Audition Workshop with a West End Phantom

The return of ISN Productions with a special take on the Phantom of the Opera!

The new school year has started with some exciting news. After being deprived of live performances for the last two years ISN Nice Events Coordinator and Theatre teacher, Marianne Stewart, is excited to announce: "We are thrilled to share with you that this year will see the return of an ISN Production! I shall be taking on the role of Musical Director - for a very special approach to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera! I am even more delighted to share that Mr. Booth (ISN’s very own Phantom of the Theatre) shall take lead of all aspects Technical and we will be working in partnership with Arts International.”

Arts International has its origins in the UK’s leading performing arts school, under the Presidency of Andrew Lloyd Webber. It brings artists from the theatre (Hamilton, Mary Poppins, Lion King), television (The Crown, Downton Abbey) and film to work with students around the world. In fact, the latest actor to play 007 in the new Bond movie is an alumna. 

The audition process kicked off today with an Arts International Audition Advice workshop via Zoom, with no less than a former London’s West End ‘Phantom’ performer - Kieran Brown! Brown, who has more than 25 years’ experience across theatre, television and concerts, says he was 8 years old when the Phantom of the Opera debuted and that he grew up obsessed with the musical. He as thrilled to get the chance to play the lead and said the makeup for the Phantom took one hour to apply before each performance.  You can read more about his impressive bio here. 

He commenced the session with a few voice warmup exercises and stressed the importance of these exercises to ensure a good performance and that no damage is done to vocal chords. These are the same exercises he uses when warming his voice for West End performances.  The students were enthusiastic about participating and the theatre was soon filled with the sound of humming and singing.

He then went on to share his top tips for the upcoming audition sessions:

• Tip 1 - Walk into the audition prepared and confident, your energy is important   He emphasised that you never get a second chance to make a first impression!
• Tip 2 - Keep movements to a minimum when auditioning as it can become distracting. Use your facial expressions to tell the story.

The students left the session feeling excited and inspired for the next rounds of audition taking place next week.

This is going to be a highlight on the school calendar so be sure to watch this space...