The Best Audition Songs for Jesus Christ Superstar – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Jesus Christ Superstar? 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 Jesus Christ Superstar, broken down by character.
Since Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1970s musical, the songs below are from the 1960s-1980s. In addition, there is a classic/folk rock vibe to many of the following songs 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 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 Jesus Christ Superstar cast album➝ while reading through the synopsis. Or you can watch the live recording of the show➝.
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.
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
“Lonely Lady” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road
“What a Nice Idea” – Two Gentlemen of Verona
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
“White Rabbit” – Jefferson Airplane [1960s/non-theatre]
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)
“Old Folks” – 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
“My Death” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris
“Sons of” – 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 Eve’s Diary
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!
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
Which of these audition songs for Jesus Christ Superstar 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.