The Best Audition Songs for American Idiot – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for American Idiot? 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 American Idiot, broken down by character.
Since American Idiot is a contemporary musical, the following songs are from contemporary shows as well. In addition there are lots of rock vibes and non-musical theatre songs from the 1990s-2000s 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 uptempo, 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 “American Idiot 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 read through the synopsis while listening to the American Idiot cast album➝.
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.
Heather
“Head Above Water” – Avril Lavigne [rock/non-musical theatre]
“I Can’t Go Back” – Pretty Woman
“This is My Life” – Pretty Woman
“The Break” – Next to Normal
Johnny
“I’m Not That Guy” – Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
“Public Life” – Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
“The Saddest Song” – Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
“Under the Westway” – Blur [rock/non-musical theatre]
St. Jimmy
“All the Small Things” – blink-182 [90s rock/non-musical theatre]
“Bouncing Off the Walls” – Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
“I’m Too Hot for You” – School of Rock
“When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock” – School of Rock
Tunny
“Apocalypse Please” – Muse [rock/non-musical theatre]
“Boy Falls From The Sky” – Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
“Jumper” – Third Eye Blind [90s rock/non-musical theatre]
“Rise Above 1” – Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
Whatsername
“A Note From Linda” – The Wedding Singer
“Come to Your Senses” – Tick, Tick…BOOM!
“Predator” – Jagged Little Pill
“Saturday Night In The City” – The Wedding Singer
Will
“30/90” – Tick, Tick…Boom!
“Jet Pack Blues” – Fall Out Boy [rock/non-musical theatre]
“Real Life” – Tick, Tick…Boom!
“The Kids Aren’t Alright” – Fall Out Boy [rock/non-musical theatre]
Ensemble (Altos)
“Mary Jane” – Alanis Morissette [90s rock/non-musical theatre]
“On Monday” – 35mm
“Smiling” – Jagged Little Pill
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Explorers” – Muse [90s rock/non-musical theatre]
“Second Nature” – Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
“Your Eyes” – Rent
Ensemble (Basses)
“Immortality” – Pearl Jam [90s rock/non-musical theatre]
“Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” – Crash Test Dummies [90s rock/non-musical theatre]
“Wicked Little Town” – Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Ensemble (Contras)
“Adam’s Song” – blink-182 [90s rock/non-musical theatre]
“New Divide” – Linkin Park [rock/non-musical theatre]
“Step One” – Kinky Boots
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos)
“All Over Now” – The Cranberries [rock/non-musical theatre]
“If The World Should End” – Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
“I’m Outta Here” – Ghost
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“Blue Hair” – The Black Suits
“Eyes Open” – Taylor Swift [rock/non-musical theatre]
“Uninvited” – Jagged Little Pill
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Closing Time” – Semisonic [90s rock/non-musical theatre]
“Never Let You Go” – Third Eye Blind [90s rock/non-musical theatre]
“The Seraph” – 35mm
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for American Idiot:
• “At the Table” in The Best Men’s Monologues from New Plays, 2019➝
• “Bread and Circuses” in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s➝
• “Fun House Mirror” in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s➝
• “That’s All I Got➝” from Other Desert Cities (Trip)
• “The Whiz” in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s➝
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!
Which of these audition songs for American Idiot 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.