Musical-Specific Audition Songs

The Best Audition Songs for Smile – By Character

If you’re looking for audition songs for Smile, it’s best to choose a heartfelt song from pre-contemporary musical theatre repertoire that matches the show’s tone and suits your vocal type. Be sure to check your audition notice for any specific song guidelines.

Because Smile premiered in 1986, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 1970s and 1990s. 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 Smile.


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.


Big Bob Freelander

I Chose Right” – Baby

I Waltz Alone” – Grand Hotel

If the World Were Like the Movies” – My Favorite Year

Only With You” – Nine


Brenda Freelander

Miss America” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road

Miss Byrd” – Closer Than Ever

Tell Me on a Sunday” – Tell Me on a Sunday

The Story Goes On” – Baby


Doria

Nothing Really Happened” – Is There Life After High School?

Out Here On My Own” – Fame

Wait a Bit” – Just So

Why Not Me?” – Carrie


Robin

The Music and the Mirror” – A Chorus Line

Once You See” – Carrie

Somewhere That’s Green” – Little Shop of Horrors

Superhero Girl” – Starmites


Ensemble (Altos)

Take That Look Off Your Face” – Tell Me on a Sunday

Think of Meryl Streep” – Fame

When There’s No One” – Carrie


Ensemble (Baritones)

Easier to Love” – Baby

The Kid Inside” – Is There Life After High School?

Things I Learned in High School” – Is There Life After High School?


Ensemble (Basses)

Marry Me” – The Rink

Song on the Sand” – La Cage aux Folles

There’s Always One You Can’t Forget” – Dance a Little Closer


Ensemble (Contras)

Heaven Help My Heart” – Chess

Teaching Third Grade” – Ruthless!

Times Like This” – Lucky Stiff


Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!


Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)

Colored Lights” – The Rink

In L.A.” – Fame

Let’s Play a Love Scene” – Fame


Ensemble (Sopranos)

It’s Better to Give” – Nuncrackers

Mabel’s Prayer” – Fame

No One Cared Like You” – Nunsense II


Ensemble (Tenors)

Dreamer in Disguise” – Carrie

I Want to Make Magic” – Fame

Larger Than Life” – My Favorite Year


Step 4: Select a Monologue

If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Smile:

• “Green Pepper➝” from Cocktails at Pam’s  (Estelle)

• “Picture Show Video” in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s➝

• “Star Trek Convention➝” in Heart of Hearing➝  (Josh)

• “The Pact” in 48 Monologues for Kids➝

• “Three-Word Play” in 48 Monologues for Kids➝


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!

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Smile Song List

Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Smile, 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.


Act 1:

“Typical High School Senior” – Ensemble

“The Very Best Week of Your Lives” – Brenda, Ensemble

“Dear Mom #1” – Doria, Robin

“Disneyland” – Doria

“Shine” – Brenda, Tommy, Ensemble

“Dear Mom #2” – Robin

“Bob’s Song” – Big Bob

“Nerves” – Ensemble

“Young and American” – Ensemble

“Until Tomorrow Night” – Doria, Brenda, Big Bob, Ensemble


Act 2:

“Dear Mom #3” / “Dressing Room Scene” – Robin, Doria, Ted, Ensemble

“Smile” – Ted, Ensemble

“In Our Hands” – Ensemble

“There Goes Our Girl (Finale)” – Ted, Big Bob, Robin, Ensemble


Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!

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Which of these audition songs for Smile 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.


Author: Stacy Karyn

Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album ListShe holds a BA in theatre and a TESOL drama certificate, with experience working and interning in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.

Photo of Stacy Karyn

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