The Best Audition Songs for Nunsense – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Nunsense or Nunsense II? 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 Nunsense and Nunsense II, broken down by character.
Since both Nunsense and Nunsense II are pre-contemporary musicals, the following songs are from musicals between the 1970s-1990s as well. In addition there are lots of comedic and religious vibes below 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 uptempo, 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 Nunsense cast album➝ or the Nunsense II cast album➝
Step 3: Pick an audition song
Next, based on your personality and vocal type, decide which character you’d like to audition for. 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 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.
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.
Sister Mary Amnesia
“A Little Bit of Good” – Chicago
“Crossword Puzzle” – Starting Here, Starting Now
“Doatsy Mae” – The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
“Times Like This” – Lucky Stiff
Sister Mary Hubert
“Bless The Lord” – Godspell
“Set Those Sails” – In Trousers
“We Can Make It” – The Rink
“You Can’t Get to Heaven” – The Life
Sister Mary Regina
“Broadway Baby” – Follies
“No Time At All” – Pippin
“Nobody Does It Like Me” – Seesaw
“Teaching Third Grade” – Ruthless!
Sister Mary Leo
“Colored Lights” – The Rink
“Dancing All the Time” – Big
“Everybody Wants to Do a Musical” – Nick & Nora
“What I Did for Love” – A Chorus Line
Sister Robert Anne
“Funny” – My Favorite Year
“Just One Step” – Songs for a New World
“My Big Mistake” – The Will Rogers Follies
“Think of Meryl Streep” – Fame
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Nunsense or Nunsense II:
• “Agnes of God” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “All Kidding Aside” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “As Is” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Green Pepper➝” from Cocktails at Pam’s (Estelle)
• “Once a Catholic” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
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!
Nunsense Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Nunsense, 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:
“Nunsense Is Habit-Forming” – Company
“A Difficult Transition” – Company
“Benedicite” – Mary Leo
“The Biggest Ain’t the Best” – Mary Hubert, Mary Leo
“Playing Second Fiddle” – Robert Anne
“So You Want To Be a Nun” – Mary Amnesia
“Turn Up the Spotlight” – Mary Regina
“Lilacs Bring Back Memories” – Mary Regina, Mary Hubert, Mary Leo, Mary Amnesia
“Tackle That Temptation With a Time-Step” – Mary Hubert, Company
Act 2:
“Robert to The Rescue” – Robert Anne
“Growing Up Catholic” – Robert Anne, Mary Hubert, Mary Leo, Mary Amnesia
“We’ve Got To Clean Out the Freezer” – Company
“Just a Coupl’a Sisters” – Mary Regina, Mary Hubert
“I Just Want To Be a Star” – Robert Anne
“The Drive-In” – Robert Anne, Mary Amnesia, Mary Leo
“I Could’ve Gone to Nashville” – Mary Amnesia
“Holier Than Thou” – Mary Hubert, Company
“Nunsense Is Habit-Forming (Reprise)” – Company
Which audition songs for Nunsense or Nunsense II 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.