Musical-Specific Audition Songs

The Best Audition Songs for Fame – by Character

Do you have an upcoming audition for Fame? 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 Fame, broken down by character.

Since Fame is a 1980s musical, the following songs are from shows between the 1970s – 1990s. There are also lots of pop/rock selections below to match the musical’s style.


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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: 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 about Fame.


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 (rather than a specific character), there’s always a chance of being cast in a leading or 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.


Carmen Diaz

All Things to One Man” – Grind

Holding Out For a Hero” – Footloose

Put in a Package and Sold” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road

The Music and the Mirror” – A Chorus Line


Joe Vegas

I Can Do That” – A Chorus Line

I Can’t Stand Still” – Footloose

Mama Says” – Footloose

My City” – Seesaw


Mabel Washington

And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” – Dreamgirls

I Am Changing” – Dreamgirls

I Got Love” – Purlie

You Can’t Get to Heaven” – The Life


Miss Bell

Can You Find It In Your Heart?” – Footloose

Colored Lights” – The Rink

One Brick at a Time” – Barnum

Patterns” – Baby


Miss Sherman

Believe in Yourself” – The Wiz

Change” – A New Brain

Magic to Do” – Pippin

Measure the Valleys” – Raisin


Nick Piazza

Dreamer in Disguise” – Carrie

I Chose Right” – Baby

Larger than Life” – My Favorite Year

Morning Glow” – Pippin


Serena Katz

Disneyland” – Smile

Nothing Really Happened” – Is There Life After High School?

Unsuspecting Hearts” – Carrie

What I Did For Love” – A Chorus Line


Tyrone Jackson / Jack Zakowski

Fabulous Feet” – The Tap Dance Kid

Lovin’ Al” – Working

* If asked to prepare a rap:

Just a Friend” – Biz Markie [1980s/non-theatre]

The Message” – Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five [1980s/non-theatre]


Ensemble (Altos)

Make Up My Heart” – Starlight Express

The Story Goes On” – Baby

Wait a Bit” – Just So


Ensemble (Baritones)

The Kid Inside” – Is There Life After High School?

Things I Learned in High School” – Is There Life After High School?

With You” – Pippin


Ensemble (Basses)

Heaven Help Me” – Footloose

If I Sing” – Closer Than Ever

If the World Were Like the Movies” – My Favorite Year


Ensemble (Contras)

Live for Loving You” – On Your Feet!

Nothing” – A Chorus Line

Teaching Third Grade” – Ruthless!


Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!


Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)

Move” – Dreamgirls

No One Cared Like You” – Nunsense II

The Night It Had to End” – Romance/Romance


Ensemble (Tenors)

Corner of the Sky” – Pippin

Extraordinary” – Pippin

There’s Me” – Starlight Express


Step 4: Select a monologue

If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Fame:

• “Actor!” in Audition Monologues for Young Men➝

• “All Kidding Aside” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝

• “Eggs in a Basket” in 48 Monologues for Kids➝

• “The Day They Shot John Lennon” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝

• “Three-Word Play” in 48 Monologues for Kids➝


Final Step: Audition Prep

Once you’ve gathered your materials and studied the show, it’s time to focus on the preparation. Need guidance? Download this FREE audition prep checklist to stay on track!


Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!

DIY Rep Book Page Ad.


Fame Song List

Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Fame, 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:

“Hard Work” – Nick, Serena, Joe, Carmen, Mabel, Miss Sherman, Students

I Want to Make Magic” – Nick

Can’t Keep It Down” – Joe, Students

“Tyrone’s Rap” – Tyrone/Jack

There She Goes!” / “Fame” – Carmen, Students

Let’s Play a Love Scene” – Serena

“Bring on Tomorrow” – Schlomo, Carmen

“The Teachers’ Argument” – Miss Bell, Miss Sherman

“Hard Work (Reprise)” – Students


Act 2:

“The Junior Festival” – Nick, Joe, Students

Mabel’s Prayer” – Mabel, Students

Think of Meryl Streep” – Serena

“Dancin’ on the Sidewalk” – Tyrone/Jack, Students

These Are My Children” – Miss Sherman

In L.A.” – Carmen

“Let’s Play a Love Scene (Reprise)” – Nick, Serena

“Bring on Tomorrow (Reprise)” – Schlomo, Serena, Nick, Iris, Tyrone/Jack, Joe, Mabel, Students

“Finale” – Carmen, Company


Which of these audition songs for Fame 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!

Sign up for your free audition prep checklist.


Stacy Karyn, Author of Audition Songs for Fame.
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 holds a BA in theatre and a TESOL drama certificate, with experience working and interning in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.


 

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