20 Best Musical Theatre Audition Songs for Tenors (That Aren't Overdone)

Finding the perfect musical theatre audition song can be a challenge, especially for tenors. Whether you're preparing for a Broadway audition, a college musical theatre program, a community theatre production, or your next big callback, choosing the right song is one of the most important parts of the audition process.

From soaring Broadway ballads to comedic character numbers and contemporary pop-rock selections, there are countless musical theatre songs that can showcase a tenor's vocal range. But with so many performers turning to the same familiar standards, finding a song that helps you stand out can be just as important as hitting the right notes.

Looking for something beyond the usual selections from Dear Evan Hansen, Newsies, or Les Misérables? We've rounded up 20 unique and underrated audition songs for tenors, featuring a mix of classic musical theatre, contemporary Broadway, and lesser-known gems.

Whether you need a dramatic ballad, an uptempo showstopper, or a song that works for a 16- or 32-bar audition cut, these selections might help you find your next go-to audition number.

Not every great tenor song is the right choice for every audition. Before settling on a selection, consider your vocal range, the style of the production, and the kind of character you're hoping to portray.

How to Choose the Best Audition Song for a Tenor

Know your vocal range: Tenors generally sing in a higher male vocal register, but every voice is different. Choose a song that showcases your strengths without forcing you to strain for the highest notes.

Consider the style of the show: Auditioning for a classic Golden Age musical? A traditional Broadway selection might serve you better than a contemporary pop-rock anthem. For a modern musical, look for material that reflects the show's musical style.

Choose a song you can act: Audition panels aren't just listening for impressive vocals. They're also looking for performers who can tell a story. Select a song with a clear emotional journey that gives you something to play.

Prepare the right cut: Many auditions request 16 or 32 bars of music, although requirements vary. Make sure your cut has a clear beginning, middle, and end, and communicates something meaningful about the character.

Don't be afraid of lesser-known material: An unfamiliar song can be a great way to make an impression, provided it suits your voice and gives the audition team a sense of who you are as a performer.

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Something to Hold On To - Between the Lines (2022)

Music by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson
Ballad, Dramatic

This gorgeous ballad features soaring vocals while firmly placing you in the role of the young leading man. Sung by a storybook prince come to life, this number isn’t afraid to lean into unabashed earnestness and romance. 

Let Me Make You Proud - Tangled: the Series (2018)

Music by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater
Uptempo, Dramatic

If you typically play the anti-hero, this song may be a great fit. An uptempo “Proud of Your Boy,” the chorus alone has some choice notes for a talented tenor voice – plus, you’ve got great options for a 16 or 32 bar cut. 

Delivery - Working: A Musical (2012 Revised Version)

Music by Lin Manuel Miranda
Uptempo, Comedic

Although the original production of Working came out in 1977, this song has the undeniable signature stylings of its composer Lin Manuel Miranda, who wrote it for the 2012 revival. If you want to really bring some personality and comedy into the room, this is a great selection. 

Open Road - Glory Days (2008)

Music by Nick Blaemire
Ballad, Dramatic

The sadly short-lived Glory Days opened and closed on Broadway on the same night. Since then, it’s had over 50 productions across the world, and it’s easy to see why with memorable songs like this one. This dynamic number details one character’s journey toward self-discovery while on a solo road trip. 

It’s Good to Be Alive - Desperate Measures (2017)

Music by 
Ballad, Dramatic

If you’re looking to bring a little country twang into the room, this number is a great choice for a powerful tenor vocalist. The climax really allows for some vocal versatility in the room, and the message is positive and energetic – a great choice to use to introduce yourself to the team. 

What Makes a Man - Allegiance (2015)

Music by Jay Kuo
Uptempo, Dramatic

Set during the Japanese American internment of World War II, Allegiance is the moving story of a family forced to leave their California home and relocate to an internment camp in Wyoming.  This is a powerful anthem with a chorus that shows off some quality range. Before choosing to use this song, however, it’s wise to take the context of the story and the identity of the character into consideration. 

Talent - Road Show (2008)

Music by Stephen Sondheim
Uptempo, Drama

If you need a Sondheim tenor option that doesn’t get pulled out as much as “Johanna” or “Giants in the Sky,” consider this fast-paced number from one of his later works. Plus, that last line may earn you a laugh from the table. 

It Will Be Chloe - Bubble Boy (2013)

Music by Cinco Paul
Uptempo, Comedic

This sweet, silly number is great for when you need to play up some comedic naivete in the room. And since it’s only two minutes long, it gives some solid options for a 16 or 32-bar cut. 

‘Til I Hear You Sing - Love Never Dies (2010)

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Ballad, Dramatic

Simply put, it’s the Phantom again. If you want to sing material that shows that you’ve got the pipes to handle one of the most famous Broadway tenor roles of all time, this song from his sequel gets the job done. 

The Only One - The Heart of Rock and Roll (2024)

Music by Huey Lewis and the News
Uptempo, Dramatic

If you’re looking for a great pop/rock audition song, this song is a classic. Plus, a single verse and chorus make for a great quick audition cut. 

Do You Remember? - Peter Pan (2008, unpublished)

Music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Ballad, Dramatic

If you’re a Pasek and Paul fan, here’s a song of theirs that got permanently shelved when their work-in-progress production of Peter Pan was beaten to the punch by Finding Neverland. Still, this stunning number deserves a longer life, and it can certainly be impactful in audition rooms when performed well. 

You Can’t Tame Me - Schmigadoon! Season 1 (2021)

Music by Cinco Paul
Uptempo, Comedic

Going in for one of the arrogant yet charming leading men of classic Broadway? This song from Schmigadoon does a great job of parodying that exact type, with references to several familiar musical theatre classics. 

I’ll Save the Girl - Superhero (2019)

Music by Tom Kitt
Uptempo, Dramatic

This one has Tom Kitt’s distinctive style all over it. If you’re looking for a Henry-from-Next-to-Normal-esque character, this song from one of his lesser-known works is a great audition option. 

How Glory Goes - Floyd Collins (1996)

Music by Adam Guettel
Uptempo, Dramatic 

Although this song may be a more popular choice than some of the others on this list, its beautiful melody and powerful lyrics still make it a great audition option. Make sure to do your research, as the more you know about this poignant musical, the easier it will be to do it justice in the room. 

She is Not Thinking of Me - Gigi (1973)

Music by Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner
Uptempo, Comedic

If you don’t mind the slightly dated lyrics, this number’s an endearing one for a young leading man, especially if you’re looking to tap into the whole enemies-to-lovers trope. Tip: If you’re looking for a reference, listen to the recent revival production’s version of this song for a better guide to singing this for today’s audiences (and fewer rolled r’s). 

Multitudes of Amys - cut from Company (1970)

Music by Stephen Sondheim
Ballad, Dramatic

This number was Company’s original finale song before “Being Alive” took its place. Although it’s more well-known than most songs that get cut from Broadway shows, it’s still a quality option for a Sondheim audition.  

Tell Her - Twelfth Night (2018)

Music by Shaina Taub
Uptempo, Dramatic

If you’re looking for a love song with a catchy melody and a great beat, this number is a winner. Soulful and romantic, it’s sure to charm the folks behind the table, even if you only have 16 bars to work with. 

I’m Just a Sidekick - A Very Potter Senior Year (2012)

Music by  Clark Baxtresser, Pierce Siebers, and A. J. Holmes
Uptempo, Comedic

If you’re familiar with StarKid Productions’ body of work, here’s a number with some truly funny moments that could make for a winning audition in the room. If you’ve got some high notes and can play the underdog, this is a great selection for a comedic 32 bars. 

Ugly in This Ugly World - Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (2017)

Music by Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom MacRae
Ballad, Dramatic

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie was a big hit in the UK but hasn’t made its way to Broadway yet, so its songs fly ever so slightly under the radar. A relatively short song, this dark ballad is a great option for a tenor with some powerhouse vocals. 

No Friends - Almost Famous (2022)

Music by Tom Kitt
Ballad, Dramatic

This song has a soulful pop sensibility to it, making it a great option for shows with a pop/rock sound that aren’t jukebox musicals (Next to Normal, Spring Awakening, Jesus Christ Superstar). The message is an introspective one as well, allowing more space to create an intimate performance in the audition room while still showing some impressive vocals. 

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I hope this selection of songs has inspired you to try some new material (or revisit a past favorite) at your next audition! Remember, it can take time for a song to settle into your muscle memory as a vocalist, so keep that in mind as you try out different options from this list. 

And if you find that a song sits better in a slightly lower or higher key, take the initiative and transpose the sheet music to suit your voice. So many factors are often out of your control in an audition; the song you bring in is one thing that you have power over. If it sounds like a winner when it’s a half-step lower, don’t be afraid to make a change. In the past, actors have been warned away from ever changing a key, but audition rooms are a little less stringent these days, and you should feel free to claim creative control over your performance. 

Good luck and happy auditioning!