Looking for some of the best musical theater audition songs that are sure to impress at your next audition?
Whether you have a musical theatre audition coming up, or you just love singing along with the best of the genre, you’ve come to the right place!
The wide repertoire of musical theatre songs is full of everything from desperate ballads to uproarious anthems. All of these memorable songs are great ways to express both your voice and your acting skills. When you pour your heart and soul into these theatrical pieces, audiences are sure to resonate.
To kick off our guide to the best broadway songs, check out the video from our expert vocal coach Betsy. In it, she shares which musical theatre songs are the right fit for each voice type and role. Follow Betsy’s tips to leave the best impression at your audition!
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How Do You Get a Good Musical Theatre Audition?
The best tip for nailing your audition is to choose the right song. When you’re trying to choose the perfect musical theater audition song, it isn’t always easy. To narrow down your search, ask yourself the following questions:
- How long do you want your audition song to be? There are 16 bar musical theater audition songs as well as 32 bar musical theater audition songs. Pick the right length for the audition type!
- What genres do you like to sing? While pop rock musical theater audition songs might be appropriate for some people, other voices might be better suited to jazz, country, or some other genre.
- What are the audition requirements? Read these carefully!
Finally, consider the type of role you’re looking for and do your best to match your audition song to that role.
Before you head to the audition, be sure to check out this video of how to sing better instantly, too! It’s sure to give you some inspiration:
Best Musical Theater Audition Songs: Female
Below, we’ve compiled some of the best musical songs to sing at your next audition, broken down by voice type (such as the best musical theater audition songs for altos). Check out this comprehensive list of broadway songs for girls from musicals and then keeping reading for tips on how to ace your audition!
Here are some of the best musical theater audition songs for women:
Musical Songs for Sopranos:
At the top of our list of the best female musical theater audition songs are the highest in pitch, the sopranos. Many of these theatre tunes are perfect songs to sing in auditions for female roles, if you’ve got the right range for them. Just reading down this top 10 list is sure to give you memories of some of the greatest musical theatre performances of all time!
1. “Better” — Legally Blonde
2. “Think of Me” — The Phantom of the Opera
3. “I Could Have Danced All Night” — My Fair Lady
4. “It’s a Fine, Fine Line” — Avenue Q
5. “Moonfall” — The Mystery of Edwin Drood
6. “Home” — Beauty and the Beast
7. “Somewhere” — West Side Story
8. “The Light in the Piazza” — The Light in the Piazza
9. “How Lovely to be a Woman” — Bye Bye Birdie
10.“Matchmaker” — Fiddler on the Roof
Musical Theater Audition Songs for Altos:
Although alto is Italian for “high,” the alto range is commonly the lowest range for women. Here are some of the best audition songs for altos, including music from several eras of musical theatre, so you can get out there and sing your heart out!
1. “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” — Grease
2. “Holding Out for a Hero” — Footloose
3. “Always True to You in My Fashion” — Kiss Me Kate
4. “Astonishing” — Little Women
5. “Welcome to the ’60s” — Hairspray
6. “Pulled” — The Addams Family
7. “All for You” — Seussical
8. “I’m Not At All in Love” — The Pajama Game
9. “Mama Who Bore Me” — Spring Awakening
10.“Beautiful” — Carole King’s Beautiful
RELATED: How to Sing High Notes
Audition Songs for Mezzo-Soprano Musical Theater:
Somewhere between a soprano and a contralto is the mezzo-soprano, another classical type of female singing voice. Here are some of the best musical theater audition songs for mezzo-sopranos!
- “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” – Gypsy
- “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” – Finian’s Rainbow
- “Easy to be Hard” – Hair
- “Everything Changes” – Waitress
- “Take Back Your Mink” – Guys and Dolls
- “The History of Wrong Guys” – Kinky Boots
- “I Never Wanted This” – It Shoulda Been You
- “Home” – Beauty and the Beast
- “Daddy’s Girl” – Gray Gardens
- “I Cain’t Say No” – Oklahoma!
Best Female Rock Audition Songs for Musical Theater
If you’re a rocker at heart, this list of the best female rock audition songs is perfect for you! These songs are sure to impress casting directors and highlight your rock ‘n’ roll spirit.
1. “Alone” by Heart
“Heart” was one of the most successful rock bands of the ’70s and ’80s, and “Alone” is a classic example of their unique sound. This song is perfect for showcasing the range of your voice. With its big chorus that demands to be belted out, you won’t go unnoticed when you sing it for your audition.
2. “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence
If you’re looking for a song that’s both emotional and powerful, “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence is an excellent choice. This song features a beautiful melody and haunting harmonies. It’s perfect for showcasing your ability to convey the emotional depth of a character through your singing.
3. “I Hate Myself for Loving You” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Joan Jett is a trailblazer for female rock musicians, and “I Hate Myself for Loving You” is one of her most iconic songs. This song has a sassy and aggressive attitude that’s perfect for playing a strong female character. It’s also a great choice for those who want to show off their rock guitar skills during the instrumental break.
4. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for group auditions, “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey is a must-sing. This timeless classic is known for its sing-along chorus and halftime breakdown. It’s an excellent choice for showcasing your range and bringing nostalgia to any audition room.
5. “Zombie” by The Cranberries
The Cranberries’ “Zombie” is a haunting and powerful song that expresses strong emotions of pain, frustration, and hurt. The lyrics and the music together create an impactful story that is sure to make an impact on casting directors. This song is perfect for showing off your emotional range and ability to connect with a piece of music.
Musical Theater Audition Songs: Male
Don’t worry, fellas! We didn’t forget about you. Here are some of the best musical theater audition songs for you.
Musical Theatre Songs for Tenors:
On the high end of the male vocal range lies the tenor. Countless classics fall within this range, so there are plenty of great musical theatre songs for tenors to choose.
1. “Maria” — West Side Story
2. “Magic Foot” — The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
4. “Almost Like Being in Love” — Brigadoon
5. “Close Every Door” — Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
6. “Santa Fe” — Newsies
7. “Fortune Favors the Brave” — Aida
8.“Some Enchanted Evening” — South Pacific
9.“Dancing Through Life” — Wicked
10. “When the Sun Goes Down” — In the Heights
Good Audition Songs for Bass Singers:
Carrying the low end and providing some of the most memorable musical theatre moments of all time, bass singers can belt out with these ten instant classics.
1. “I Wanna be a Producer” — The Producers
2. “Try to Remember” — The Fantasticks
3. “The Music of the Night” — The Phantom of the Opera
4. “Comedy Tonight” — A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum
5. “Ol’ Man River” — Showboat
6. “Coffee Shop Nights” — Curtains
7. “Mr. Cellophane” — Chicago
8. “My Defenses Are Down” — Annie Get Your Gun
9. “Always Look On the Bright Side of Life” — Spamalot
10. “Edelweiss” — The Sound of Music
SEE ALSO: How to Sing Better Instantly
More Musical Theatre Songs for Male and Female:
When it comes to world-class musical theatre, nothing quite beats a duet. A pair of voices can cover the entire vocal range and convey a captivating, dramatic tension together. So, grab a friend and try one of these tunes!
1. “On Broadway” — All that Jazz
2. “Man of La Mancha” — Man of La Mancha
3. “Take Me or Leave Me” — Rent
4. “Heaven On Their Minds” — Jesus Christ Superstar
5. “One” — A Chorus Line
6. “Another Hundred People” — Company
7. “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man (of Mine)” — Showboat
8. “Before the Parade Passes By” — Hello Dolly
9. “It’s De-lovely” — Anything Goes
10. “Who Will Buy” — Oliver!
What Should You Not Do at a Musical Theater Audition?
There are a few mistakes you can make at a musical theater audition.
For instance, you should always make sure you warm up. Not warming up is one of the biggest mistakes you can make! Prepare yourself both physically and mentally by practicing as often as possible.
Focus on your voice – but not just your voice. If you’re auditioning with accompaniment, be sure to acquaint yourself with how that will sound, too.
Of course, choosing the wrong song is one of the biggest mistakes you can make at an audition! Make sure you consider the list of the best musical theater audition songs above as you’re preparing for the big day.
What is the Hardest Song to Sing in Musical Theatre?
They say that music is a universal language, and nowhere is that more evident than in musical theatre. From iconic hits to showstopping ballads, these songs have captured our hearts for generations. But among these legendary tunes, there are a few that stand out as being particularly challenging for performers.
If you want to impress at your audition by singing one of these doozies, by all means – go for it! Or choose one of the other songs on the list to play it safe. Whatever you choose, here are some of the trickiest songs to belt out:
1. Defying Gravity – Wicked
One of the most beloved musicals of all time, Wicked has captured the hearts of audiences with its enchanting story and unforgettable music. However, there’s one song from the show that requires an incredible amount of skill and vocal control: Defying Gravity.
This soaring anthem demands an exceptional range and power, with sustained notes that span multiple octaves. Not only does it require the stamina to maintain such a high level of intensity, but it also demands a truly emotional performance.
2. The Wizard and I – Wicked
It seems that Wicked is full of vocal challenges, as The Wizard and I is another hit from the show that stands out as being exceptionally difficult. The song requires a performer to master a variety of vocal techniques, from gentle vibratos to belting out high notes.
The whole performance is an exercise in control and technique, requiring the singer to bring a sense of nuance and depth to the character who is singing.
3. A Little Priest – Sweeney Todd
From Stephen Sondheim, one of the most highly regarded composers of musical theatre, Sweeney Todd tells the story of a deranged barber seeking revenge on society. The music of the show is intense and dark, with A Little Priest being a standout for its demanding vocal skillset.
The song is a fast-paced duet, with the two performers trading lines in a rapid-fire cadence. Not only does it require a singer to manage the rhythm and pace of the performance, but they must also bring a sense of character and wit to the lyrics.
4. Gethsemane – Jesus Christ Superstar
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock-opera inspired musical is known for its heavy use of electric guitar, and Gethsemane is a perfect example of this. The song is a high energy reaction from Jesus when he understands his death is near. Gethsemane is known for requiring the power of an operatic tenor, which is a lot to ask from a performer, making it a challenging number even for seasoned pros.
5. Sweet Transvestite – The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic filled with unforgettable songs, but none are more demanding than Sweet Transvestite.
The number requires a performer to balance a seductive sense of playfulness with a powerful vocal performance, swinging from low notes to high in just a few bars. The song chugs along until a massive crescendo where the singer can let loose and take the audience on a wild ride.
Give it All You’ve Got with These Best Musical Theater Songs for Auditions!
Once you’ve picked your perfect musical theater song, keep these other tips in mind to sing better and make a good impression at your next audition:
- As you prepare, remember the typical 16-bar and 32-bar cuts, and make sure your song fits appropriately.
- When you step into the audition, introduce yourself, smile, and be pleasant! Directors sit through many, many auditions, and you want to catch their attention in a positive way.
- Consider preparing both uptempos and ballads, no matter what show or part you are auditioning for. You never know what the director is looking for!
There are so many good musical songs out there, but the list above includes the best songs from a musical that are appropriate to sing for contemporary musical theatre auditions today.
And if you’re a teen? Be sure to check out this list of the best musical theater audition songs for young adults!
Remember, if a song you love is not in the right range, you can always change the key! This is a skill that a voice teacher could easily help you with.
If you would like a professional’s guidance as you learn how to sing any of these songs from musicals, feel free to schedule a singing lesson today!
Post Author: Liz T.Liz T. teaches singing and acting lessons online. She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M. in Vocal Performance and currently performs/teaches all styles of music including Musical Theater, Classical, Jazz, and Country. Learn more about Liz here!
Bonus: We’ve teamed up with Musical Theater Songs to offer an exclusive membership discount — use code FBFRIEND and get access to a full library of more than 9,000 audition songs for just $59/year (that’s 25% off the yearly price!). With Musical Theater Songs, you can:
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Learn more here!
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