The Best Audition Songs for Once – By Character
When considering audition songs for Once, it’s fitting to choose a folk/rock song from 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 Once premiered in 2011, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 1990s and 2020s. Each one has been carefully hand-picked and reviewed to ensure it matches the show’s style.
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 uptempo, 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 Once.
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 type, decide whether to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Whatever you choose, try to stay open to other casting possibilities.
When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and style.
Audition Songs for Once
✨ Want audition material that gets you noticed? Explore monologues, songs, and guidance on finding your casting lane inside The Theatre Trip Archive on Patreon!
Girl
“Come Down Now” – Passing Strange
“Flowers” – Hadestown
“If The World Should End” – Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
“Whispering” – Spring Awakening
Guy
“Love Like That” – Passing Strange
“One Song Glory” – Rent
“Passing Tracy” – Fugitive Songs
“Your Eyes” – Rent
✦ Curious which character type suits your personality? Take our free Character Archetype Quiz to discover whether you’re a villain, ingénue, hero, and more!
Ensemble (Altos)
“Keys” – Passing Strange
“She Used to Be Mine” – Waitress
“Winter Blooms” – Alice by Heart
Ensemble (Baritones)
“Second Nature” – Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
“Seeing You” – Groundhog Day
“Why” – Tick, Tick … Boom!
Ensemble (Basses)
“Night Will Come” – Groundhog Day
“Welcome to the World” – A Man of No Importance
“Wicked Little Town” – Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Ensemble (Contras)
“Playing Nancy” – Groundhog Day
“Turn Off the Dark” – Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
“Without You” – Rent
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“Another Round” – Bright Star
“Everything Changes” – Waitress
“Remember Me” – Little Fish
Ensemble (Tenors)
“How Glory Goes” – Floyd Collins
“See Her Smile” – Tick, Tick … Boom!
“Work the Wound” – Passing Strange
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Once:
• “Choices” from The New Sincerity
• “Close to You” from Almost, Maine
• “Like Anywhere Else” from Almost, Maine
• “The Word Beautiful” from Punk Rock
• “Three Quarter Moon” from The Old Man and the Old Moon
Step 5: Audition Prep
Choosing the right song is just the beginning! Strong preparation helps you walk into the room with confidence and ready to show what you can do.
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Once Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Once, 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! This 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:
“Leave” – Guy
“Falling Slowly” – Guy, Girl, Ensemble
“The Moon” – Girl, Guy
“Ej Padá, Padá Rosička” – Baruška, Ensemble
“If You Want Me” – Girl, Ensemble
“Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy” – Guy
“Say It to Me Now” – Guy
“Abandoned in Bandon” – Bank Manager
“Gold” – Guy, Ensemble
Act 2:
“Sleeping” – Guy
“When Your Mind’s Made Up” – Guy, Girl, Ensemble
“The Hill” – Girl
“Gold (Reprise)” – Ensemble
“Falling Slowly (Reprise)” – Guy, Girl, Ensemble
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.
