Audition Songs for The Scottsboro Boys – By Character
When considering audition songs for The Scottsboro Boys, it’s fitting to choose a jazz or blues song from 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 The Scottsboro Boys is set in the 1930s, the audition songs below have a 1920s/1930s feel to them. 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 more about The Scottsboro Boys.
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 range, decide whether you’d prefer to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Even if you audition for a specific role, stay open to other casting possibilities.
When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and comfort level.
From Our Shop: Don’t forget to keep your rep book updated! To build a personalized audition binder for your specific vocal type, check out our collection of DIY Rep Books.
The Audition Songs
Interlocutor
“Big News!” – Parade
“It Must Be Believed to Be Seen” – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
“Pretty Music” – Parade
“The Ballad of Booth” – Assassins
“Ballad of the Robbers” – Knickerbocker Holiday
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 an 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
“Doctor Jazz” – Jelly’s Last Jam
“Honeysuckle Rose” – Ain’t Misbehavin’
“If You Could See Her” – Cabaret
“Mister Cellophane” – Chicago
Ensemble (Basses)
“Clap Yo’ Hands” – Oh, Kay!
“I’ll Be Here” – The Wild Party
“Poor Child” – The Wild Party
“Sunny Side Up” – Good News!
“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: 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!
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
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.
