The Best Audition Songs for Dreamgirls – By Character
When considering audition songs for Dreamgirls, it’s fitting to choose a soul or R&B song from musical theatre or non-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 Dreamgirls premiered in 1981, the audition songs below are from between the 1960s 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 Dreamgirls.
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 Dreamgirls
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C.C. White
“I Could Be That Guy” – Sister Act
“Let It Sing” – Violet
“What Would I Do If I Could Feel?” – The Wiz
“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” – Stevie Wonder [1970s/non-theatre]
Curtis Taylor Jr.
“Ain’t No Sunshine” – Bill Withers [1970s/non-theatre]
“Always on My Mind” – Elvis [1970s/non-theatre]
“I’ll Be Here” – The Wild Party
“Patriotic” – Rocky
Deena Jones
“Be a Lion” – The Wiz
“I’m Still Waiting” – Diana Ross [1970s/non-theatre]
“Last Dance” – Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
“One Moment in Time” – The Bodyguard
Effie Melody White
“A Natural Woman” – Aretha Franklin [1960s/non-theatre]
“Angel” – Aretha Franklin [1970s/non-theatre]
“Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” – The Wiz
“I Got Love” – Purlie
James “Thunder” Early (Jimmy)
“Baby Now That I’ve Found You” – The Foundations [1960s/non-theatre]
“I Wish It Would Rain” – Ain’t Too Proud
“My Girl” – Ain’t Too Proud
“Never Can Say Goodbye” – The Jackson 5 [in your key] [1970s/non-theatre]
Lorrell Robinson
“Ain’t Nothin’ But a Kiss” – Memphis
“Band of Gold” – Freda Payne [1970s/non-theatre]
“I’m Leaving You” – The Life
“Someday” – Memphis
🎭 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)
“All the King’s Horses” – Aretha Franklin [1970s/non-theatre]
“Is This What Feeling Gets?” – The Wiz
“These Are My Children” – Fame
Ensemble (Baritones/Basses)
“Don’t Take Much” – The Life
“Lean on Me” – Bill Withers [1970s/non-theatre]
“My Way or the Highway” – The Life
Ensemble (Contras)
“I Know Where I’ve Been” – Hairspray
“The Feeling That We Have” – The Wiz
“The Way You Do The Things You Do” – Ain’t Too Proud
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“I’m Every Woman” – Chaka Khan [1970s/non-theatre]
“Mabel’s Prayer” – Fame
“You Can’t Get to Heaven” – The Life
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” – Barry White [1970s/non-theatre]
“Just My Imagination” – Ain’t Too Proud
“What Is It About Her?” – The Wild Party
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Dreamgirls:
• “Doing It For Me” from A Chorus Line
• “My Life in Vinyl” from High Fidelity
• “The Song That We Sing” from Footloose
• “The Way We Hear Music” from Detroit ’67
• “Time for Barbeque” from Detroit ’67
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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Dreamgirls Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Dreamgirls, 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:
“I’m Lookin’ for Something” / “Goin’ Downtown” / “Long Way Home” – Ensemble
“Move (You’re Steppin’ On My Heart)” – Effie, Deena, Lorrell
“Fake Your Way to the Top” – Jimmy, Effie, Deena, Lorrell
“Cadillac Car” – Jimmy, Effie, Deena, Lorrell
“Steppin’ to the Bad Side” – Curtis, Jimmy, C.C., Wayne, Lorrell, Effie, Deena, Ensemble
“Family” – Effie, C.C., Deena, Lorrell, Curtis
“Dreamgirls” – Deena, Lorrell, Effie
“Press Conference” – Deena, Curtis, Ensemble
“Drivin’ Down the Strip” – Jimmy
“It’s All Over” – Effie, Curtis, C.C., Deena, Lorrell, Jimmy, Michelle
“And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” – Effie
Act 2:
“I Am Changing” – Effie
“When I First Saw You” – Curtis, Deena
“I Meant You No Harm” – Jimmy
“The Rap” – Jimmy
“Firing of Jimmy” – Jimmy, Curtis, Lorrell, Company
“I Miss You, Old Friend” – C.C., Effie
“One Night Only” – Effie, Deena, Lorrell
“Listen” – Deena, Effie
“Hard to Say Goodbye, My Love” – Deena, Lorrell, Michelle
“Dreamgirls (Finale)” – Effie, Deena, Lorrell, Michelle
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.
