Audition Songs by Musical

Audition Songs for Jesus Christ Superstar – By Character

When considering audition songs for Jesus Christ Superstar, it’s fitting to choose a folk/rock song from musical theatre or non-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 Jesus Christ Superstar premiered in 1970, the audition songs below are from between the 1960s and 1980s. Each one has been carefully hand-picked and reviewed by a musical theatre professional to ensure fit and audition readiness.

Jump to Songs ↓


Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more details, please see our full disclosure.


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 Jesus Christ Superstar.


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.


From Our Shop: Don’t forget to keep your rep book updated! To build a personalized audition binder for your specific vocal type, check out our collection of DIY Rep Books.

DIY Rep Books for Every Vocal Type


Caiaphas

Alone” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

Bachelor’s Dance” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

Funeral Tango” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

The Bulls” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris


Jesus Christ

Alas for You” – Godspell

Beautiful City” – Godspell

Save the People” – Godspell

Where Do I Go?” – Hair


Judas Iscariot

Dream On” – Aerosmith [1970s/non-theatre]

I’m Free” – The Who’s Tommy

Sensation” – The Who’s Tommy

We’re Not Gonna Take It” – The Who’s Tommy


King Herod

And the Money Kept Rolling In” – Evita [in your natural accent]

Any Dream Will Do” – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Mr. Mistoffelees” – Cats

Planet Schmanet Janet” – The Rocky Horror Show


Mary Magdalene

Easy to Be Hard” – Hair

Happy Birthday” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road

I Guess I’ll Miss the Man” – Pippin

I Loved” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris


Pontius Pilate

Close Every Door” – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

If I Have to Live Alone” – The Baker’s Wife

I’m Going Home” – The Rocky Horror Show

She Is a Diamond” – Evita


Simon Zealotes

Amsterdam” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

Going Down” – Hair

Manchester, England” – Hair

Rolling Stock” – Starlight Express


Ensemble (Altos)

By My Side” – Godspell

Day by Day” – Godspell

Kind of Woman” – Pippin


Ensemble (Baritones)

I Got Life” – Hair

Once in a While” – The Rocky Horror Show

The Mason” – Working


Ensemble (Basses)

Jackie” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

Mathilde” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

The Old Laughing Lady” – Neil Young [1960s/non-theatre]


Ensemble (Contras)

Millwork” – Working

We Beseech Thee” – Godspell

What a Nice Idea” – Two Gentlemen of Verona


Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)

Sons of” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

Timid Frieda” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

What Makes Me Love Him?” – The Apple Tree


Ensemble (Sopranos)

Desperate Ones” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

Marieke” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

You’re Not Alone” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris


Ensemble (Tenors)

All Good Gifts” – Godspell

Morning Glow” – Pippin

She’s a Rainbow” – The Rolling Stones [1960s/non-theatre]


Step 4: Select a Monologue

If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Jesus Christ Superstar:

• “I Just Wanted to Say➝” from Footloose  (Ren)

• “Ismene” in The Best Men’s Monologues from New Plays, 2019➝

• “She Has No Discrimination” in Extracts from Adam’s Diary➝

• “This New Creature” in Extracts from Adam’s Diary➝

• “When I Look Back” in Extracts from Eve’s Diary➝


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!

Free Audition Starter Kit Ad.

Jesus Christ Superstar Song List

Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Jesus Christ Superstar, 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:

Heaven on Their Minds” – Judas

“What’s the Buzz?” / “Strange Thing Mystifying” – Jesus, Mary, Judas, Ensemble

“Everything’s Alright” – Mary, Judas, Jesus, Ensemble

“This Jesus Must Die” – Caiaphas, Annas, Ensemble

“Hosanna” – Caiaphas, Jesus, Ensemble

“Simon Zealotes” / “Poor Jerusalem” – Simon, Jesus, Ensemble

Pilate’s Dream” – Pilate

“The Temple” – Jesus, Ensemble

“Everything’s Alright (Reprise)” – Mary, Jesus

I Don’t Know How to Love Him” – Mary

“Damned For All Time” / “Blood Money” – Judas, Annas, Caiaphas, Ensemble


Act 2:

“The Last Supper” – Jesus, Judas, Ensemble

Gethsemane” – Jesus

“The Arrest” – Judas, Jesus, Peter, Apostles, Annas, Caiaphas, Ensemble

“Peter’s Denial” – Peter, Mary, Ensemble

“Pilate and Christ” – Pilate, Annas, Jesus, Ensemble

King Herod’s Song” – Herod

“Judas’s Death” – Judas, Annas, Caiaphas, Ensemble

“Trial Before Pilate” – Pilate, Caiaphas, Jesus, Ensemble

“Superstar” – Judas, Ensemble

“The Crucifixion” – Jesus


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 ListHer background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.

Photo of Stacy Karyn