Audition Songs by Musical

The Best Audition Songs for Working – By Vocal Type

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 to ensure it matches the show’s style.


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 style.



🎶 Need more audition song ideas? Build your audition book with a DIY Rep Book for your voice type: 200+ songs with ranges, tempos, and listening links. Or explore thousands of songs, monologues, and the Character Studio in the Theatre Trip Repertoire Studio→


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:

• “Between Things” from Middletown

• “Good Films” from Speed-the-Plow

• “Head Usher” from Death Suite

• “Just a Rock” from Middletown

• “Lonely Billions” from Middletown


Step 5: Get Your Free Audition Prep Tools

Choosing the right song is just the beginning! Strong preparation helps you walk into the room with confidence and ready to show what you can do.

Get Theatre Trip’s free audition prep resources, including:

☑ Your Audition Prep Checklist
☑ Printable Audition Stamp Cards
☑ Updates when new audition tools are added

Grab your free resources on Patreon→


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.

Photo of Stacy Karyn