u/auburnandbriar

Something I’ve been pondering lately and thought the fandom might like to contribute to…

I’ve been really curious about what the ages of cast members playing the main trio tend to be (but mostly Christine because I think it would be stricter for her). For instance, Christine’s playing age is generally listed quite specifically as early-mid twenties, but I imagine actresses in mid twenties-early thirties might be considered to have better suited vocal prowess for the role at times, especially with classical training. Though I feel I’ve noticed lots of recent Christine’s debuting tend to look very young and have quite soubrette sounding voices and I wonder if it’s coincidental or indicative of a larger trend in casting. Perhaps it depends on the production?

The most recent production in Australia also cast a very young Phantom (22 I believe), which is quite different. Amy Manford alongside him would be in her 30s now, I’d assume, but would convincingly portray the role. I would be really interested in knowing if this informed the characters dynamics within their performances.

Ali Ewoldt was also in her 30s when she debuted, or so I’m told, but could convincingly pull off the playing age, imo. It’s kind of interesting, if anyone knows a little more about this?

Hi all,

As a young singer considering whether or not to audition for conservatory I had a question regarding sight singing/prima vista and would really appreciate any insights from more singers who are undergoing or have completed their studies/have experience. Is it necessary that I have this skill before I audition for a BA majoring in vocal performance?

I’ve performed in community and school musicals and taken classical voice lessons privately for years and can read sheet music but never really developed my aural skills. I currently teach myself all my music by playing it at the piano (slowly) but could not learn it from the sheet music alone for the life of me. I’m still very slow at my interval singing. Is this a major set back? Is this a skill I can develop at university? Would I be expected to do it proficiently in a professional setting?