The Best Audition Songs for [title of show] – by Character
Do you have an upcoming audition for [title of show]? 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 [title of show], broken down by character.
Since [title of show] is a contemporary musical, the following songs are from contemporary shows as well. In addition there are lots of piano-heavy/playful 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 [title of show] cast album➝ while reading through the synopsis.
Step 3: Pick an audition song
Next, based on your personality and vocal type, decide which character you’d like to audition for. 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 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.
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.
Heidi
“A Summer in Ohio” – The Last Five Years
“Fly Into the Future” – Vanities
“Gotta Get Out” – Ordinary Days
“I’ll Be Here” – Ordinary Days
“Promise Me This” – Theory of Relativity
Hunter
“Danny & Andrew” – We Aren’t Kids Anymore
“I’m Not Falling for That” – We Aren’t Kids Anymore
“Look at the Sky” – Urinetown
“Run, Freedom, Run!” – Urinetown
“Unstoppable” – Tootsie
Jeff
“Favorite Places” – Ordinary Days
“Footprint” – The Theory of Relativity
“I Think I Like Her” – Summer of ’42
“Whaddya Do” – Tootsie
“You Will Never Know” – Theory of Relativity [first half]
Susan
“Climbing Uphill” – The Last Five Years
“Don’t Wanna Be Here” – Ordinary Days
“Home Calls” – Next Thing You Know
“On the Edge” – We Aren’t Kids Anymore
“There Was John” – Tootsie
Step 4: Select a monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for [title of show]:
• “Actor!” in Audition Monologues for Young Men➝
• “Some People Are Bizarre” in Magnificent Monologues for Teens➝
• “The Drama Department” in The Best Men’s Monologues from New Plays, 2019➝
• “Three-Word Play” in The Acting Coach Approach: 48 Monologues for Kids➝
• “Where Is He?➝” from The Father Clock➝ (Flub)
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!
[title of show] Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in [title of show], 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.
“Untitled Opening Number” – Company
“Two Nobodies in New York” – Jeff, Hunter
“An Original Musical” – Jeff, Blank Paper (Hunter)
“Monkeys and Playbills” – Company
“The Tony Award Song” – Jeff, Hunter
“Part of It All” – Jeff, Hunter
“I Am Playing Me” – Heidi, Company
“What Kind of Girl Is She?” – Heidi, Susan
“Die, Vampire, Die!” – Susan, Company
“Filling Out the Form” – Company
“September Song” – Company
“Secondary Characters” – Heidi, Susan
“A Way Back to Then” – Heidi
“Nine People’s Favorite Thing” – Company
“Finale” – Company
Which of these audition songs for [title of show] 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.