Audition Songs for Fame – By Character
Last Updated: January, 2026
When considering audition songs for Fame, it’s fitting to choose a pop/rock 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 Fame premiered in 1988, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 1970s and 1990s. Each one has been carefully hand-picked and reviewed by a musical theatre professional to ensure fit and audition readiness.
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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 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
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.
From Our Shop: Don’t forget to keep your rep book updated! To build a personalized audition binder for your specific vocal type, check out our collection of DIY Rep Books.
The Audition Songs
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!
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 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!
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.” or “Out Here on My Own” – 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
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.
