The Best Audition Songs for Barnum – By Character
When considering audition songs for Barnum, it’s fitting to choose an upbeat song from 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 Barnum premiered in 1980, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 1970s and 1990s. Each one has been carefully hand-picked and reviewed to ensure it matches the show’s style.
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 Barnum.
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 type, decide whether to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Whatever you choose, try to stay open to other casting possibilities.
When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and style.
Audition Songs for Barnum
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Charity Barnum
“Chief Cook and Bottle Washer” – The Rink
“Gifts of Love” – The Baker’s Wife
“My Unknown Someone” – The Will Rogers Follies
“Somebody Older” – Steel Pier
Jenny Lind
“A Little Bit of Good” – Chicago
“Melodie de Paris” – Phantom
“Nelson” – A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine
“One More Kiss” – Follies
Joice Heth
“A Sweet Thing Like Me” – Grind
“Cleanin’ Women” – Working
“I Got Love” – Purlie
“Twenty-Four Hours of Lovin’” – The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Phineas Taylor Barnum
“After Today” – Doctor Dolittle
“I Wanna Make the World Laugh” – Mack & Mabel
“Like Animals” – Doctor Dolittle
“The Vegetarian” – Doctor Dolittle
Tom Thumb
“I Can Do That” – A Chorus Line
“Larger Than Life” – My Favorite Year
“Razzle Dazzle” – Chicago
“You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” – Annie
🎭 Do you know your casting type? Take our free Character Archetype Quiz to find out if you’re a villain, ingénue, hero, romantic, or a type that’s even more unique!
Ensemble (Altos)
“Beautiful Things” – Doctor Dolittle
“Dancing All the Time” – Big
“We Can Make It” – The Rink
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Beautiful Girls” – Follies
“Never the Luck” – The Mystery of Edwin Drood
“The World Is Comin’ to a Start” – Purlie
Ensemble (Basses)
“If the World Were Like the Movies” – My Favorite Year
“Marry Me” – The Rink
“See You in the Funny Papers” – Woman of the Year
Ensemble (Contras)
“Chanson” – The Baker’s Wife
“No Man Is Worth It” – Dance a Little Closer
“Say Yes” – 70, Girls, 70
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“Colored Lights” – The Rink
“Fabulous Places” – Doctor Dolittle
“The Night It Had to End” – Romance/Romance
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Extraordinary” – Pippin
“Proud Lady” – The Baker’s Wife
“When I Look in Your Eyes” – Doctor Dolittle
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Barnum:
• “I Must Say” from The Importance of Being Earnest
• “Keen on Living” from Three Sisters
• “Maybe I’m Wrong” from The Genius
• “My Opinion” from Paul Pry
• “Poor Relation” from George Washington Slept Here
Step 5: Audition Prep
Choosing the right song is just the beginning! Strong preparation helps you walk into the room with confidence and ready to show what you can do.
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Barnum Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Barnum, 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! This 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:
“There Is a Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute” – Barnum
“Thank God I’m Old” – Joice Heth, Ensemble
“The Colors of My Life (Part 1)” – Barnum
“The Colors of My Life (Part 2)” – Charity
“One Brick at a Time” – Charity, Barnum, Ensemble
“Museum Song” – Barnum
“I Like Your Style” – Barnum, Charity
“Bigger Isn’t Better” – Tom Thumb
“Love Makes Such Fools of Us All” – Jenny Lind
“Out There” – Barnum, Charity
Act 2:
“Come Follow the Band” – Ensemble
“Black and White” – Charity, Barnum, Ensemble
“The Colors of My Life (Reprise)” – Barnum, Charity
“The Prince of Humbug” – Barnum
“Join the Circus” – Barnum, Company
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.
