Avoid the Top 5 Audition Song Mistakes Made by Beginners
Are You Making These 5 Common Audition Song Mistakes?
If you’re struggling to find the right audition songs, you’re not alone. I’ve worked with hundreds of musical theatre performers, and most of them are making at least one of these five mistakes—without even realizing it. In this post, I’m breaking down each one, plus giving you a solution you can implement immediately.
🎥 Watch the Full Breakdown
❌ Mistake #1: Overthinking Your Song Choice
You're spending hours trying to find the perfect song no one’s ever heard of—thinking that’s what will make you stand out. Truth? What matters most is how you deliver the material, not how obscure it is. Show your authenticity, your point of view, and your acting. That’s what books jobs.
❌ Mistake #2: Worrying About “Overdone” Songs
Let’s be real—almost every song is “overdone.” Casting directors know what they want to hear. These days, many auditions ask you to sing from the show or something very similar. If a song showcases your story, voice, and the role type you play—use it, even if it’s popular.
❌ Mistake #3: Letting Others Choose Your Material
Asking others to pick your songs puts your career in their hands. You know your voice, your story, and your casting better than anyone else. Guidance is great—but take the lead. Pick songs you connect with emotionally, vocally, and energetically.
❌ Mistake #4: Ignoring the Audition Breakdown
The breakdown is full of gold—what to sing, what not to, whether they want material from the show, or something in a similar style. If they say “here are some song options,” use them—if you can prepare and perform them well. Read carefully and look for clues.
❌ Mistake #5: Overlooking What You Already Have
You’ve already done the work—past roles, callbacks, and cut songs you’ve prepared are all great additions to your book. Use material from callback sides, especially if you already have tracks, cuts, and confidence performing them. These are gold mines you're probably ignoring.
Free Resource:
Download my Audition Book Blueprint here.
What’s Your Go-To Audition Song?
Leave a comment or DM me on Instagram @ashleeelynnspinosa. I’d love to hear what you’re singing right now!
Ashlee Espinosa, MFA is a professional actress and career coach helping performers thrive onstage and off. She brings over two decades of experience and a unique perspective from her bi-coastal lifestyle as a working artist. A former college professor, she now splits her time between performing, coaching, and creating digital resources to support other artists. Follow her on Instagram or check out the Musical Theatre Mentor YouTube channel for weekly career advice.
