How do YOU choose audition songs?

[dollwithamission]

Posted: 3/22/08 at 11:29am

Just wondering what methods people have for choosing audition material. Do you have a list of songs that you pick from for every audition? Do you look at the show you're auditioning for and find a specific song that's similar to the style for that show? Do you sing your "best" song regardless of the show? Where do you start looking for material? Obviously it would be ideal for your "best" song to be on your list of songs and a perfect choice for the show, but if it isn't what do you (personally) do?
Updated On: 3/22/08 at 11:29 AM

[IfOnlyIDefiedGravity]

Posted: 3/22/08 at 12:55pm

I am still very new to theater (only auditioned for about 6 musicals, have been in 1, there is NOT much to offer here), and I am auditioning for Peter Pan this summer. My audition song is 'Part of That World'. (often mistitled as Part of Your World, which is the name of the reprise). I very nearly decided to do 'Johanna (Antony's version)' from Sweeney Todd. I can sing it pretty well, I guess, but I don't have the sheet music for it. I can hit the notes. I think. I've never sung it in front of anyone, and I don't have the sheet music.

I chose POTW for a few reasons, one of which is the fact that TLM just came out on Broadway.

[cait]

Posted: 3/22/08 at 2:09pm

I usually try and go with something that is the style of the show. Sometimes, you have to go with something thats not really the style though. Its tough finding that "perfect" song. Reguardless of if its the style or not, I always try and connect the song emotionally with the situation of the show I'm trying out for. For example, for a Little Women audition I chose Green Finch and Linnet Bird from Sweeney Todd. Definately NOT the same style, but I connected Johanna's longing for freedom with Jo's desire to travel. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. I found the song Cabaret also serves as a good song to connect to many different situations.

[myshikobit]

Posted: 3/22/08 at 3:21pm

If your auditioning for a classic show, do a classic song. If you're doing a rock opera, do a song from a rock opera. Don't do a song from the same show that you're auditioning for, because you'll be compared unfavorably to the original. For everything else, base it on how it fits your voice. If you have an acting audition then it's no longer necessary to choose a song with the same emotion. Look at obscure musicals so that you aren't compared to anyone else. Try to find out which musicals your director does and doesn't like. For example, for my "Guys and Dolls" audition I sang "I'm In the Mood For Love" because it was standard and it fit my voice. For "Pippin" I sang "Tommy's Poem" from Carrie because no one knew it, they're similar songs, and it was good for my range. I got Pippin. One time I tried out for "Anything Goes" and sang a Sinatra song in that style and then later found out that the director absolutely hated Sinatra, and I got ensemble. Just be smart.

[nate2]

Posted: 3/22/08 at 4:59pm

I'm an absolute MESS when it comes to picking audition songs! It takes me forever because i'm a baritone, and there isn't as many selections out there for baritones as tenors! BUT normally I try to listen to clips and snippets of songs from shows, buy the track and try to sing with it to see if it works, then if it doesn't keep looking.

[jessikax09]

Posted: 3/30/08 at 10:18am

Always try to go for something that is in a simular style as the show, but also go for something that you KNOW you can sing and are very comfortable with.

Ex: I had auditions for a big summer program... of coarse I had my choir dirictor choose the songs and rehearse them with me, after all, he would know best, right? One song had to be old (before 1970) one new, (after 1970) he chose All That Jazz from Chicago and Good Night My Someone from The Music Man. Both great songs that I could sing well, problem was, I didn't know either of the shows at that time. I didn't know the character, nor was I in love with the show. Long story short; monolouge and music portion of the audition was great... I totally sucked up the dancing though (that's something I really need to work on)

What I'm trying to say is; ask other people for their opinion on what you sing, but bottom line is, you chose what YOU want. Go with something that you know like the back of your hand, something you love!

I wish I had done Phantom, or Sweeney, or Kiss Me, Kate or something, but I didn't. I KNOW that if I had, though, I might have been able to make up for my awful dancing a little bit.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 4/6/08 at 9:32pm

I use stuff that is similar to the style of the show, and (if I can find it) something that I can connect with the character I would like to play. And it obviously has to be something that sits well in my voice.