The Best Audition Songs for Smile – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for Smile? Well unless you have specifically been asked to sing a song from the show that you’re auditioning for, it’s generally best not to. That said, you should still show off similar vocals and personality. So here’s our list of audition songs for Smile, broken down by character.
Since Smile came out in the late 1980s, most of the following songs are also from various musicals of the 1980s. In addition, there are lots of youthful and hopeful vibes below in order to match the style of the show.
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Step 1: Read your audition details
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: Get to know the show
In casting calls, they often ask for you to be “familiar with the show”. And even if it’s not requested, it’s generally assumed. One way to do this is to listen to the Smile cast album➝ while reading through the synopsis.
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)
“Like It Was” – Merrily We Roll Along
“Unexpected Song” – Tell Me on a Sunday
“Where Is the Warmth?” – The Baker’s Wife
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)
“In L.A.” – Fame
“Let’s Play a Love Scene” – Fame
“Think of Meryl Streep” – Fame
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“Mabel’s Prayer” – Fame
“Simple” – Nine
“When There’s No One” – Carrie
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 The Acting Coach Approach: 48 Monologues for Kids➝
• “Three-Word Play” in The Acting Coach Approach: 48 Monologues for Kids➝
Final Step: Prepare for your audition
After collecting your materials and getting familiar with the show, it’s time to move forward with the actual preparation. If you’re in need of some guidance on this step, you can always go through this FREE audition prep checklist!
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
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” – Dale, Contestants
“The Very Best Week of Your Lives” – Brenda, Contestants
“Dear Mom #1” – Doria, Robin
“Disneyland” – Doria
“Shine” – Brenda, Tommy, Contestants
“Dear Mom #2” – Robin
“Bob’s Song” – Big Bob
“Nerves” – Contestants
“Young and American” – Contestants
“Until Tomorrow Night” – Doria, Brenda, Big Bob, Contestants
Act 2:
“Dear Mom #3” / “Dressing Room Scene” – Robin, Doria, Ted, Contestants
“Smile” – Ted, Contestants
“In Our Hands” – Contestants
“There Goes Our Girl (Finale)” – Ted, Big Bob, Robin, Contestants
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.
Need extra help? Just go through this free audition prep checklist!
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She holds a BA in theatre, a TESOL drama certificate, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.