20 Great Audition Songs for Kids

The genre of musical theatre has some truly legendary songs for children. From young Cosette and Gavroche in Les Miserables to kid-heavy shows like Billy Elliot and Oliver to the title roles in Annie and Matilda, composers don’t shy away from giving some of their best work to pint-sized performers.

If you’ve been in the audition world for a year or more, you’re likely very familiar with the old mainstay audition songs that kids often use. And certainly, no casting director will turn their nose up at a great performance of a popular song like Tuck Everlasting’s “Good Girl Winnie Foster” or Lion King’s “Just Can’t Wait to Be King”. In audition land, if a kid performs well, there’s not too much concern about whether their material is overdone or not.

Still, sometimes it’s good to bring in audition material that’s a little less trodden, so we’ve created this list of audition songs for children with that in mind. These songs offer a variety of material for different voice types, ages, and talent levels. Some of them are very simple melodies while others require quite a bit of vocal prowess to pull off. Many of these songs can be sung by girls or boys regardless of who the original character is. Read on for our top 20 audition songs for kids!

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Almost Nearly Perfect - Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (2013)

Music by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman
Uptempo, Dramatic

Although this song is from the musical Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, it was only performed in the London production and not on Broadway, so it’s a little less well-known than the other songs from that show. It’s a charming number that quickly endears audiences to the singer and a great option for a young performer to show off their charisma. 

Not Ready to Be a Princess - Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess (2021)

Music by John Kavanaugh, Craig Gerber, and Michael G. Stern
Ballad, Dramatic

Sofia the First is a Disney Jr. show with a lot of heart and some great musical theatre numbers for kids. This sweet song from the pilot is a solid option for a young leading performer who has the acting chops to go through the emotional journey of the song’s story. 

When I Get My Name in Lights - The Boy from Oz (2003)

Music by Peter Allen
Uptempo, Dramatic

This little showstopper is a great option for a kid with personality and a powerful belt. From the musical that solidified Hugh Jackman as a Broadway star, this song is sung by the younger version of his character. The number quickly shows off some starry range, so it’s ideal for a 16 or 32 bar cut.

Big and Loud - Cats Don’t Dance (1997)

Music by Randy Newman
Uptempo, Comedic

If you missed seeing the iconic 90s animated film Cats Don’t Dance, I’m pleased to introduce you to this banger, which is a perfect piece to bring in if you’re auditioning for sassy, brassy characters like Tina in Ruthless or Lucy/Sally in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. 

Another World - A Little Princess (2005)

Music by Andrew Lippa and Brian Crawley
Uptempo, Dramatic

Many performers have used the song “Live Out Loud” for auditions, but this sweet number from the same musical doesn’t get as much love. It’s a great story-telling piece that doesn’t ask kids to belt as much as “Live Out Loud” but still shows off some lovely vocal range. 

I Like It - A Bronx Tale (2016)

Music by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater
Uptempo, Comedic

This clever number is a great way to showcase a young performer’s confidence, both vocally and in personality. This song’s classic stylings make it a suitable audition piece for musicals that take place in the 50s and 60s. 

Really Rosie - Really Rosie (1975)

Music by Carole King and Maurice Sendak
Uptempo, Dramatic

Another great audition piece for a young performer with a lot of chutzpah, Really Rosie is a kid-centric musical that requires plenty of melodrama and silliness. This cute number shows some good range while still being simple enough that a young singer can catch on to the melody quickly. 

Plain Plate of Noodles - John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch (2019)

Music by John Mulaney, Eli Bolin, and Marika Sawyer
Uptempo, Comedic

John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch is full of hilarious kids’ numbers, including this fun and funny song about the one meal the singer is willing to eat. A great choice if you want to make the folks behind the table laugh while showing off some impressive vocal ability. 

Anyone Can Be Fancy - Fancy Nancy the Musical (2012)

Music by Danny Abosch and Susan DiLallo
Uptempo, Comedic

This group number can be cut down to fit one voice and has some really fun lyrics that a kid can make their own. It’s perfect for a kid who knows how to play up their charisma in the room. It also flies by quickly which makes it a good option for a short audition piece.

Round Shouldered Man - The Secret Garden (1991)

Music by Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman
Uptempo, Dramatic

This song was written for the character of Colin, but it requires the singer to have quite a high range, and it settles on the higher end of many boys’ voices. Although it appeared in the original Broadway show, it was later cut from the show for future productions. Still, it’s a sweet story and if you’ve got the notes, it can make for a pretty stellar audition. 

My Name is James - James and the Giant Peach (1996 film)

Music by Randy Newman/
Ballad, Dramatic

This touching ballad isn’t complex, but it’s well-suited to a young performer who has the stage presence to give this simple song the heart it needs to win over the folks behind the table. Plus, it’s a good fit for a common character type (Charlie in Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Oliver in Oliver, etc.).

That Could Be Me - The Big One-Oh!

Music by Doug Besterman
Ballad, Dramatic

This short song is a good option for a tween singer. It’s got a great message, and it fits the world of the “I want” song in a different way than other bigger and brassier songs do. Plus, the story moves along well, giving the performer a chance to share their ability to take the emotional journey of the song.

Big Time - Better Nate than Ever (2022)

Music by Lyndie Lane
Uptempo, Dramatic

This song has a pop sensibility and a catchy chorus, a great choice for a young singer who’s comfortable with riffs and with singing outside of the musical theatre genre.This song would be a great choice for introducing yourself to casting.

I Like Danny - Freckleface Strawberry (2010)

Music by Gary Kupper
Uptempo, Comedic

This super cute, energetic number is an excellent option for a little powerhouse singer. With funny lyrics and some impressive notes on the higher end, it makes for a great way to introduce yourself to casting. 

Santa for a Day - Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (2006)

Music by Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason
Ballad, Dramatic

Yes, it IS Christmas-themed, but I would argue that it makes for a great audition piece year-round. Although in the actual production this is a comedic number as the Grinch tries to escape from Cindy Lou’s velcro-like clutch, on its own, it can be performed in earnest. It also has some lovely high notes at the end, ideal for showing casting some range. 

When You’re Alone - Hook (1991)

Music by John Williams
Ballad, Dramatic

This sweet, simple ballad is an endearing one well-suited to younger performers. Sung by one of the youngest stars of the Robin Williams-led film Hook, it’s a poignant option for some quiet, compelling storytelling.

Sing Your Own Song - Dear Edwina (2008)

Music by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich

Dear Edwina is full of memorable tunes, including this uplifting ballad that ends the show. Though the melody is simple, it still showcases the voice well, and you can choose a short cut or add the bridge for a longer audition option.

The Glamorous Life - A Little Night Music (1977 film)

Music by Stephen Sondheim
Uptempo, Dramatic

This is a great tween number for a young soprano who can handle a number that requires some innate musicality, since it has a fairly fast tempo. Though it doesn’t appear in the stage production of A Little Night Music, the song appeared in the movie and cemented itself as a great Sondheim piece for a younger performer. 

Somewhere Out There - An American Tail (1986)

Music by James Horner, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil
Ballad, Dramatic

This may be one of the more popularly sung options on this list, but it’s such a heartwarmer, I felt it deserved a spot. It’s a great option for a variety of ages, and it’s a suitable ballad to bring in for so many different characters. 

Changes - Annie Warbucks (1993)

Music by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin
Ballad, Dramatic

There are other great songs from Annie Warbucks that get pulled out frequently, including “I Always Knew,” and “All I’ve Got is Me”. but this number also makes for a cute audition ballad, and as a bonus, it’s a little less vocally challenging than “I Always Knew”, which is a bit of a marathon for a child vocalist.  

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I hope we’ve introduced you to some exciting new prospects for your kid’s audition book! For kids learning to audition, it’s helpful for them to practice the material over and over until they know it by heart, so they can really focus on nailing the melody and the story-telling. Also, if you need to lower or raise the key to suit your child’s voice, that’s perfectly fine. Just make sure you have the right key of sheet music for the pianist, because they won’t be able to transpose on sight for you.

For musical theatre auditions, avoid giving your young performer lots of gestures or choreography to do. Instead, teach them to create the world of the scene. Give them a couple things to look at and focus on during the song, so they know who they’re singing to and what might be happening around them. Discuss what the lyrics mean and help them relate it to their own feelings and experiences. 

Although it can be tempting to try to fill a song with lots of movement or give a ton of directions, musical theatre auditions are much more successful when the performer can just stand and tell the story through song. Sketch out enough movement that they don’t feel like their arms are frozen to their sides, but try not to over-choreograph. This way, your young performer can learn to lean into their storytelling abilities with their face and voice first. Kids are wonderful at make-believe, so you might be surprised at their natural ability to play a character. 

Good luck on your performer journey, and I hope one or more of these songs helps build you a winning audition! Go book it!

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