The Best Audition Songs for How the Grinch Stole Christmas – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for How the Grinch Stole Christmas? 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 How the Grinch Stole Christmas, broken down by character.
Since How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a contemporary musical, most of the songs below are from contemporary shows as well. In addition, there is a magical, playful, or Christmassy vibe to many of the following songs 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 How the Grinch Stole Christmas 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 (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.
Cindy Lou Who
“Everlasting” – Tuck Everlasting
“On Your Way Home” – James and the Giant Peach
“The Tree” – The Me Nobody Knows
“Up on the Fridge” – Dear Edwina
Old Max
“Christmas is My Favorite Time of Year” – Catch Me If You Can
“Everything’s Golden” – Tuck Everlasting
“Welcome to the World” – A Man of No Importance
“You Can’t Trust a Man” – Tuck Everlasting
The Grinch
“Diamond in the Rough” – Aladdin
“Don’t Be the Bunny” – Urinetown
“Friends on the Other Side” – Princess and the Frog [2000s film/non-theatre]
“I Hate People” – Scrooge
Young Max
“In Summer” – Frozen
“Last One Picked” – Whoop-Dee-Doo! [censor profanity]
“When I Am Older” – Frozen 2 [2010s film/non-theatre]
“World’s Greatest Dad” – Elf
Ensemble (Altos)
“Camping for Christmas” – In Between
“Never Fall in Love (With an Elf)” – Elf
“Notice Me, Horton” – Seussical
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Alone in the Universe” – Seussical
“How Lucky You Are” – Seussical
“The Genius on Cleveland Street” – A Christmas Story
Ensemble (Basses)
“Love Sneaks In” – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
“Love Who You Love” – A Man of No Importance
“Reindeers are Better Than People” – Frozen
Ensemble (Contras)
“I’m Not That Girl” – Wicked
“Just Like That” – A Christmas Story
“Sister Act” – Sister Act
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“Once Upon a December” – Anastasia
“Watch What Happens” – Newsies
“What a Mother Does” – A Christmas Story
Ensemble (Tenors)
“A Day for the Cat in the Hat” – Seussical
“Hans of the Southern Isles” – Frozen
“Just Like Him” – Elf
Ensemble (Trebles/Children)
“Counting Down to Christmas” – A Christmas Story
“I Know It’s Today” – Shrek
“There Is a Santa Claus” – Elf
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for How the Grinch Stole Christmas:
• “A Pony for Christmas” in Kids’ Comedic Monologues That Are Actually Funny➝
• “Loyalty” in Fantasy Monologues for Young Actors➝
• “Snowballs” in The Acting Coach Approach: 48 Monologues for Kids➝
• “The Not-So-Nice List” in Kids’ Comedic Monologues That Are Actually Funny➝
• “Unite” in Fantasy Monologues for Young Actors➝
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!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 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.
“Who Likes Christmas?” – Ensemble
“This Time of Year” – Old Max, Young Max
“I Hate Christmas Eve” – The Grinch, Young Max, Ensemble
“Whatchama Who” – The Grinch, Ensemble
“Welcome, Christmas” – Ensemble
“I Hate Christmas Eve (Reprise)” – The Grinch
“It’s the Thought That Counts” – Ensemble
“One of a Kind” – The Grinch
“Now’s the Time” – Papa Who, Mama Who, Grandma Who, Grandpa Who
“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – Old Max, Young Max, The Grinch
“Santa for a Day” – Cindy Lou Who, The Grinch
“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (Reprise)” – Old Max
“Who Likes Christmas? (Reprise)” – Ensemble
“One of a Kind (Reprise)” – Young Max, The Grinch, Cindy Lou Who
“This Time of Year (Reprise)” – Old Max
“Welcome, Christmas (Reprise)” – Ensemble
“Santa For a Day (Reprise)” – Company
“Who Likes Christmas? (Reprise)” – Company
Which of these audition songs for How the Grinch Stole Christmas 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.