Audition Songs for Bandstand – By Character
When considering audition songs for Bandstand, it’s fitting to choose a jazzy song from contemporary musical theatre repertoire that aligns with the tone of the show and suits your vocal type. Always refer to the audition notice for specific guidelines.
Because Bandstand premiered in 2015, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 2000s and 2020s. Each one has been carefully hand-picked and reviewed by a musical theatre professional to ensure fit and audition readiness.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more details, please see our full disclosure.
Step 1: Review Audition Info
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.
Step 2: Study the Show
Before auditioning, you should get familiar with the show, and listening to the cast album is a great way to do that. Here’s where you can learn more about Bandstand.
Step 3: Pick an Audition Song
Before choosing a song, find your voice type and range using the Vocal Guide.
Based on your personality and vocal range, decide whether you’d prefer to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Even if you audition for a specific role, stay open to other casting possibilities.
When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and comfort level.
The Audition Songs
Donny
“Come Back” – Dogfight
“Butter Outta Cream” – Catch Me If You Can
“Nicky Machiavelli” – A Bronx Tale
“When You Say Vegas” – Honeymoon in Vegas
Julia
“How Bout a Dance?” – Bonnie & Clyde
“I Could Go Back” – Fugitive Songs
“I’d Rather Watch You” – Adding Machine
“Jazz Time” – Marguerite
Mrs. Adams
“Another Winter in a Summer Town” – Grey Gardens
“Around the World” – Grey Gardens
“Brave Thing” – Fangirls
“Love and Love Alone” – The Visit
Ensemble (Altos)
“At the Old Majestic Nickel Matinee” – Some Like It Hot
“This Is What It Is” – The Wild Party (LaChiusa)
“You Can Always Count on Me” – City of Angels
Ensemble (Baritones)
“A Little Luck” – Honeymoon in Vegas
“Don’t Break the Rules” – Catch Me If You Can
“The Pinstripes Are All That They See” – Catch Me If You Can
Ensemble (Basses)
“Come to an Agreement” – Honeymoon in Vegas
“Love Sneaks In” – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
“The Man Inside the Clues” – Catch Me If You Can
Ensemble (Contras)
“Gone, Gone, Gone” – Tootsie
“Live in Living Color” – Catch Me If You Can
“There Was John” – Tootsie
Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)
“Heaven Knows” – Far From Heaven
“Isn’t He Something!” – Road Show
“Losing Track of Time” – Summer of ’42
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“Tuesdays, Thursdays” – Far From Heaven
“What Only Love Can See” – Chaplin
“Will You?” – Grey Gardens
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Drift Away” – Grey Gardens
“I Love Betsy” – Honeymoon in Vegas
“I Never Knew” – Far From Heaven
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Bandstand:
• “Album” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Green Pepper➝” from Cocktails at Pam’s (Estelle)
• “Play Memory” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Sky Lines #1” in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s➝
• “Sky Lines #2” in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s➝
Final Step: Audition Prep
Once you’ve chosen your song, it’s time to start preparing! Grab your FREE Audition Prep Checklist and Stamp Cards to stay organized and motivated for your upcoming auditions!
Bandstand Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Bandstand, 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.
Act 1:
“Just Like It Was Before” – Ensemble
“Donny Novitski” – Donny
“I Know a Guy” – Jimmy, Donny, Davy, Nick, Wayne, Ensemble
“Ain’t We Proud” – Donny, The Band
“Who I Was” – Julia
“Counterpoint” / “Pie Jesu” – Julia, Ensemble
“Just Like It Was Before (Reprise)” – Mrs. Adams, Ensemble
“First Steps First” – Julia, Donny
“Breathe” – Donny, Julia, Davy, Nick, Wayne, Jimmy, Johnny
“You Deserve It” – Donny, Julia, The Band, Ensemble
“Love Will Come and Find Me Again” – Julia
“Right This Way” – Donny, The Band
Act 2:
“Nobody” – Donny, Wayne, Nick, Davy, Julia, Mrs. Adams, Johnny, Jimmy, Ensemble
“The Boys Are Back” – Ensemble
“I Got a Theory” – Julia, Donny, Johnny, Wayne, Nick, Davy, Jimmy, Ensemble
“Everything Happens” – Mrs. Adams
“Welcome Home” – Donny, Julia, The Band
“A Band in New York City” – Johnny, Davy, Jimmy, Nick, Wayne, Julia, Donny, Ensemble
“This Is Life” – Donny, Julia
“This Is Life (Reprise)” – Donny
“Welcome Home (Finale)” – Julia
“Epilogue” – Donny, Julia, Company
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip and the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List. She is also the creator of The Cast Album List. Her background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
