Audition songs

Audition songs for baritones

Baritones cover a wide field, from romantic leads and dramatic villains to comic character parts, so start with an honest look at your voice. Note your comfortable range, where you can sing with ease for a full minute, and pick songs that show your warmest tone rather than reaching for a high note you cannot trust.

Prepare a clean 16 bar and 32 bar cut of each song, with a clear start and a satisfying ending. Match style to the show, using a Golden Age ballad for classic revivals, a contemporary story song for newer scores, and a patter or comic piece for character work. Keep your sheet music in the right key and marked.

Ballads for baritones (18)

Ballad audition songs for baritones
Song	Show
If I Can't Love HerA big dramatic ballad of heartbreak that shows a strong low-to-high range and powerful acting. Suits a baritone with a rich, full sound and real stage presence.	Beauty and the BeastBeast
SoliloquyA long, shifting character piece that moves from pride in an imagined son to tender worry about a daughter, then fierce resolve. Pick a short cut from the strongest section.	CarouselBilly Bigelow
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'A gentle, open-hearted ballad that shows a warm, easy line and an unforced sound. A very good choice for a young baritone who wants a classic Golden Age song.	Oklahoma!Curly McLain
Lonely RoomA dark, intense solo that shows a baritone with power and dramatic commitment. A less common option, best for a strong actor with a full, resonant voice.	Oklahoma!Jud Fry
If Ever I Would Leave YouA smooth romantic ballad with a long legato line and a graceful rise. Shows elegant tone, and works for baritones who sing in a classic legit style.	CamelotLancelot
My Time of DayA quiet, reflective solo in a conversational style that shows warmth and subtlety. Sky sings it alone before it flows into a duet with Sarah, so end the cut before she enters.	Guys and DollsSky Masterson
Hey ThereA smooth, thoughtful ballad that shows a warm baritone and a relaxed, natural delivery. Works well for those who want a lighter, classic Fifties sound.	The Pajama GameSid Sorokin
I Believe in YouA confident mirror song that shows charm and clear storytelling. Finch sings it with the men's ensemble joining for a section, so cut to his solo lines. Also works for tenors.	How to Succeed in Business Without Really TryingJ. Pierrepont Finch
The Impossible Dream (often called overdone)A noble, steadily rising ballad that shows breath control and a strong, sustained top. It is heard often, so use a short cut and commit to the acting.	Man of La ManchaDon Quixote
Some Enchanted Evening (often called overdone)A warm, sweeping ballad that shows a rich, easy low-to-mid range and a long legato line. Very common, so a clean, simple and personal delivery matters.	South PacificEmile de Becque
Ol' Man RiverA deep, steady classic that shows a resonant low range and a serious presence. Joe sings it with the stevedores' chorus, so cut from his solo lines. Best for true bass-baritones.	Show BoatJoe
Being AliveA big ballad that grows from doubt to full commitment and shows range and acting. Bobby's married friends interject early on, so cut from his solo build. Also works for tenors.	CompanyBobby
Finishing the HatA quiet, intricate Sondheim number that shows rhythmic accuracy and thoughtful acting. Suits a baritone who is comfortable with a conversational, detailed style.	Sunday in the Park with GeorgeGeorge
Make Them Hear YouA powerful anthem about justice that shows strong storytelling and a full, committed sound. Suits an expressive baritone in a dramatic show, and it cuts well to 16 or 32 bars.	RagtimeCoalhouse Walker Jr.
Wait for ItA slow-building R&B-influenced number that shows control, an easy mix and restraint. Burr sings it with the company behind him, so cut to his verses. Also works for tenors.	HamiltonAaron Burr
Dust and AshesA searching ballad in which Pierre moves from despair to a wish to live, with the ensemble joining. Shows dramatic range and an expressive sound for modern, text-driven material.	Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812Pierre
Stars (often called overdone)A stern, majestic solo that shows a strong, resonant baritone and tightly controlled acting. It appears on overdone lists, so keep to a short cut and a clear, personal choice.	Les MisérablesJavert
This Is the Moment (often called overdone)A powerful, heroic power ballad that builds to a huge ending and shows range and stamina. Often heard, so aim for a fresh, controlled build.	Jekyll & HydeDr. Henry Jekyll

Uptempo songs for baritones (12)

Uptempo audition songs for baritones
Song	Show
C'est MoiA comic, pompous number that shows confidence, clear diction and wit. Good for a baritone who can act with swagger and wants something livelier than a ballad.	CamelotLancelot
Luck Be a Lady (often called overdone)A swaggering number that builds to a big finish and shows charisma. Sky leads it with the gamblers behind him, and it is widely heard, so bring an original attitude and a tight cut.	Guys and DollsSky Masterson
Ya Got TroubleA fast patter number that shows diction, rhythm and salesman charm. Harold drives it while the townspeople chime in, so use his solo stretches and practice the words until automatic.	The Music ManHarold Hill
Put On a Happy Face (often called overdone)A light, bouncy number that shows charm, easy rhythm and a friendly stage presence. It appears on overdone lists, so bring a fresh, specific take. Also works for tenors.	Bye Bye BirdieAlbert Peterson
If I Were a Rich ManA comic character number full of patter, humor and heart. It is very well known, so it needs a distinct point of view, and it suits a mature character baritone best.	Fiddler on the RoofTevye
My Girlfriend, Who Lives in CanadaA fast, funny comic number that shows crisp diction, timing and character acting. A strong option for a baritone auditioning for modern comedy musicals.	Avenue QRod
The Ballad of GuiteauA bold, ironic number in which Guiteau trades verses with the Balladeer on the way to his execution, so cut to his own lines. A good unusual pick for actors who like dark comedy.	AssassinsCharles Guiteau
Dentist!A flashy rock-and-roll comic number that shows attitude, rhythm and big personality. Orin sings it with backing vocals from Chiffon, Crystal and Ronnette, so cut to his lines.	Little Shop of HorrorsOrin Scrivello
A PuzzlementA witty, rhythmic number that shows character, humor and clear diction with an easy, natural baritone. Fits a baritone who can act with confident, funny charm.	The King and IKing of Siam
Where Is the Life That Late I Led?A fast, swaggering comic number with high-energy patter and strong vocal rhythm. Shows personality and wit for a classic leading-man baritone.	Kiss Me, KateFred Graham (as Petruchio)
Reviewing the SituationA character piece full of timing and humor. Best for a character baritone who is a strong actor and wants a standout comic audition.	Oliver!Fagin
Get Me to the Church on TimeA boisterous music-hall style number that shows rhythm, diction and comic energy. Doolittle leads it with the ensemble, so cut from his solo sections. Great for a character baritone.	My Fair LadyAlfred P. Doolittle

Audition songs for baritones: common questions

What is a good audition song for a baritone?

Choose a song that fits your voice and the show you are auditioning for. Good starting points on this list include If Ever I Would Leave You, Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin', Make Them Hear You, and Ya Got Trouble. Pick a ballad and an uptempo that both show your best range and a clear sense of character.

What songs are overdone for baritone auditions?

Songs that audition guides often name as overdone for baritones include Luck Be a Lady, The Impossible Dream, Some Enchanted Evening, Stars, This Is the Moment, and Put On a Happy Face. They can still work if they suit you well, but a less common choice from the same era or style helps you stand out. If you sing a popular song, cut it tightly and bring a personal, specific point of view.

Should I sing a ballad or an uptempo?

Bring both. Most auditions ask for one song, and casting teams often choose what they hear based on the show. A ballad shows tone and storytelling, while an uptempo shows rhythm, humor and personality. Pick the contrast that suits the part, and be ready to switch if asked.

How long should an audition cut be?

Most auditions ask for a 16 or 32 bar cut, which is about 30 to 60 seconds. Read the casting notice, since some ask for exactly one or the other. Pick a section that has a clear beginning and ending, shows your best notes, and tells a short story. Rehearse it until it feels easy.

Audition songs for other voice types

Soprano Mezzo-soprano and alto Tenor

Know the show before you sing

Every song above links to its show guide, with the story, the full song list, and the character who sings it. Casting teams notice when you know the context.

Browse character guides →

Sources (28)