The Best Audition Songs for A Christmas Story – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for A Christmas Story? 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 A Christmas Story, broken down by character.
Since A Christmas Story is a contemporary musical, the following songs are from contemporary musicals as well. In addition, there are lots of wholesome and holiday vibes below in order 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.
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 read through the synopsis while listening to the A Christmas Story cast album➝. Or you can watch the live recording of A Christmas Story➝.
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.
Jean Shepherd/Narrator
*This is not a singing role, but in case a song is requested:
“Coffee Shop Nights” – Curtains
“I Miss the Music” – Curtains
“Just Like Him” – Elf
Mother
“After All of This and Everything” – Freaky Friday
“Anywhere But Here” – Honeymoon in Vegas
“I’ll Be Here” – Ordinary Days
“So Big / So Small” – Dear Evan Hansen
Ralphie Parker
“It’s Possible” – Seussical
“Picture Show” – Bonnie & Clyde [Young Clyde’s part]
“There Is a Santa Claus” – Elf
“Think Positive” – Willy Wonka
Randy Parker
“A Letter From Charlie Bucket” – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
“Almost Nearly Perfect” – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
“Middle of a Moment” – James and the Giant Peach
“On Your Way Home” – James and the Giant Peach
The Old Man
“A Day for the Cat in the Hat” – Seussical
“Be the Hero” – Big Fish
“Everything’s Golden” – Tuck Everlasting
“Magic Foot” – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Ensemble (Altos)
“Never Fall in Love (With an Elf)” – Elf
“More to the Story” – Shrek
“Promise Me This” – Theory of Relativity
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Christmas is My Favorite Time of Year” – Catch Me If You Can
“The Wheel” – Tuck Everlasting
“Top of the World” – Tuck Everlasting
Ensemble (Basses)
“I’m Allergic to Cats” – The Theory of Relativity
“It Must Be Believed to Be Seen” – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
“Welcome to the World” – A Man of No Importance
Ensemble (Contras)
“Just Breathe” – The Prom
“Playing Nancy” – Groundhog Day
“There Was John” – Tootsie
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos)
“Days and Days” – Fun Home
“My Most Beautiful Day” – Tuck Everlasting
“No More Fear” – Freaky Friday
Ensemble (Tenors)
“A Christmas Song” – Elf
“Women and Sandwiches” – Freaky Friday
“World’s Greatest Dad” – Elf
Ensemble (Trebles/Children)
“Noah Down the Stairs” – Caroline, or Change
“Camping for Christmas” – In Between
“Up on the Fridge” – Dear Edwina
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for A Christmas Story:
• “A Pony for Christmas” in Kids’ Comedic Monologues That Are Actually Funny➝
• “Lemonade for the Mailman” in Monologues for Kids and Tweens➝
• “Snowballs” in The Acting Coach Approach: 48 Monologues for Kids➝
• “The Not-So-Nice List” in Kids’ Comedic Monologues That Are Actually Funny➝
• “We’ll Figure It Out” in Monologues for Kids and Tweens➝
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!
A Christmas Story Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in A Christmas Story, 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:
“Counting Down to Christmas” – Ralphie, The Parkers, Ensemble
“At Higbee’s” – Ensemble
“Red Ryder” – Ralphie
“Counting Down to Christmas (Reprise)” – Ralphie, Company
“The Genius on Cleveland Street” – The Old Man
“When You’re a Wimp” – Kids
“Ralphie to the Rescue” – Ralphie, Miss Shields, The Old Man, Mother, Randy, Ensemble
“What a Mother Does” – Mother
“Sticky Situation” – Ralphie, Flick, Schwartz, Ensemble
“A Major Award” – The Old Man, Mother, Ensemble
“Act One Finale” – Ralphie, Ensemble
Act 2:
“A Kid At Christmas” – Ensemble
“Just Like That” – Mother
“Up on Santa’s Lap” – Santa, Ralphie, Randy, Ensemble
“Before the Old Man Comes Home” – The Parkers
“Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana” – Ralphie, Randy, Kids
“A Christmas Story” – The Parkers, Company
Which of these audition songs for A Christmas Story 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.