The Best Audition Songs for Godspell – By Character
If you’re looking for audition songs for Godspell, it’s best to choose a folk, pop, or gospel song from pre-contemporary musical theatre repertoire that matches the show’s tone and suits your vocal type. Be sure to check your audition notice for any specific song guidelines.
Because Godspell premiered in 1971, 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 rock song, something contemporary, 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 Godspell.
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.
Jesus
“Dreamer in Disguise” – Carrie
“Gethsemane” – Jesus Christ Superstar
“Morning Glow” – Pippin
“Welcome” – The Who’s Tommy
John the Baptist / Judas
“A World Without You” – Children of Eden
“Pilate’s Dream” – Jesus Christ Superstar
“The Mason” – Working
“Wicked Little Town” – Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Altos
“Home” – The Wiz
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” – Jesus Christ Superstar
“Soon As I Get Home” – The Wiz
“There’s Only One Way to End Your Prayers” – Nunsense II
Baritones
“Free At Last” – Big River
“King Herod’s Song” – Jesus Christ Superstar
“Midnight Radio” – Hedwig and the Angry Inch
“The Hardest Part of Love” – Children of Eden
Contras
“Believe in Yourself” – The Wiz
“Let It Sing” – Violet
“Millwork” – Working
“Shadowland” – The Lion King
Mezzos/Sopranos
“Measure the Valleys” – Raisin
“Set Those Sails” – In Trousers
“These Eyes of Mine” – Grind
“You Can’t Get to Heaven” – The Life
Tenors
“Corner of the Sky” – Pippin
“Lost in the Wilderness” – Children of Eden
“River Jordan” – The Civil War
“We’re Not Gonna Take It” – The Who’s Tommy
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Godspell:
• “I Can’t Write” from The Genius➝
• “I Just Wanted to Say➝“ from Footloose (Ren)
• “I Took the Long Way➝” from Footloose (Shaw)
• “I’m Standing Before You➝” from Footloose (Shaw)
• “Maybe I’m Wrong” from The Genius➝ (Boy)
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!
Godspell Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Godspell, 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:
“Tower of Babbel” – Company
“Prepare Ye” – John the Baptist, Company
“Save the People” – Jesus, Company
“Day by Day” – Anna Marie, Company
“Learn Your Lessons Well” – Celisse, Company
“Bless the Lord” – Lindsay, Company
“All for the Best” – Jesus, Judas, Company
“All Good Gifts” – Telly, Company
“Light of the World” – George, Company
Act 2:
“Turn Back, O Man” – Morgan, Jesus, Company
“Alas for You” – Jesus
“By My Side” – Uzo, Company
“We Beseech Thee” – Nick, Company
“Beautiful City” – Jesus
“On the Willows” – Judas
“Finale” – Jesus, Company
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
Which of these audition songs for Godspell 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.
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.
I like Godspell when I was a little and I sing Day By Day at the church when I was 7 years old.
Wow, what a fun memory! I hope you’re still singing these days!