How to Build Your Musical Theatre Repertoire

Last Updated: February 4, 2026

This guide outlines a step-by-step approach to building your musical theatre repertoire, drawing on common audition and song selection practices within musical theatre.

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Step 1: Find out your vocal type

Before getting started, it’s essential to understand your vocal type. Using a piano (or a virtual keyboard➝, follow this brief process to find your vocal range before continuing.

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Step 2: Select a Golden Age song

The Golden Age of musical theatre is generally understood to span the 1940s through the 1950s. Go through these golden age musicals, and select a song from this period that highlights your vocal range and strengths.

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Step 3: Pick out a post-golden age song

Post-Golden Age musicals emerged in the 1960s and reflect a broader range of stylistic experimentation alongside more traditional works. Review musicals from this period and select a song that aligns with your strengths and preferences.

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Step 4: Pick a song from the late 20th century

The late 20th century marked a period of stylistic expansion in musical theatre, including concept musicals, mega-musicals, and contemporary storytelling forms. Select a song from the 1970s, 1980s, or 1990s that aligns with your vocal strengths and emotional range.

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Step 5: Pick a contemporary song

Contemporary musicals premiered in 2000 or later. For this step, focus on original stage productions rather than film adaptations or jukebox musicals that feature songs written decades earlier. Select a song from the 2000s, 2010s, or 2020s that demonstrates versatility.

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Step 6: Select a character/comedic song

Include one character-driven or comedic song in your book. Choose a piece that aligns with your personality while allowing you to demonstrate range and commitment to the bit.

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Step 7: Pick a non-musical theatre pop/rock song

Because many contemporary musical theatre auditions request a pop or rock selection, include one non-theatre pop/rock song in your book. Choose a piece that complements your vocal style and can be adapted for audition settings.

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Step 8: Select a Walt Disney song

Given the continued production of Disney stage adaptations, include one polished Disney selection in your book. Choose a song that suits your voice and allows you to demonstrate storytelling and stylistic control.

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Step 9: Pick a Stephen Sondheim song

While Sondheim material is not always appropriate for general auditions, it is essential when auditioning for a Sondheim production. Include one prepared Sondheim selection in your book to demonstrate technical precision and interpretive skill when required.

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Step 10: Select your special showcase song

Include one song that highlights a specific strength or specialization, such as classical, country, rock, or another stylistic niche. A clearly defined specialty can differentiate you within a competitive field.

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Looking for more? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!

In each of these DIY Rep Books, you’ll find hundreds of specially-chosen songs for each of the above nine categories. So you won’t have to do any of the research yourself! Just follow the link below to get started with building up your musical theatre repertoire.

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