The Best Audition Songs for The Scottsboro Boys – By Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for The Scottsboro Boys? 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 The Scottsboro Boys, broken down by character.
Since The Scottsboro Boys is a contemporary musical set in the 1930s, the following songs are either from contemporary shows or musicals that are set in the 1920s/1930s. Also, there are some Kander and Ebb selections mixed in, as well as a few songs directly from the 1920s/1930s!
Please note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through one of the following links, we may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. See our disclosure for more info.
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 read through the synopsis while listening to the The Scottsboro Boys cast album➝.
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, decide which character you’d like to audition for. And finally, choose a suitable song from the list below!
Interlocutor
“Big News!” – Parade
“It Must Be Believed to Be Seen” – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
“It’s In Your Hands Now” – Roadshow
“Pretty Music” – Parade
“The Ballad of Booth” – Assassins
Haywood Patterson
“Let Me Drown” – The Wild Party
“Razzle Dazzle” – Chicago
“My Daddy Always Taught Me to Share” – Grind
“New Man” – Grind
“That’s What He Said” – Parade
NOTE: This is a very ensemble heavy show with lots of role doublings. That’s why there are only audition song selections for baritones, basses, and tenors below.
Ensemble (Baritones)
“All I Care About” – Chicago
“Diga Diga Doo” – Blackbirds of 1928
“Doctor Jazz” – Jelly’s Last Jam
“Honeysuckle Rose” – Ain’t Misbehavin’
“If You Could See Her” – Cabaret
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Basses)
“I’ll Be Here” – The Wild Party
“Poor Child” – The Wild Party
“Sunny Side Up” – Good News!
“Wheels of a Dream” – Ragtime
“When I Grow Up (The G-Man Song)” – Pins and Needles
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Drift Away” – Grey Gardens
“Make Them Hear You” – Ragtime
“My Problem Right There” – Hands on a Hardbody
“Say a Prayer” – Memphis
“You Coulda Knocked Me Over With a Feather” – Some Like It Hot
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!
The Scottsboro Boys Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in The Scottsboro Boys, 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.
“Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey!” – Interlocutor, Company
“Commencing in Chattanooga” – Haywood, Scottsboro Boys
“Alabama Ladies” – Victoria Price, Ruby Bates
“Nothin'” – Haywood
“Electric Chair” – Ensemble
“Go Back Home” – Haywood, Eugene, Scottsboro Boys
“Shout!” – Scottsboro Boys
“Make Friends with the Truth” – Haywood, Billy, Scottsboro Boys
“That’s Not the Way We Do Things” – Samuel Leibowitz
“Never Too Late” – Ruby Bates, Scottsboro Boys
“Financial Advice” – Attorney General
“Southern Days” – Scottsboro Boys
“Alabama Ladies (Reprise)” – Victoria Price
“It’s Gonna Take Time” – Interlocutor
“Zat So” – Governor of Alabama, Samuel Leibowitz, Haywood
“You Can’t Do Me” – Haywood
“The Scottsboro Boys” – Scottsboro Boys
Which of these audition songs for The Scottsboro Boys 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.