37 Best Alto Audition Songs

25. “I Know Things Now” from Into the Woods

Song year: 1987

Little Red Riding Hood comes of age in the show after her encounter with the Wolf and narrowly escapes being eaten. The actor can show range as Little Red reflects on the lessons she’s learned. The nice alto range allows for some subtle acting choices that can make for very nice moments. Also, it’s another Sondheim show.

26. “In My Own Little Corner” from Cinderella

Song year: 1957

Cinderella has an unhappy lot, but she wants a better life for herself. Though Cinderella isn’t written specifically for an alto, this song fits nicely in most alto singers’ ranges. The very tender melody requires some finesse, so this isn’t the song to show off your belting chops. Acting chops, though— those can get a good showcase here.

27. “What Is A Woman” from I Do! I Do!

Song year: 1966

Agnes sings “What Is A Woman” at a pivotal moment in I Do! I Do! She reflects on the challenges and sacrifices that women often face in marriage and life. The song is a reminder of the struggles women have endured throughout history. Agnes sings about the pain and frustration of feeling trapped. Don’t choose this one if you’re auditioning for a farce. You might send the wrong idea.

28. “As Long as He Needs Me” from Oliver!

Song year: 1960

Lionel Bart’s Broadway classic contains “As Long as He Needs Me,” sung by Nancy, who is in a troubled and abusive relationship with the villainous Bill Sikes. Despite Sikes, she expresses her unconditional love and loyalty. But he’s bad, so the actor singing this song must be able to convey emotional complexity. The range is great for altos, and the song requires a sense of longing and desperation.

29. “Home” from Beauty and the Beast

Song year: 1994

“Home” allows an actor to show a character changing before the audience’s eyes. Belle begins to realize in this song that her feelings for the Beast are changing. She doesn’t necessarily want to go to her home but rather to find a place that feels like home. Few altos will get cast as Belle, but this song is a great one for an audition.

30. “Watch What Happens” from Newsies

Song year: 2012

Newspaper reporter Katherine sings this one, and she starts with writer’s block before drawing inspiration from the titular Newsies. “Watch What Happens” is another song that allows an alto to take the audience on a journey with the character. Pulling that off at an audition in front of a director can score an actor some serious points.

31. “The Cake I Had” from Grey Gardens

Song year: 2006

This is a somewhat comic song from a show replete with funny, sad, and tragic moments. “The Cake I Had” requires acting range and versatility. Comic timing is a nice bonus. Edith once had it all, but time has taken much of it away from her. She only has a memory of her amazing wedding cake. Acting chops and a robust lower register will pay dividends here.

32. “Another Night at Darryl’s” from The Witches of Eastwick

Song year: 2000

This bluesy song offers the actor three different characters to choose from, or if the audition format allows, an alto can sing all three as the song progresses. “Another Night at Darryl’s” needs sensuality and charisma, and the successful performer will show the character’s inner desires and emotions throughout the song.

33. “Hold On” from The Secret Garden

Song year: 1991

Maybe you want a heartfelt ballad for your audition. “Hold On” fills that bill. It’s touching and uplifting as Martha sings to Mary Lennox to help her adjust to her new surroundings. Martha’s voice becomes more forceful and confident as the song goes on, so an actor can build a character during the song.

34. “How ‘Bout a Dance” from Bonnie and Clyde

Song year: 2011

Bonnie, despite being with Clyde, encounters and spends time with a lawman on their tails. She sings “How ‘Bout a Dance” to this lawman, and the song becomes an intimate portrait of forbidden love. She doesn’t love the lawman like he secretly loves her, but it’s a lovely moment in the show.

35. “Kiss Her Now” from Dear World

Song year: 1969

“Kiss Her Now” is sung by a male character, but it’s not so low that an alto can’t shine when singing it in an audition. A big plus to this one regards the alto without a huge range. Most notes occupy a narrow vocal range, so few altos will have to stretch to pull this one off.

36. “Nobody Makes a Pass at Me” from Pins and Needles

Song year: 1937

Pins and Needles is a revue-style show, but that shouldn’t stop you from choosing “Nobody Makes a Pass at Me,” especially if you’re a strong belter, which this song relies on. It’s also got some higher notes in it, so altos can score big in the audition room with this one. It’s a lesser-known song that can make an impression on the audition panel.

37. “With Every Breath I Take” from City of Angels

Song year: 1989

“With Every Breath I Take” is an emotional ballad. Altos who can show that with their voice will benefit from choosing this for an audition piece. It’s a beautiful song that may not be as well-known as some more popular Broadway standards. In an audition where everyone is singing “What I Did for Love,” an alto could make an impression with this song.

Top Alto Audition Songs, Final Thoughts

There are hundreds of other songs, but these ones represent several genres and song styles the auditioning alto can choose from and add to her audition repertoire. There are alto audition songs out there for every actor, so find the one that works best for you. Break a leg!