Avoid These 5 Common Audition Song Mistakes
If you’re struggling to find the right audition songs, you’re not alone. I’ve coached 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’ll break down the five biggest song-selection traps and share what to do instead, so you can walk into your next audition confident, connected, and ready to book.
1. Overthinking Your Song Choice
You spend hours trying to find the perfect song no one’s ever heard of, hoping it’ll make you stand out.
Here’s the truth: what matters most is your authenticity and storytelling, not the rarity of your material.
Casting teams want to see you—your connection, your choices, your perspective. Pick songs that make you feel alive, not just ones that feel “different.”
2. Worrying About “Overdone” Songs
Almost every great musical theatre song has been “overdone.” That’s okay.
Casting directors know what they’re looking for. They’re not testing your originality—they’re assessing how you interpret the piece.
If a song fits your story, your voice, and your casting—use it. Your performance is what makes it unique, not the title on your sheet music.
3. Letting Others Choose Your Material
Relying on others to pick your songs means letting someone else steer your career.
Yes, coaching and feedback are valuable but ultimately, you’re the expert on your voice, your type, and your story.
Pick songs that:
Fit your current casting type and vocal range
Reflect who you are today (not who you were five years ago)
Make you excited to perform
Guidance is great. Ownership is better.
4. Ignoring the Audition Breakdown
The breakdown gives you everything you need to know, it’s your roadmap.
Pay attention to:
What the creative team asks for (specific shows or song styles)
The tone, energy, or vibe of the piece
Whether they want something from the show or in a similar style
If they list suggested material and you can sing it confidently, go for it. That’s not a trick—it’s a clue.
5. Overlooking What You Already Have
You’ve already done the work. Your past roles, callback cuts, and prepared songs are all potential gems.
Review your audition book and callback repertoire:
Which songs got strong reactions in the room?
Which ones you already have tracks, cuts, and confidence performing?
Those pieces are gold mines you might be ignoring. Sometimes, the best song is already in your book.
Free Resource: Upgrade Your Audition Book
📘 Download my free Audition Book Blueprint to organize, refresh, and confidently choose the right material for every audition.
It’s a step-by-step guide to help you stop second-guessing and finally feel prepared for any casting call.
🎥 Watch Next: How to Build a Musical Theatre Career That Lasts
This video expands on the bigger picture—how to create a sustainable performer life, not just a good audition.
Final Thought
Audition success isn’t about finding the most obscure song—it’s about clarity, confidence, and connection.
When your material matches your voice, story, and energy, casting directors notice. Trust your instincts, refine your book, and sing what makes you feel unstoppable.
You’ve already got everything you need, it’s just about using it strategically.
📥 Coaching Support
If you’re ready to level up your audition strategy or get personalized feedback on your material, book a 1:1 coaching session. Let’s refine your repertoire and make sure every song in your book works for you.
Ashlee Espinosa, MFA is a professional actress and career coach helping performers and artist-entrepreneurs build bold, burnout-free creative careers onstage and off. With two decades of experience and a unique bi-coastal perspective, Ashlee blends mindset, marketing, and business strategy to help multi-hyphenate artists grow their visibility and income without sacrificing their well-being. Through 1:1 coaching, free weekly resources, and digital tools, she helps creatives design careers that feel as good as they look — and pay them well too.
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