibert turns through her book of songs and reveals why she’s more concerned with showering herself than showing off.
What song did you sing to book this job?
Margo Seibert: “I’m a Part of That” from The Last Five Years.
What are two other go-to audition songs you sing?
I love singing “I’m Old Fashioned” by Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer [from the film You Were Never Lovelier] and “Here I Am” from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
How do you find the perfect cut of these songs to sing in the room?
Honestly, I didn’t know much about “books” when I moved to New York City. I didn’t study musical theatre, so after college I acquired a random mix of songs that make me feel joyful when I sing them. I look for songs that tell a story, even if there isn’t a money note to be found. I’m not huge on belting for the sake of belting. I want to show them who I am and how I tell a story. Singing louder often doesn’t accomplish that.
What do you use for auditions that ask you to not sing musical theatre songs?
I use an eclectic mix of Joni Mitchell, Tears for Fears, Melanie Safka...
How do you keep your book fresh?
Let’s be clear, my book ain’t fresh. I’m taking any and all recommendations at @margo_seibert! Help a girl out!
Do you have a terrible audition story, or was there a song you used that you’d never use again?
I think my most terrible auditions (and yes there have been many) arose directly in response to trying to sound like someone else. I wanted to imitate what was commercially popular in musical theatre—and I did not book those jobs! When we try to imitate, we strip the voice of its incredible character. We, as humans, don’t sound alike, and that’s the fun of it. So go out there and be your fierce self!
Take a look inside Seibert’s backstage haven at In Transit:
