Audition Songs for In the Heights – By Character
Last Updated: June 9, 2025
When considering audition songs for In the Heights, it’s fitting to choose a pop, rap, or Latin song from contemporary musical theatre repertoire that aligns with the tone of the show and suits your vocal type. Always refer to the audition notice for specific guidelines.
Because In the Heights premiered in 2005, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 2000s 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 the cast album is a great way to do that. Here’s where you can learn more about In the Heights.
Step 3: Pick an Audition Song
Before choosing a song, find your voice type and range using the Vocal Guide.
Based on your personality and vocal range, decide whether you’d prefer to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Even if you audition for a specific role, stay open to other casting possibilities.
When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and comfort level.
The Audition Songs
Abuela Claudia
“Daybreak” – Amazing Grace
“Dos Gardenias” – Buena Vista Social Club
“La Llorona” – Coco [non-theatre]
“What Age Expects of You” – Calendar Girls
Benny
“If You’re Out There” – John Legend [non-theatre]
“Lay Low” – Lysistrata Jones
“One Knight” – Wonderland
“Passing Tracy” – Fugitive Songs
Camila Rosario
“I’m Done” – Rocky
“Island” – Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
“Mi Tierra” – On Your Feet!
“Model Behavior” – Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Carla / Daniela
“Invisible” – Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
“Life With Harold” – The Full Monty
“Lovesick” – Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
“Mother’s Day” – Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Kevin Rosario
“A Light in the Dark” – Next to Normal
“Dos Oruguitas” – Encanto [non-theatre]
“Endless Night” – The Lion King
“Fly, Mariposa, Fly” – Some Like It Hot
Nina Rosario
“Manhattan Bridge” – Next Thing You Know
“Remember This” – The Mad Ones
“Say the Word” – The Mad Ones
“Times Are Hard for Dreamers” – Amélie
Piragua Guy
“Go With the Flow” – Wonderland
“Madrid Is My Mama” – Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
“Papi Hears the Ocean” – The Band’s Visit
“Vivir Mi Vida” – Marc Anthony [non-theatre]
Usnavi de la Vega
“Delivery” – Working
“What the Heck I Gotta Do” – 21 Chump Street
“When the Booth Goes Bright” – Amélie
“You’re Welcome” – Moana
Vanessa
“Sister’s Pickle” – Amélie
“The Girl Who Drove Away” – The Mad Ones
“This Wish” – Wish [non-theatre]
“We’re Not Done” – Bring It On
Ensemble (Altos)
“Adela” – Bernarda Alba
“Burn” – Hamilton
“One Perfect Moment” – Bring It On
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Favorite Places” – Ordinary Days
“If I Didn’t Believe in You” – The Last Five Years
“Hold On” – Lysistrata Jones
Ensemble (Basses)
“Night Will Come” – Groundhog Day
“Remember Me (Lullaby)” – Coco [non-theatre]
“What Would You Do?” – If/Then
Ensemble (Contras)
“Home Calls” – Next Thing You Know
“Time Stood Still” – Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
“Welcome to Rosas” – Wish [non-theatre]
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“Don’t Say Another Word” – Next Thing You Know
“I Could Go Back” – Fugitive Songs
“On and On and On” – We Aren’t Kids Anymore
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Born in Laredo” – Hands on a Hardbody
“Breeze Off the River” – The Full Monty
“Enjoy the Trip” – Bring It On
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for In the Heights:
• “I Don’t Want to Be an Actress➝” from Snakebit (Jenifer)
• “It’s Best” from Elsewhere
• “Mic” in The Best Men’s Monologues from New Plays, 2019➝
• “NYC 523” in The Best Men’s Monologues from New Plays, 2019➝
• “That’s All I Got➝” from Other Desert Cities (Trip)
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!
In the Heights Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in In the Heights, 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:
“In the Heights” – Usnavi, Company
“Breathe” – Nina, Ensemble
“Benny’s Dispatch” – Benny, Nina
“It Won’t Be Long Now” – Vanessa, Usnavi, Sonny
“Inútil” – Kevin
“No Me Diga” – Daniela, Carla, Vanessa, Nina
“96,000” – Usnavi, Benny, Sonny, Pete, Vanessa, Abuela Claudia, Daniela, Carla, Ensemble
“Paciencia y Fe” – Abuela Claudia, Ensemble
“When You’re Home” – Nina, Benny, Ensemble
“Piragua” – Piragua Guy
“The Club” – Usnavi, Vanessa, Nina, Benny, Ensemble
“Blackout” – Usnavi, Vanessa, Benny, Nina, Kevin, Sonny, Pete, Abuela Claudia, Carla, Ensemble
Act 2:
“Sunrise” – Company
“Hundreds of Stories” – Abuela Claudia, Usnavi
“Enough” – Camila, Nina, Kevin
“Carnaval del Barrio” – Daniela, Carla, Vanessa, Benny, Usnavi, Sonny, Piragua Guy, Ensemble
“Atención” – Kevin
“Alabanza” – Usnavi, Nina, Ensemble
“Everything I Know” – Nina
“No Me Diga (Reprise)” – Carla, Nina, Vanessa, Daniela
“Piragua (Reprise)” – Piragua Guy
“Champagne” – Vanessa, Usnavi
“When the Sun Goes Down” – Nina, Benny
“Finale” – Company
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip and the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List. She is also the creator of The Cast Album List. Her background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
