BFA Music Theatre:

A Partial List of Some of the Most Overdone, Uninspired, and Inappropriate College AUDITION Songs:

It is a good idea to avoid radio hits, signature songs (Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Cher, Madonna, Diana Ross, Barbara Streisand, Judy Garland, etc...if someone somewhere is doing it in drag avoid it) and anything that is currently playing on Broadway (this means Evita, Godspell, Spiderman,Wicked, Newsies, Anything Goes etc...), Off-Broadway, or is currently on it's first National Tour (Book of Mormon, American Idiot).

Avoid the "rediscover" trap. No sooner than Chicago was revived on Broadway and made into a hit film then everyone "rediscovered" those songs and now those of us behind the table are sick of "All That Jazz".

Avoid music that has intricate or difficult accompaniment (many Sondheim, LaChiusa, and Guette songs fall into this category). Rock and pop music can be a pitfall as well. Even if it is from a Broadway score it may not be appropriate for an audition. If the song sounds weird without drums and guitar to back it up then it should be avoided (Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent, and The Who's Tommy are all good examples of great Broadway scores that contain songs that may not work in an audition). Don't cross gender or do solo versions of duets or group numbers. There are too many great songs out there to choose from so don't cheat. Below is a short list of songs that MUST be avoided.

Any songs from a Disney Animated Feature or Disney Broadway show

Any songs from Annie

Any songs from Grease

Any songs from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Any songs from Little Women

Any songs from Seussical

Any songs from Thoroughly Modern Millie

Any songs from Urinetown

Any songs from You're A Good Man Charlie Brown

Any songs by Jason Robert Brown, specifically Last 5 Years and Songs for a New World

The faculty want to hear your voice but they also want to see YOU. Be yourself, not an imitation of a Broadway cast album.