Audition Songs for Once – By Character
Last Updated: January, 2026
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 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 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 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 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
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
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:
• “Hear That Song?➝” from Ohio (Cat)
• “It’s Never One Thing➝” from Shows for Days (Irene)
• “Johnny Talks Kids➝” from Frankie and Johnny… (Johnny)
• “Mother Moon➝” from Fading Joy➝ (Joy)
• “Rooms” in Fantasy Monologues for Young Actors➝
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!
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! 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:
“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
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.
