Choose the Right Musical Theatre Audition Song
Audition songs can either open the door or keep it closed. Whether you're walking into a room or filming a tape at home, the material you choose matters more than you think.
In this post, I’m walking you through how to select the right audition songs that show off your voice, suit your acting style, and make casting teams take notice. Let's make sure you're not just singing songs… but singing the ones that help you get cast.
Why the Right Audition Song Really Matters
This isn’t just about picking a good song. It’s about picking the right song for you—one that fits your vocal strengths, tells a story you connect with, and aligns with the show or role you're auditioning for. Auditioning isn’t about being perfect it’s about showing who you are as an artist, clearly and confidently.
Start with These Non-Negotiables
Here’s what I want you to consider before every audition:
Do I like singing this song? If not, your energy will show it.
Does it suit my voice on both good and not-so-good vocal days?
Can I confidently act the song and tell a story I believe in?
Does the material match the world of the show or the type of role I’m going for?
If the answer to any of these is no, it’s time to reassess.
Match the Song to the Show's Style
One of the biggest mistakes I see? Walking into an In the Heights audition with a song from Oklahoma. That’s not alignment—it’s confusion. When in doubt, ask yourself:
What is the vocal style of this show?
What’s the tone or world of the character I want?
What songs do I already have in my book that could be adjusted to match that tone?
You don't need a brand-new song every time. You just need to be intentional about how you present the one you already love.
Bend the Song, Don’t Break Yourself
Here’s something I teach all my clients: One song can work for multiple auditions. What matters is how you perform it.
Change the intention. Change the relationship. Shift the perspective. A song can go from motherly comfort to fierce independence with just a few emotional tweaks. Let your acting drive the shift.
Be Mindful of Difficulty (and Your Pianist)
If you’re auditioning in person, avoid songs with notoriously difficult piano parts—unless they’re specifically requested. Think twice before walking in with Sondheim, Jason Robert Brown, or Pasek & Paul unless you know it’ll be handled well on the fly. Save those for self-tapes where you can use a track or a live accompanist who’s prepared. Same goes with songs from the radio. Make sure the piano line works to give the same vibe and feel of the song.
Your Song Should Be Reliable, Not Risky
You want songs that:
Sit comfortably in your range
Feel good on days when you’re at 80%
Have flexibility—so you can take a note up or down if needed
Are rehearsed enough that nerves won’t derail you
This is how you stay professional and prepared, no matter the room or the tape request.
Bonus Tip: Reuse & Bend with Intention
Reusing a song doesn’t mean you’re being lazy—it means you’re being smart. Just don’t use it the same way every time. Adjust it to suit the character or tone of the show you’re auditioning for. One song can tell dozens of stories when you know how to shift your lens.
Final Thought: Be Strategic AND Honest
Choosing audition songs is about honesty and strategy. Ask yourself what stories you want to tell, not just the ones you think will impress. When you bring authenticity to the room—and pick material that fits—you show the casting team exactly who you are and what you’re ready for.
🎧 Watch the Full Video Breakdown
If you're ready to dive deeper, watch the full video here.
💡 Want More Song Strategy Help?
Grab my Audition Book Blueprint—it’s a free guide that breaks down the must-have categories and examples for every type of audition.
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.
