How to Choose a Youth Musical Theater Audition Song

One of the most exciting parts of musical theater is choosing your audition song! Here are some tips to help you make the right choice for you.

1) Research the Show You Are Auditioning For

Watch videos on YouTube, get a DVD from your local library, or buy the cast recording. What type of show is it? A classic Rodgers & Hammerstein, something more pop and modern like High School Musical, or a jukebox musical made up of songs from a recording artist like Mamma Mia. Choose a song in a similar style or feel, by the same composer for another show, or sung by a similar character in another show. If you are new to musical theater do a web search, for example “Rodgers & Hammerstein audition songs”, or ask a voice teacher or choir director to help you. If you are auditioning for a child in Sound of Music sing “Getting to Know You” from The King & I, for High School Musical sing “We Go Together” from Grease or “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from Hairspray, for Mama Mia sing “Stand by Me” from Smokey Joe’s Café.

2) Sing a Song You Like

Especially if you do not have time to learn a new song, sing something that you really like to sing that is age appropriate for you. A song that you like will help show off your personality and will help you be more comfortable when the nerves hit. For Youth Theater, never sing a song with cuss words or content that is not appropriate for young kids. If you are choosing a new song to learn, choose one that you would like to learn, not one that you think the casting directors want to hear. Don’t worry if it is a song everyone knows. Try to choose a song from musical theater or maybe a Disney movie musical. In a pinch sing a pop song or “Happy Birthday” but try to avoid these if you are going out for a lead. If you are allowed to sing from the show for the audition, only do so if you are very familiar with the show. If you sing a song from the show well, it could clench your casting as a lead. If you don’t sing the song from the show well, your audition choice may put you in the chorus. Also unless asked to do so for the audition, avoid choosing a song normally sung by the opposite sex or that has lyrics specific to another ethnicity.

3) Choose a Song In Your Best Range

Do not try to show off if it will show the breaks and weaknesses in your voice. Sing something that showcases the best part of your voice and that is easy to remember. For new singers it should not go too high or too low in pitch. You only need to prepare about a minute long section of the song, so find the best part of the song for you. I recommend either the first pages or the last pages; they usually work the best for shorter cuts. I usually use the end of the song, because it generally has a nice long note for you to sing and an exciting piano crescendo.

4) Get Sheet Music or a Karaoke Track in the Proper Key

There are a ton of places to download sheet music online for $3 – $5 where you can also change the key and hear what the first page of the music sounds like before you buy it. I would do a web search like “Tomorrow from Annie sheet music” and see what comes up. I like Sheet Music Plus. There are also sheet music books that come with vocal demo and piano accompaniment CDs and 16 Bar Audition Books. If you need a track instead of sheet music for the audition, you can buy karaoke tracks for almost everything on Itunes or other similar mp3 sites, or even convert the tracks from YouTube.

5) Practice Your Moves

I recommend one conversational gesture per line of text. You don’t stand still when you talk, so don’t stand still when you sing. However on the same note, don’t go too ridiculous with your gestures. When in doubt see what other performers have done with the song on YouTube or ask your friends and family to watch your performance and tell you if any gesture is too big or too small. The gestures should enhance your performance and make you look like a confident and competent performer. They should not pull focus from your vocals or make you look ridiculous.

6) Five Songs I Recommend For Youth Theater Auditions

For Girls

“I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story

“My Favorite Things” from Sound of Music

“Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile” from Annie

“Tomorrow” from Annie

“What I’ve Been Looking For” from High School Musical

For Boys

“Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast

“Happiness” from Charlie Brown

“I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” from Lion King

“What I’ve Been Looking For” from High School Musical

“Where is Love?” from Oliver!

For Any Kid

“Consider Yourself” from Oliver!

“Do, Re, Mi” from Sound of Music

“Getting To Know You” from King & I

“Oh The Thinks You Can Think” from Seussical

“We’re All In This Together” from High School Musical

Now that you have a song, check out my article about what to do at your audition. Also if you have a favorite audition song please leave it as a comment below!

Top Billing Ent. was my second home during grade school. It provided me a safe space to explore my art, and hone my love for singing, acting and writing my own songs. Ms. K has been there for me since I was 5 years old and continues to support me in everything I do. I am the person and artist that I am today because of the many supportive and inspiring art educators who uplifted me at a young age – that’s Ms. K and the teachers at TBE. Thank you for teaching me and most of all, believing in me.

Sam Morelos

Co-Star of That 90’s Show on Netflix

When my daughter Sam turned 5, I knew the pretend plays of being a singer or an actor at preschool and at home were getting to another level of love for the performing arts. She’s shown passion and ambition even at a young age and I felt the need to nurture that. I looked for a performing arts after-school program in Glendora and couldn’t find one that suited our needs (various performing arts disciplines, weekday and weekend schedules, not far from home, great teachers, friendly and safe atmosphere) until Ms. K hosted a Glendora’s Got Talent and announced that she was opening a school in our city! Ms. K became Sam’s first official voice teacher. She not only taught her how to hone her skills, she also helped her develop self confidence and love of performing. Top Billing Ent. created a place where one can explore different forms of performing arts- dancing, acting, playing an instrument, singing, performing with an ensemble, etc. There were no limits. Not only is TBE a creative haven, it was a safe space to be your authentic self with people who are inclusive and respectful. My daughter made lasting friendships in the 9 years of being under Ms.K and being part of the early summer productions and holiday shows. It nurtured my daughter’s love for the art, and inspired her as she went on to attend the California School Of The Arts in middle school and high school and now scheduled to attend NYU Tisch School Of The Arts after graduation. Sam is also fortunate to be one of the cast of the hit Netflix show “That 90’s Show”….And all of this started with a 5 year old dressed in a Dorothy costume, looking starry eyed at Ms.K. She has been a chasing dreams ever since.

Jennifer Morelos

Parent of Sam Morelos Co-Star of That 90’s Show on Netflix

I could not be happier with my experience at Top Billing. I signed my 5 year old son up for their musical theater productions, Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Seussical Jr. Not only is he having a ton of fun, being creative, making friends, and learning about performing arts, the teachers and the owner/producer Ms. K, have a genuine and deep care for the kids and get to know them and really see them for who they are. Also, Ms. K. works very hard to keep the environment healthy and bully free for everyone involved which I really admire. They put the children’s comfort and individuality first and the beautiful productions and well attended performances are a testament the magic they are able to inspire in these young performers. My son always looks forward to rehearsal and being in the shows and always asks to be in the next one! As a parent, I have volunteered many hours to help make props, costumes, and set pieces for the productions as well as helping out backstage during the shows and it has been so rewarding and a fun way to make new friends, too. It truly is an incredibly welcoming family feeling and takes so many caring hands to create these broadway level children’s theater productions. We’ll for sure be signing up for more classes and performances and highly recommend anyone looking for a fun and kid-centered performing arts experience, look no further than Top Billing!

Katherine Vieser

We have been with Top Billing for 12 years. My daughter has taken dance lessons, vocal lessons and has performed in 19 productions with Top Billing. This company is truly one of a kind! My daughter has made lifelong memories and friendships. She has grown as a person and as a performer. She is using all that she has learned to move onto the next level. She made it into a top theater school with the talents she has gained with Top Billing. We could not recommend this company more!

Camilla Dansion

My daughter has truly enjoyed every minute that she has performed with Top Billing. We’ve mainly participated in the musicals, but they have been such a fun and rewarding experience for both of us. Ms. K, Ms. Eileen and the staff put %110 into their work, and create a fun, safe and supportive community for all involved. The parents are also very nice and supportive, and while it’s a lot of hard work for parents, staff and kids to put a show on, it’s totally worth it when your child is on stage and performing his/ her heart out! We’re so thankful to have found Top Billing and highly recommend them!

Anne Coyoca

Top Billing is one of our favorite places. Forget the fact that my daughter gets to have fun and get moving, she is also improving her coordination/ strength/ and Flexibility, but more importantly, she also has made some great friends. TBE gives opportunities for kids to practice leadership skills in a supportive setting. They teach kids how to support and lift each other up and be a genuine friend and good person.

Nassim Saeedy

Parent

Top Billing Entertainment Performance Academy has been our second family for over a decade, nurturing our children’s talents in acting, dance, and singing while fostering lasting friendships. Their commitment to excellence in productions and the supportive community they’ve created make it the perfect place for young performers to grow and thrive..

Ashley Harrison

Parent

We’ve been involved with TBE since my daughter was 5. As an only child, she’s found a family of sisters and brothers at TBE along with lots extended family and awesome role models in the teachers and other parents. TBE has become a part of our family. We love all the options available, she loves Dance Team, Musical Theater Class and performances, Private Lessons, and the majority of the other classes. She’d take everything… if only there were enough hours in the day!

Shay Irwin

Parent

As a parent and career educator, it has always been important to me to find spaces where my children can explore their giftings and develop into well-rounded individuals who are confident in what they have to offer the world. We found that place in Top Billing. Ms. K and her staff work tirelessly to foster a creative space where students are safe to show up as their authentic selves and be welcomed unconditionally.

Over the last 4 years, my children have participated in group classes, musicals, a full length film, summer camps, and the dance team. I love that when they are at Top Billing, they are being invested in by caring adults and are growing in the crafts that bring them joy. I also love that my younger children have the benefit of watching and building relationships with the older students who are so much farther along in their creative journeys. It is so refreshing to see students from all walks of life creating and investing in a community. We have found a home at Top Billing and we couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of it.

Sarah Jimenez

Parent

My son has been taking voice lessons and performing in the musical theater shows at Top Billing for 5 years now. The teachers and staff are so supportive and talented. We are proud to be part of the Top Billing family.

Ramona Burrola

Parent

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