The Best Audition Songs for Footloose – By Character
When considering audition songs for Footloose, 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 Footloose premiered in 1998, 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 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 more about Footloose.
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 Footloose
✨ Want audition material that gets you noticed? Explore monologues, songs, and guidance on finding your casting lane inside The Theatre Trip Archive on Patreon!
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)
“Once Before I Go” – The Boy From Oz
“Serve Yourself” – Pump Boys and Dinettes
“The Kid Inside” – Is There Life After High School?
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!
“Teaching Third Grade” – Ruthless!
“The Music Still Plays On” – A New Brain
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:
• “Choices” from The New Sincerity
• “Doing It For Me” from A Chorus Line
• “Garage Recitals” from A Chorus Line
• “Less Air to Breathe” from Almost, Maine
• “Like Anywhere Else” from Almost, Maine
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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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
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.
