The Best Audition Songs for Footloose – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Footloose? 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 Footloose, broken down by character.
Since Footloose is a pre-contemporary musical, the following songs are from the 1970s-1990s as well. In addition, there are lots of high energy, pop/rock, and 80s vibes below in order to match the style of the show.
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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: Get to know the show
In casting calls, they often ask for you to be “familiar with the show”. And even if it’s not requested, it’s generally assumed. One way to do this is to listen to the Footloose cast album➝ while reading through the synopsis.
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.
Ariel Moore
“Coming Out of the Dark” – On Your Feet!
“Nobody’s Side” – Chess
“Live For Loving You” – On Your Feet!
“The Winner Takes It All” – Mamma Mia!
Ren
“Can’t Keep it Down” – Fame
“I Chose Right” – Baby
“I Want to Make Magic” – Fame
“Knowing Me, Knowing You” – Mamma Mia!
Rusty
“All Through the Night” – Cyndi Lauper [1980s/non-theatre]
“Someday” – The Wedding Singer
“The Way of Love” – The Cher Show
“There She Goes! / Fame” – Fame
Shaw Moore
“Bring Him Home” – Les Misérables
“Endless Night” – The Lion King
“The Hardest Part of Love” – Children of Eden
“This Is the Moment” – Jekyll & Hyde
Vi Moore
“Come to Your Senses” – Tick, Tick…BOOM!
“Heaven Help My Heart” – Chess
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” – Jesus Christ Superstar
“The Story Goes On” – Baby
Willard Hewitt
“Look Around” – The Will Rogers Follies
“Never Met a Man I Didn’t Like” – The Will Rogers Follies
“Mamaw” – Pump Boys and Dinettes
“That’s What I Could Do” – Violet
Ensemble (Altos)
“Take That Look Off Your Face” – Tell Me on a Sunday
“These Are My Children” – Fame
“Think of Meryl Streep” – Fame
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Serve Yourself” – Pump Boys and Dinettes
“The Kid Inside” – Is There Life After High School?
“Worlds Apart” – Big River
Ensemble (Basses)
“Fathers and Sons” – Working
“If I Sing” – Closer Than Ever
“Three is a Magic Number” – Schoolhouse Rock Live!
Ensemble (Contras)
“Famous” – On Your Feet!
“Rolling Stock” – Starlight Express
“Teaching Third Grade” – Ruthless!
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“All At Once” – The Bodyguard
“Greatest Love of All” – Whitney Houston [1980s/non-theatre]
“In L.A.” – Fame
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Dreamer in Disguise” – Carrie
“Fabulous Feet” – The Tap Dance Kid
“See Her Smile” – Tick, Tick … Boom!
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Footloose:
• “A Girl’s Guide to Chaos” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Agnes of God” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Picture Show Video” in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s➝
• “That’s All I Got➝” from Other Desert Cities (Trip)
• “Well, We Were Doing This➝” from A Chorus Line (Paul)
Final Step: Prepare for your audition
After collecting your materials and getting familiar with the show, it’s time to move forward with the actual preparation. If you’re in need of some guidance on this step, you can always go through this FREE audition prep checklist!
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
Footloose Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Footloose, 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:
“Footloose” / “On Any Sunday” – Ren, Shaw, Ethel, Vi, Ariel, Ensemble
“The Girl Gets Around” – Chuck, Ariel, Lyle, Travis
“I Can’t Stand Still” – Ren
“Somebody’s Eyes” – Rusty, Urleen, Wendy Jo
“Learning to Be Silent” – Vi, Ethel, Ariel
“Holding Out for a Hero” – Ariel, Rusty, Urleen, Wendy Jo
“Heaven Help Me” – Shaw
“I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man)” – Ren, Shaw, Ensemble
Act 2:
“Still Rockin'” – Cowboy Bob
“Let’s Make Believe We’re In Love” – Irene
“Let’s Hear It for the Boy” – Rusty
“Can You Find it in Your Heart?” – Vi
“Mama Says” – Willard, Jeter, Bickle, Garvin, Ren
“Almost Paradise” – Ren, Ariel
“Dancing Is Not A Crime” – Ren, Willard, Jeter, Bickle, Garvin
“I Confess” – Shaw
“Can You Find it in Your Heart? (Reprise)” – Shaw
“Footloose (Finale)” – Company
Which of these audition songs for Footloose 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!
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, a TESOL drama certificate, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.