I’m often asked if there are certain audition songs that should be avoided? There are lots of things to consider when choosing an audition song, but one of the first things to think about is if the song is overdone.
 
Why avoid songs that are overdone? Because if you choose a song that’s currently on Broadway, most people will hear the original voice in their heads  from the cast recording. You don’t want to be compared to someone else, especially someone who is a professional. Also, if the song is popular, you’re not the only one who is going to be singing it at the audition. You want your audition song to make you stand out, not be one of five people who sang “Memory” from Cats.
 
Here are some shows and songs to avoid when choosing your audition song.
 
Avoid

1. Songs from shows currently on Broadway
2. Wicked (all songs)
3. Phantom of the Opera (all songs)
4. Cats (all songs)
5. Les Miserables (all songs)

 
Audition Songs That Are Overdone Recently

1. She Used to Be Mine - Waitress
2. Fly, Fly Away –Catch Me if You Can
3. Pulled- Addams Family
4. Lifeboat – Heathers
5. Screw Loose – Cry Baby 

Choosing a song for your audition can be stressful if you don’t have anything prepared. The performer’s goal is to have material in his/her book ready to go when an audition arises. So, where do you begin? Below are some Do’s and Don’ts to get started.
 
DO’s
 
DO choose age appropriate material for your audition song. You’ll hear me say this over and over. Sing songs by characters that you could actually play now.
 
DO have confidence in the pieces you’ve chosen. In order to have confidence, you must rehearse your songs over and over and over and over. Rehearsal is key to a successful audition.
 
DO choose a contemporary uptempo and ballad, as well as a traditional uptempo and ballad to put in your book. Here are a few places you can search for musical theatre songs: https://newmusicaltheatre.com
https://www.musicnotes.com
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com  
 
DO have 16 and 32 bar cuts of all audition songs.
 
DO choose songs you love!
 
Don’ts
 
DON’T choose material that is too difficult for you to sing. While you may love a song, if it doesn’t showcase your voice best right now, don’t pick it for your audition song.
 
DON’T choose a new song the night before the audition and try to memorize it. Nerves will take over and you will not show your best work.
 
DON’T sing a song in which the accompaniment is so difficult you worry about your accompanist being able to play it (examples would be Sondheim and some JRB).
 
DON’T sing a song from the show for which you are auditioning, unless specifically asked or they say it’s okay.
 

If you’d like help choosing an audition song, check out my services here. I can provide consultations in person in the St. Louis area or via Facetime. Professional help in preparing for an audition is a great way to ensure that you showcase your best work the next time you step into an audition room.