The Best Audition Songs for Godspell – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Godspell? 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 Godspell, broken down by character.
Note: The following is based on the revised 2012 version of Godspell. If you’re auditioning for the original version of Godspell, you might be auditioning for a general “soloist role”. In that case, please choose whichever of the below songs that feels best on your voice!
Since Godspell came out in the 1970s, many of the songs below are either from between the 1970s-1980s or from musicals that are set in the 1970s. However, you’ll find contemporary songs below as well, since these are sometimes requested in the Godspell casting calls.
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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 rock song, something contemporary, etc.). Make sure to select a song that’s appropriate for your specific casting call. Also, as you’re picking out a song, these links may be helpful:
• Backing Tracks for the Songs Below
• The “Godspell Audition Songs” Spotify Playlist
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 read the synopsis while listening to the Godspell cast album➝. Or you can watch the live recording of 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 (and not a specific character), there’s always a chance you might get chosen for a leading/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.
Anna Maria / Soloist (Alto/Mezzo)
“Dear Tom” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking it on the Road
“It’s Too Late” – Beautiful
“So Far Away” – Beautiful
“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” – Beautiful
Celisse / Soloist (Alto/Mezzo)
*For this role, It’s often a plus if you can play the ukulele.
“A Summer in Ohio” – The Last Five Years
“Chanson” – The Baker’s Wife
“Let’s Play a Love Scene” – Fame
“Soon As I Get Home” – The Wiz
George / Soloist (Baritone/Tenor)
“I’m Free” – The Who’s Tommy
“King Herod’s Song” – Jesus Christ Superstar
“Midnight Radio” – Hedwig and the Angry Inch
“Radames’ Letter” – Aida
Jesus
“Corner of the Sky” – Pippin
“Dreamer in Disguise” – Carrie
“Morning Glow” – Pippin
“Thin Air” – Amélie
John the Baptist / Judas
“Gethsemane” – Jesus Christ Superstar
“He’s Not Here” – Next to Normal
“Mama, a Rainbow” – Minnie’s Boys
“Pilate’s Dream” – Jesus Christ Superstar
Lindsay / Soloist (Mezzo/Soprano)
“Happy Birthday” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking it on the Road
“I Got Love” – Purlie
“I Guess I’ll Miss the Man” – Pippin
“West End Avenue” – The Magic Show
Morgan / Soloist (Alto/Mezzo)
“Do The Sacred Mass” – Sister Act
“Lost and Found” – City of Angels
“Nobody Does It Like Me” – Seesaw
“You Can Always Count on Me” – City of Angels
Nick / Soloist (Tenor)
“Green Tambourine” – The Lemon Pipers [non-musical theatre]
“Dancin’ on the Sidewalk” – Fame
“Sensation” – The Who’s Tommy
“We Gotta Get Out of this Place” – Beautiful
Telly / Soloist (Baritone/Tenor)
“Endless Night” – The Lion King
“Extraordinary” – Pippin
“Once in a While” – The Rocky Horror Show
“With You” – Pippin
Uzo / Soloist (Alto)
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” – Jesus Christ Superstar
“Millwork” – Working
“The Past Is Another Land” – Aida
“Shadowland” – The Lion King
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: 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!
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
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.
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 has a TESOL drama certificate, a BA in theatre, and has worked and interned with 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!