Audition Songs for West Side Story – By Character
Last Updated: January, 2026
When considering audition songs for West Side Story, it’s fitting to choose a song from classic 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 West Side Story premiered in 1957, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 1940s and 1960s. 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 West Side Story.
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.
The Audition Songs
Anita
“An English Teacher” – Bye Bye Birdie
“Ladies” – Destry Rides Again
“Spanish Rose” – Bye Bye Birdie
“There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This” – Sweet Charity
Maria
“No Other Love” – Me and Juliet
“One Boy” – Bye Bye Birdie
“This Is All Very New to Me” – Plain and Fancy
“Somebody, Somewhere” – The Most Happy Fella
Riff / Action
“Luck Be a Lady” – Guys and Dolls
“Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” – Guys and Dolls
“There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame” – South Pacific
“Too Darn Hot” – Kiss Me, Kate
Tony
“Make Our Garden Grow” – Candide
“You Are Beautiful” – Flower Drum Song
“Younger Than Springtime” – South Pacific
“You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” – South Pacific
Ensemble (Altos)
“A Wonderful Guy” – South Pacific
“I Enjoy Being a Girl” – Flower Drum Song
“Do I Hear A Waltz?” – Do I Hear a Waltz?
Ensemble (Baritones)
“I Talk to the Trees” – Paint Your Wagon
“The Big Black Giant” – Me and Juliet
“Young and Foolish” – Plain and Fancy
Ensemble (Basses)
“Heart” – Damn Yankees
“My Time of Day” – Guys and Dolls
“What a Waste” – Wonderful Town
Ensemble (Contras)
“Before I Kiss the World Goodbye” – Jennie
“Lazy Afternoon” – The Golden Apple
“Nobody’s Heart” – By Jupiter
Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)
“Is It Really Me?” – 110 in the Shade
“Love, Look Away” – Flower Drum Song
“You Don’t Know” – Here’s Love
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“I Love You” – Song of Norway
“Till There Was You” – The Music Man
“What Does He Want of Me?” – Man of La Mancha
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Fanny” – Fanny
“Take the Moment” – Do I Hear a Waltz?
“That’s the Way It Happens” – Me and Juliet
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for West Side Story:
• “I Don’t Know➝” from Sun Dried➝ (Mary Louise)
• “I Don’t Want to Be an Actress➝” from Snakebit (Jenifer)
• “Green Pepper➝” from Cocktails at Pam’s (Estelle)
• “Play Memory” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “That’s All I Got➝” from Other Desert Cities (Trip)
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!
West Side Story Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in West Side Story, 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:
“Jet Song” – Riff, Jets
“Something’s Coming” – Tony
“Maria” – Tony
“America” – Anita, Rosalia, Shark Girls
“Tonight” – Tony, Maria
“Gee, Officer Krupke” – Action, The Jets
Act 2:
“I Feel Pretty” – Maria, Rosalia, Consuelo
“One Hand, One Heart” – Tony, Maria
“Tonight (Quintet)” – Company
“Somewhere” – Soloist
“Cool” – Riff, Ensemble
“A Boy Like That” / “I Have a Love” – Anita, Maria
“Finale” – Maria, Tony, Company
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!
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.
