Musical Theater

The 12 Best Audition Songs from 1960s Musicals

Musicnotes

• 4 min read
The 12 Best Audition Songs from 1960s Musicals

When auditioning for a musical role in theater, television, or film, having the right song can make or break it. If you are in search of songs that will help you nail your next audition, or if you are adding to your repertoire for auditions you may have in the future, you should consider including a song from 1960s musical theater.

What Makes 60s Musicals Special

The Golden Age of musical theater extended into the 1960s, which also included contemporary rock and pop to expand the accepted scope of musicals. With the death of the great Broadway lyricist Oscar Hammerstein in 1960, the decade that followed saw musicals that grew darker with the influences of the social chaos that characterized the times. The songs retained the classic characteristics of the Golden Age while incorporating layers of complex characterization and cultural change.

Building Your Repertoire

When preparing for an audition, take care to carefully read the audition details, which may specify the need to include particular songs or song types. When adding songs to your repertoire, focus on creating a long-term book of songs that you have mastered. To demonstrate your vocal versatility, include a variety of time periods, genres, and styles. Incorporating a song from the later part of the Golden Age will enable you to showcase your ability to perform the classical style that was so important to the rise of musical theater.

The Best 60s Audition Songs

This decade in American musical theater was an explosive one. Popular musicals debuted in the 1960s that propelled great talents to superstar status and launched songs that would become known as classics. The most popular musicals were also produced for the silver screen and many are still being performed today. The following song choices from the 1960s, categorized by vocal category, would be a wise addition to any audition book.

Best Audition Songs from 60s Musicals for Altos

The following songs work well for those with vocal ranges between G3 and E5.

Best Audition Songs from 60s Musicals for Basses

For those with voices in the E2-C4 range, the following songs are a great fit.

Best Songs from 60s Musicals for Mezzos

Singers who prefer the A3-F5 range will nail the following songs.

Best Audition Songs from 60s Musicals for Baritones

The following songs are perfect choices for those with vocal ranges between G2 and E4.

Best Audition Songs from 60s Musicals for Sopranos

If you have a vocal range between C4 and A5, these songs are optimal choices for you.

Best Audition Songs from 60s Musicals for Tenors

For those whose vocals fall in the B2 and G4 ranges, the following songs are perfect.

Songs to Leave Out of Your Repertoire

While there are numerous great audition songs from the 1960s to learn for your next audition, there are also numerous songs to avoid. Just because you like a song does not mean it’s appropriate to sing at a tryout for your next gig. Here are some tips on what to avoid when choosing songs.

Avoid Overdone Songs

Have you ever gone to an audition with a song you’re excited to sing, only to hear it belted out perfectly by the person in front of you? You can avoid this traumatic experience by avoiding certain songs that tend to be overdone at auditions. Look for more obscure musicals and leave out the more well-known songs, opting instead for a unique gem that will show off your personality and vocal chops.

Avoid Songs With Inappropriate Themes or Lyrics

Unless it fits the tone of the musical you are auditioning for, do not choose a song that is too “braggy” or one that contains profanity, lewd humor, controversial topics, or sexually explicit lyrics.

Avoid Songs You Don’t Understand

Part of the objective of an audition is to demonstrate the way you interpret a song. You need to express emotion and characterization, which is impossible to do if you don’t understand what you are singing.

Avoid Signature Songs

Just as you don’t want to be compared to the person who auditioned before you, you also don’t want to be compared to the superstar who made your song famous. Avoid signature songs in favor of music that you can make your own.

Whether you’re just here to appreciate the history of musical theater or are wanting to learn some new audition songs, we hope this is a great starting point for your musical journey.

Published on November 09, 2022