The life of an actor can be challenging. It is hard to pursue what one loves when they are living off of salaries from their day job while trying to find the recognition and fame they feel they deserve. It can take years or decades for a performer to get noticed by someone who “matters” in the industry. The make-it or break-it moments that the actor faces on a weekly, sometimes even daily, basis are the auditions that they constantly are going to, with hopes that it will lead to their “big break”. And sometimes, the audition song they choose can lead to an automatic denial by casting directors. There are songs that the industry sees as red flags, and here is a list of the 5 most notorious ones.
5. “Popular”, Wicked.
Although this a fairly new musical, casting directors have already heard this song thousands of times. This song shows off acting abilities more than singing abilities, and directors need to see more than that. On top of that, “Popular” is often seen as annoying and bratty. To be safe, it is best to stay away from all Wicked songs in an audition.
4. “Pulled”, The Addams Family
If you’ve seen the musical The Addams Family, you are probably reading this and thinking about how catchy this song is. Unfortunately, millions of other musical theatre kids feel the exact same way. "Pulled" has become one of the most popular audition songs for teenage girls. If you want to stand out at your next audition, sing something from a lesser popular musical.
3. “On My Own”, Les Miserables
Although this is a beautiful and heartbreaking ballad, directors have heard it from a large percentage of auditioners, and are becoming tired of it. There are only so many ways to make this song your own which is why is should only be sung in the musical itself.
2. “Astonishing”, Little Women
Many are surprised to find out that this song is one that directors across the nation dislike to hear at auditions. It fits in perfectly to the Little Women musical, and is overall a very compelling song. Still, it is overdone and doesn’t show off enough of the person’s voice or skills to allow the auditioner to stand out.
1. “Gimme Gimme”, Throughly Modern Millie
Gimme Gimme is a fun song, but casting directors hate hearing it. It is hard for an auditioner to perform this song as adequately than Sutton Foster, who originally sung it on Broadway, and is to this day known for her take on it. Casting directors need to be blown away if they hear “Gimme Gimme” at an audition, or they will not even consider the person for a callback or role. “Gimme Gimme” only shows off the performers ability to belt, and although that is important in musical theatre singing, it is only one asset to a singers voice. To only be able to belt well is equivalent to having a hockey player who only knows how to skate. Skip this song at the audition and the casting director will be more enthused about your audition, I guarantee it.
Auditions and callbacks can be stressful, especially if you are looking for a career in acting. However, if you know enough, and dream big, anything is possible.
