Musical-Specific Audition Songs

The Best Audition Songs for How the Grinch Stole Christmas! – By Character

If you’re looking for audition songs for How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, it’s best to choose a festive or character-driven musical theatre song that matches the show’s tone and suits your vocal type. Be sure to check your audition notice for any specific song guidelines.

Because How the Grinch Stole Christmas! premiered in 1994, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 1990s and 2020s. 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 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 a cast album is a great way to do that. Here’s where you can learn about How the Grinch Stole Christmas!


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.


Cindy Lou Who

Everlasting” – Tuck Everlasting

Halfway” – Amélie

On Your Way Home” – James and the Giant Peach

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)

Never Fall in Love (With an Elf)” – Elf

Sing Your Own Song” – Dear Edwina

What a Mother Does” – A Christmas Story


Ensemble (Baritones)

Alone in the Universe” – Seussical

How Lucky You Are” – Seussical

The Genius on Cleveland Street” – A Christmas Story


Ensemble (Basses)

I Like Life” – Scrooge!

Love Sneaks In” – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

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)

He Was Tall” – Cinderella

Morning Person” – Shrek

Watch What Happens” – Newsies


Ensemble (Tenors)

A Bit Misunderstood” – The Three Little Pigs

Hans of the Southern Isles” – Frozen

Hugo’s First Case” – Tuck Everlasting


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 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: 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!

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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


Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!

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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.


Author: Stacy Karyn

Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album ListShe holds a BA in theatre and a TESOL drama certificate, with experience working and interning in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.

Photo of Stacy Karyn

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