Audition Songs for Working – By Vocal Type
Last Updated: January, 2026
When considering audition songs for Working, it’s fitting to choose a country, pop, or soul 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 Working premiered in 1977, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 1970s and 1990s. 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 Working.
Step 3: Pick an Audition Song
Before choosing a song, find your voice type and range using the Vocal Guide.
When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and comfort level.
The Audition Songs
Altos
“Change” – A New Brain
“Chief Cook and Bottle Washer” – The Rink
“Miss Byrd” – Closer Than Ever
“The Music and the Mirror” – A Chorus Line
“These Are My Children” – Fame
Baritones
“Farmer Tan” – Pump Boys and Dinettes
“I Don’t Remember Christmas” – Starting Here Starting Now
“I’d Rather Be Sailing” – A New Brain
“Serve Yourself” – Pump Boys and Dinettes
“The Kid Inside” – Is There Life After High School?
Basses
“Fallin’” – They’re Playing Our Song
“Look Around” – The Will Rogers Follies
“Never Met a Man I Didn’t Like” – The Will Rogers Follies
“Slide Some Oil To Me” – The Wiz
“The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine” – Pump Boys and Dinettes
Contras
“Believe in Yourself” – The Wiz
“I Still Believe in Love” – They’re Playing Our Song
“Let It Sing” – Violet
“Teaching Third Grade” – Ruthless!
“The Music Still Plays On” – A New Brain
Mezzos/Sopranos
“Colored Lights” – The Rink
“Crossword Puzzle” – Starting Here, Starting Now
“Happy Birthday” – I’m Getting My Act Together & Taking It on the Road
“Set Those Sails” – In Trousers
“The Flagmaker, 1775” – Songs for a New World
Tenors
“And They’re Off” – A New Brain
“I Chose Right” – Baby
“My Daddy Always Taught Me to Share” – Grind
“New Man” – Grind
“The Only Home I Know” – Shenandoah
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Working:
• “Actor!” in Audition Monologues for Young Men➝
• “Big Scary Animals” in The Best Men’s Monologues from New Plays, 2019➝
• “Bridge Partners” in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s➝
• “Play Memory” in Solo!: The Best Monologues of the 80s – Women➝
• “Playing With Fired” in The Best Men’s Monologues from New Plays, 2019➝
• “Wilderness of Mirrors” in Audition Arsenal for Men in Their 20s➝
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!
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.
