Revitalising Your Repertoire - Music Theatre Audition Songs for Teenagers
What makes a good audition song for a teenager?
Well, like an auditionee of any age, there are a few things to look for:
It shows off the auditionee’s skills.
It is relevant to the show that is auditioning.
It’s not too long.
In addition, when we’re working with young people, it’s important that the subject matter is appropriate – no one wants to hear a 15 year old girl lustily belting out “Bring on the Men” or a 14 year old boy waxing lyrical on the peculiarities of love with “I Won’t Send Roses”.
It’s also important to choose music that will provide some vocal challenges but without encouraging the young singer to push into areas of vocalising for which they’re not yet ready. This has to be tackled on a case by case basis and that is where the sage advice of teachers and coaches is invaluable.
We’ve included full length songs in our repertoire ideas here. It’s great to learn the whole song but you will probably want to cut them shorter for an audition – aim for between 1 and 2 minutes and don’t worry if you miss out on the beginning/the ending/the complete story – assume the audition panel are familiar with the song and can fill in the gaps. The aim of the game is to make sure you show off you and your voice!
I Wanna Be a Rockette
This is a fabulous song by Alan Menken that dreams of a big, bright future. It’s great for developing a mix/belt sound without the super high notes that so much modern music theatre requires.
Unfortunately, the song is only available in the full songbook but it’s an excellent songbook that you’ll use plenty of times!
Santa Fe
Firstly, it has to be said that Jeremy Jordan is absolutely divine singing this gorgeous song, again by Alan Menken. This is such a lovely song for a young singer as it deals with themes of home and family while also helping develop a smooth vocal line. It’s not an easy one, but it’s worth it!
C’est Moi
It’s always enjoyable to play a character with such unbridled ego! Again, this is great for text work and shows off a more legitimate style of music theatre while still being a heap of fun. (We’d start it at “A knight of the table round should be invincible”.)
Many a New Day
Laurie is such a wonderfully strong female character that she should be a joy for any young woman to study. This song is a great reminder that just because a song is in the legit style of music theatre, the text needs every bit as much attention as the melody. Also, this song can be cut super short without losing any of the story!
A Little More Homework to Do
We’re sure you’re all across “13” but it is a great resource as it’s actually been written for young voices. The first 2 minutes of A Little More Homework could easily be in every young singer’s repertoire (girls may need a sneaky transposition and to start from the second verse to avoid the “man” lyric).
We hope that gives you some fresh ideas (or reminders of songs that have fallen out of repertoire in your songbook or studio). Please let us know if you have any other faves for teenage singers as we’d love to post them to share with our community of singers, teachers and coaches.
Also, let us know if you have a specific area of repertoire you’d like us to investigate.
Keep singing!