The Best Audition Songs for Working – by Vocal Type
Do you have an upcoming audition for Working? 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 Working, broken down by vocal type.
Since Working is a pre-contemporary musical, the following songs are from shows between the 1970s-1990s as well. In addition, you’ll find a wide range of music genres 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 read through the synopsis while listening to the Working 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 (rather than a specific character), there’s always a chance of being cast in a leading or 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.
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
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
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: 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!
Which of these audition songs for Working 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.