The Best Audition Songs for 9 to 5 – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for 9 to 5? Well unless you have specifically been asked to sing a song from the show that you’re auditioning for, it’s generally best not to. That said, you should still show off similar vocals and personality. So here’s our list of audition songs for 9 to 5, broken down by character.
Since 9 to 5 is a contemporary musical, the following songs are from musicals between 1990-2020. In addition, there are lots of country and pop vibes below to match the style of the show.
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Step 1: Read your audition details
Please read your audition details carefully, as they sometimes specify the type of song they’d like to hear (a ballad, something upbeat, etc.). Make sure to select a song that’s appropriate for your specific casting call. Also, as you’re picking out a song, these links may be helpful:
• Backing Tracks for the Songs Below
• The “9 to 5 Audition Songs” Spotify Playlist
Step 2: Get to know the show
In casting calls, they often ask for you to be “familiar with the show”. And even if it’s not requested, it’s generally assumed. One way to do this is to listen to the 9 to 5 cast album➝ while reading through the synopsis.
Step 3: Pick an audition song
Next, based on your personality and vocal type, decide whether you’d like to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Just keep in mind that if you audition for a specific character, you still might not be chosen for that particular role.
There’s usually a spot on the audition form asking if you are open to being in the ensemble or accepting a different role. I would suggest ticking that box and taking whatever you are offered. Every role is important, and you will earn valuable experience in a show.
And on that same note, even if you audition for the ensemble (and not a specific character), there’s always a chance you might get chosen for a leading/supporting role!
To summarize, keep an open mind and try not to take the process too seriously. And when you’re ready, choose the song that you feel most comfortable with from the list below.
Doralee Rhodes
“Asheville” – Bright Star
“I Could’ve Gone to Nashville” – Nunsense
“If You Knew My Story” – Bright Star
“Oklahoma?” – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Franklin Hart
“Don’t Break the Rules” – Catch Me If You Can
“Great Big Stuff” – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
“Man” – The Full Monty
“What Is It About Her?” – The Wild Party
Joe
“Bright Star” – Bright Star
“Heartbreaker” – Bright Star
“It All Fades Away” – The Bridges of Madison County
“Time” – Tuck Everlasting
Judy Bernly
“Beautiful” – It Shoulda Been You
“Days and Days” – Fun Home
“Holding to the Ground” – Falsettos
“I Never Wanted This” – It Shoulda Been You
Roz Keith
“Betsy’s Getting Married” – Honeymoon in Vegas
“Life With Harold” – The Full Monty
“The Lady’s Improving” – The Prom
“What Was a Woman to Do?” – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Violet Newstead
“As We Stumble Along” – The Drowsy Chaperone
“Here I Am” – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
“It’s Not About Me” – The Prom
“Jet Set” – Catch Me If You Can
Ensemble (Altos)
“A Little Bit Less Than” – It Shoulda Been You
“At Long Last” – Bright Star
“I Am Playing Me” – Title of Show
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Be the Hero” – Big Fish
“If I Didn’t Believe in You” – The Last Five Years
“That’s What I Could Do” – Violet
Ensemble (Basses)
“Coffee Shop Nights” – Curtains
“Love Sneaks In” – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
“Temporarily Lost” – The Bridges of Madison County
Ensemble (Contras)
“Flying Home” – Songs for a New World
“Mr. Hopalong Heartbreak” – Urban Cowboy
“When the Booth Goes Bright” – Amélie
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“Even Though” – I Love You Because
“Lay Down Your Head” – Violet
“On My Way” – Violet
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Breeze Off the River” – The Full Monty
“God Answered My Prayers” – Hands on a Hardbody
“Last Time I Came to Memphis” – Violet
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for 9 to 5:
• “Aunt Dan and Lemon” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Demigod” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Heaven in Your Pocket” in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s➝
• “Mom, Dad and a Bad Idea (#1)” in The Best Men’s Monologues from New Plays, 2019➝
• “Playing With Fired” in The Best Men’s Monologues from New Plays, 2019➝
Final Step: Prepare for your audition
After collecting your materials and getting familiar with the show, it’s time to move forward with the actual preparation. If you’re in need of some guidance on this step, you can always go through this FREE audition prep checklist!
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
9 to 5 Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in 9 to 5, along with which characters sing in each of them. Unless you have been asked to, do not choose from the below songs for your audition! The following is more intended to be used for character research purposes.
* That said, if you’ve specifically been asked to sing a song from the show, you can find the sheet music for the best possible audition songs below.
Act 1:
“Nine to Five” – Violet, Doralee, Dwayne, Judy, Ensemble
“Around Here” – Violet, Ensemble
“Here for You” – Franklin, Ensemble
“I Just Might” – Judy, Doralee, Violet, Ensemble
“Backwoods Barbie” – Doralee, Ensemble
“The Dance o’ Death” – Judy, Franklin
“Cowgirl’s Revenge” – Doralee, Ensemble
“Potion Notion” – Violet, Ensemble
“Joy to the Girls” – Ensemble
“Heart to Hart” – Roz, Ensemble
“Shine Like the Sun” – Doralee, Judy, Violet, Ensemble
Act 2:
“One of the Boys” – Violet, Ensemble
“5 to 9” – Roz
“Change It” – Doralee, Violet, Judy, Ensemble
“Let Love Grow” – Joe, Violet
“Get Out and Stay Out” – Judy
“Finale (Nine to Five)” – Company
Which of these audition songs for 9 to 5 did you choose?
And what role are you auditioning for? We would love to hear all about it in the comments! And in the meantime, you can check out our database of best audition songs for other musicals.
Need extra help? Just go through this free audition prep checklist!
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She has a TESOL drama certificate, a BA in theatre, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.