The Best Audition Songs for Smile – By Character
When considering audition songs for Smile, it’s fitting to choose a heartfelt song from late 20th century 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 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 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 Smile.
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 Smile
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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
🎭 Do you know your casting type? Take our free Character Archetype Quiz to find out if you’re a villain, ingénue, hero, romantic, or a type that’s even more unique!
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
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:
• “Dime a Dozen” from Master Class
• “Doing It For Me” from A Chorus Line
• “Garage Recitals” from A Chorus Line
• “Hi God” from The Winter Guard Play
• “On Stage” from A Life in the Theatre
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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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! This 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
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.
