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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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Robin

“The Music and the Mirror” – A Chorus Line

“Once You See” – Carrie

“Somewhere That’s Green” – Little Shop of Horrors

“Superhero Girl” – Starmites

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Ensemble (Altos)

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

“Think of Meryl Streep” – Fame

“When There’s No One” – Carrie

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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?

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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

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Ensemble (Contras)

“Heaven Help My Heart” – Chess

“Teaching Third Grade” – Ruthless!

“Times Like This” – Lucky Stiff

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

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Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)

“Colored Lights” – The Rink

“In L.A.” – Fame

“Let’s Play a Love Scene” – Fame

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Ensemble (Sopranos)

“It’s Better to Give” – Nuncrackers

“Mabel’s Prayer” – Fame

“No One Cared Like You” – Nunsense II

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Ensemble (Tenors)

“Dreamer in Disguise” – Carrie

“I Want to Make Magic” – Fame

“Larger Than Life” – My Favorite Year

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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➝

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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