Picking the right song for a musical theatre audition used to feel like solving a puzzle with no clear picture. I’d spend hours flipping through sheet music, listening to cast recordings, and second-guessing myself. But once I learned the art and strategy behind choosing repertoire for musical theatre auditions, everything became a lot clearer, and a lot more effective.
The audition room is competitive. Everyone walking in is talented, trained, and hoping to stand out. That’s why what I sing matters just as much as how I sing it. I’ve learned that my song needs to fit me vocally, suit the role or show, and leave a lasting impression on the panel. It’s a lot to juggle, but the payoff is worth it when the casting team sees the connection between the song and me.
Start with the Audition Requirements
Every audition starts with a breakdown, whether it’s a general call, a callback, or a submission for a specific character. I never skip reading the details. Some ask for 16 bars, some for 32. Others want a contemporary ballad or a classic uptempo. Knowing these guidelines helps me avoid being cut before I even begin.
Once I know the format, I narrow my options. If they want two contrasting pieces, I think about how to show different sides of myself while staying consistent in quality. If they request something “in the style of the show,” I take that seriously. That doesn’t mean singing a song from the show, but picking something that captures a similar tone or character type.
Understanding the show’s genre, era, and vocal demands is essential when choosing repertoire for musical theatre auditions. If I’m auditioning for a Golden Age musical like The Sound of Music, I’ll lean toward something legit and lyrical. If it’s a modern rock musical like Rent or Spring Awakening, I’ll need something edgier and more contemporary.
Know Your Type and Strengths
One of the biggest mistakes I used to make was picking songs that I loved but that didn’t suit my voice or casting type. Learning to identify my vocal range, tone, and character strengths helped me make better decisions. Am I more of a quirky sidekick or a romantic lead? Do I excel at comedy, drama, or vulnerability?
I take time to explore my voice honestly. What notes feel most comfortable? What kind of tone do I naturally produce, bright, warm, edgy, smooth? Knowing this allows me to pick songs that highlight my best qualities rather than force me into territory where I’m not at my strongest.
When choosing repertoire for musical theatre auditions, I also think about energy. I’ve seen performers sing technically flawless songs that just didn’t fit their personality or stage presence. The best audition pieces let me feel like I’m not “acting” the song, I’m living it.
Avoid Overdone Songs
The audition panel has heard “Defying Gravity,” “Gimme Gimme,” and “On My Own” a hundred times already. Even though those are great songs, they’re not going to stand out. Unless I can bring something truly unique and personal, I steer clear of anything that’s become a go-to favorite for everyone else.
Instead, I look for songs that are a bit off the beaten path. Lesser-known musicals, character songs with strong arcs, or even cuts from pop albums that fit the musical theatre style can all be great choices. The goal is to be memorable for the right reasons, not because I reminded the panel of ten other performers they saw that day.
I also keep an updated list of songs that are frequently flagged as “overdone.” When in doubt, I check online forums, audition books, or even ask coaches. The key when choosing repertoire for musical theatre auditions is making sure the panel isn’t silently groaning when I begin.
Show Versatility Without Losing Identity
If I’m asked for two contrasting songs, I look for contrast that reveals range, not just genre. For example, I might pair a heartfelt ballad that showcases emotional vulnerability with a sharp comedic number full of timing and wit. I try to create a mini arc that shows who I am and what I can do.
But I never pick songs just to show range if they don’t feel authentic. Versatility doesn’t mean I have to become someone else; it means I show different layers of myself. That’s something I learned after giving a stiff, awkward comedic performance with a song that just didn’t suit my personality. The panel could see right through it.
Now, when choosing repertoire for musical theatre auditions, I ask: Can I connect to this emotionally? Can I imagine saying these words? Do I believe in what I’m singing? If the answer is yes, that’s the song I’ll probably do best with.
Cut Smart, Not Just Short
Audition cuts are an art in themselves. I used to think any 16 bars would do, but I’ve learned to choose cuts that tell a mini story. I look for a section with a beginning, middle, and end, even if it’s only 30 seconds long. The goal is to take the listener on a quick emotional journey.
I also avoid starting mid-sentence or cutting off a phrase that needs resolution. And I always make sure the cut ends with a clean button, either musically or emotionally. That final moment can leave a lasting impression, especially if it’s delivered with intention.
Choosing repertoire for musical theatre auditions means not only picking the right song but picking the right moment within the song. I take time to mark my sheet music clearly for the accompanist, and I practice the cut repeatedly so I don’t waste time warming into it during the audition.
Build a Diverse Audition Book
Over time, I’ve created a go-to audition book with at least one piece from each major category:
- Golden Age (Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe)
- Contemporary Musical Theatre (Jason Robert Brown, Pasek & Paul)
- Pop/Rock Musical Theatre (Green Day, Cyndi Lauper)
- Comedy
- Dramatic Ballad
- Character Song
This gives me flexibility when auditions come up last-minute or when callbacks ask for something new. Each song in my book has been workshopped, rehearsed, and performed in some capacity so I’m never caught off guard.
When choosing repertoire for musical theatre auditions, having variety doesn’t mean having dozens of songs I sort of know. It means having 6 to 10 songs I know inside and out, each one selected to show something specific about me.
Get Feedback and Rework
I often run my audition pieces by a vocal coach, a trusted director, or even friends. Fresh ears catch things I might miss, phrasing issues, unclear acting beats, or sections that don’t quite fit my voice. Feedback helps refine my choices and gives me confidence.
Sometimes, a song that worked two years ago no longer feels right. My voice may have changed, or I may have grown artistically. I try not to cling to material out of habit. Choosing repertoire for musical theatre auditions is a living process, and I check in with my audition book every few months to refresh or replace what’s no longer working.
Practice Like a Performance
Once I settle on a song, I rehearse it the way I plan to perform it. I don’t mumble through the lyrics or rely on a lyric sheet. I run it fully staged, in performance clothes, with the same energy I’ll use in the room. I practice walking in, greeting the accompanist, setting the tempo, and making strong acting choices.
I’ve learned that the more I treat rehearsal like performance, the more natural it feels during the actual audition. By the time I’m in front of the casting panel, the song feels like second nature, not something I’m still figuring out.
Final Thoughts
Choosing repertoire for musical theatre auditions is both a creative and strategic task. It’s about finding songs that showcase who I am while respecting the show, the role, and the audition format. It’s not just about hitting high notes, it’s about storytelling, connection, and confidence.
Over time, I’ve come to enjoy the process of building my audition book and discovering material that fits my voice and personality. Each song becomes a tool in my toolkit, a way to communicate my readiness, my professionalism, and my heart.
So whether it’s your first audition or your fiftieth, take the time to really think about what your song says about you. Make it count. The right song, sung with authenticity and preparation, can open doors in ways you never expected.
