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.
Since Godspell is a 1970s musical, the songs below are from musicals between the 1970s-1990s as well. In addition, there are lots of religious, folk, and gospel vibes below in order to match the style of the show.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through one of the following links, we may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. See our disclosure for more info.
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.
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 (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
“There’s Only One Way to End Your Prayers” – Nunsense II
“What a Nice Idea” – Two Gentlemen of Verona
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
“Let It Sing” – Violet
“Millwork” – Working
“Shadowland” – The Lion King
“Simple Joys” – Pippin
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: 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 holds a BA in theatre, a TESOL drama certificate, 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!