The Best Audition Songs for The Wiz – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for The Wiz? 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 Wiz, broken down by character.
Since The Wiz is a pre-contemporary musical from the 1970s, most of the songs below are also from the 1960s-1990s (or have a 70s vibe to them). In addition, there are also a few non-musical theatre pop/soul songs from the 70s in case your audition allows that.
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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 read through the synopsis or libretto for The Wiz➝ while listening to the The Wiz 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 (and not a specific character), there’s always a chance you might get chosen for a leading/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.
Addaperle
“Dreamgirls” – Dreamgirls
“I Am Changing” – Dreamgirls
“It’s a Sign” – If/Then
Aunt Em
“All the King’s Horses” – Aretha Franklin [1970s/non-theatre]
“Listen” – Dreamgirls
“Reach Out and Touch” – Motown
Dorothy Gale
“Bless The Lord” – Godspell
“I Want You Back” – The Jackson 5 [1960s/non-theatre]
“I’m Still Waiting” – Diana Ross [1970s/non-theatre]
Evilene
“And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” – Dreamgirls
“Big, Blonde and Beautiful” – Hairspray
“Cleanin’ Women” – Working
Glinda
“I Got Love” – Purlie
“I’m Here” – The Color Purple
“Measure the Valleys” – Raisin
Scarecrow
“Ain’t No Sunshine” – Bill Withers [1970s/non-theatre]
“Lovin’ Al” – Working
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered” – Motown
The Lion
“Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” – Barry White [1970s/non-theatre]
“I Could Be That Guy” – Sister Act
“Serve Yourself” – Pump Boys and Dinettes
The Wiz
“I Know Where I’ve Been” – Hairspray
“Magic to Do” – Pippin
“Simple Joys” – Pippin
Tin Man
“Dancin’ on the Sidewalk” – Fame
“Eating Myself Up Alive” – A New Brain
“Lean on Me” – Bill Withers [1970s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Altos)
“By My Side” – Godspell
“Day by Day” – Godspell
“Twenty Four Hours of Lovin’” – The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Ensemble (Baritones)
“The World Is Comin’ to a Start” – Purlie
“When I Find My Baby” – Sister Act
“You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” – Barry White [1970s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Basses)
“Big Fish, Little Fish” – Purlie
“I’ll Be Here” – The Wild Party
“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” – Stevie Wonder [1970s/non-theatre]
Ensemble (Contras)
“Circle of Life” – The Lion King
“Easy” – Commodores [1970s/non-theatre]
“Isn’t She Lovely” – Stevie Wonder [1970s/non-theatre]
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
Ensemble (Mezzos/Sopranos)
“A Natural Woman” – Aretha Franklin [1960s/non-theatre]
“Angel” – Aretha Franklin [1970s/non-theatre]
“Move (You’re Steppin’ on My Heart)” – Dreamgirls
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Can I Close the Door” – Motown
“Free at Last” – Big River
“River Jordan” – The Civil War
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for The Wiz:
• “Actor!” in Audition Monologues for Young Men➝
• “Harvey and I➝” from Harvey➝ (Elwood)
• “Mother Moon➝” from Fading Joy➝ (Joy)
• “My Favorite Name➝” from Harvey➝ (Elwood)
• “Rooms” in Fantasy Monologues for Young Actors➝
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 Wiz Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in The Wiz, 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.
* That said, if you’ve specifically been asked to sing a song from the show, you can find the sheet music for the best possible audition songs below.
Act 1:
“The Feeling That We Have” – Aunt Em
“He’s the Wizard” – Addaperle, Ensemble
“Soon as I Get Home” – Dorothy Gale
“I Was Born On The Day Before Yesterday” – Scarecrow
“Ease on Down the Road” – Dorothy Gale, Scarecrow
“Slide Some Oil to Me” – Tin Man
“Ease on Down the Road (Reprise)” – Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man
“Mean Ole Lion” – Lion
“Ease on Down the Road (Reprise)” – Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion
“Be a Lion” – Dorothy Gale, Lion
“So You Wanted to See the Wizard” – The Wiz
“What Would I Do If I Could Feel” – Tin Man
Act 2:
“Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” – Evilene, Ensemble
“A Brand New Day” – Company
“Y’all Got It” – The Wiz, Company
“Believe in Yourself” – The Wiz
“Believe in Yourself (Reprise)” – Glinda
“Home” – Dorothy Gale
Which of these audition songs for The Wiz 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 has a TESOL drama certificate, a BA in theatre, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.