How to Pick Audition Songs for Multiple Shows
🎭 Audition Season Stress Is Real—But It Doesn’t Have to Be
You land an open call audition or a full-season appointment... and suddenly realize you need to prepare materials for several shows. Cue the overwhelm.
What songs should you sing? Should you use material from the shows? What if you’re right for more than one role but the styles are totally different?
If you've ever stared at your rep book feeling paralyzed, you're not alone.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a clear, step-by-step process for choosing the best audition materials—ones that reflect your artistry, meet the breakdown requirements, and help you stand out with confidence.
📋 Step 1: Start With the Breakdown
Before you open your book, open the audition breakdown.
Look for:
The time limits for songs or monologues
Whether material from the show is encouraged
Specific vocal types or acting requirements
Style, tone, and genre preferences
The breakdown gives you clues about what the casting team actually wants. Don't guess—read closely.
🎥 Want more help with self-tapes, casting profiles, and digital submissions?
Watch my Online Audition Submission Bootcamp series on YouTube for step-by-step support:
👉 Watch the full series here
📚 Step 2: Research the Shows Like a Dramaturg
Even if you’ve seen the shows before, revisit the world of each one.
Learn the tone, story arc, character breakdowns, and vocal style of each production on the season slate. Doing this upfront helps you choose material that actually fits what’s being cast.
Ask:
What’s the vibe of this show? (Early Broadway? Country/folk? Contemporary pop? Rock?)
What characters align with your vocal range, energy, and essence?
What kind of songs or scenes would feel at home in this world?
🎵 Step 3: Match Material to the Roles You Want
Once you know what shows you're auditioning for, get clear on the roles you're right for.
Then ask:
What do these roles sound like vocally?
What type of energy or emotional content do they carry?
Do I have anything in my current rep that aligns or do I need to find something new?
Don’t try to be a chameleon for every show. Focus on songs and monologues that show you at your best and connect to the material authentically.
🗂️ Step 4: Reuse, Adapt, or Discover
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel for every show.
Go through your existing rep and ask:
Does this piece fit the tone or character?
Can I cut it differently to meet the audition time limit?
Can I shift intention to make it work for a different show style?
If not, start looking for new pieces that serve you better but only if you have time to prepare them fully.
✅ Step 5: Use Material From the Shows (If Allowed)
If the breakdown says you can use material from the shows, great!
Using a show song or monologue can signal that you understand the world and sometimes it gives you a small edge if done well.
Just make sure:
You’ve done the research
You can perform it confidently
It suits your voice, your energy, and your current skill level
🧠 Step 6: Final Check—Does This Reflect You?
Before locking in your material, ask yourself:
Do I feel confident performing this?
Does it show my unique artistry and range?
Will it make the casting team say, “I can see them in this show”?
Auditions are less about “proving” yourself and more about sharing who you are. Pick pieces that allow you to do that.
🎁 Free Resource: Build Your Audition Book With Confidence
Download my free Audition Book Blueprint to organize your song categories, vocal strengths, and cuts so you're ready for any audition—fast.
🎭 Get the Audition Book Blueprint here
💬 Final Thought
Choosing audition materials for multiple shows doesn’t have to feel chaotic.
With a clear process, the right prep, and materials that align with you, you’ll walk into the room (or hit submit) feeling focused, confident, and grounded in your artistry.
You've got this. Go tell your story.
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.
