37 Best Musical Theater Audition Songs For Kids

“Middle of a Moment” From James and the Giant Peach

Song Year: 2010

Middle of a Moment is an ideal audition song for any child who has a massive upper singing range. The song starts with a snarky delivery before erupting into sweeping passages intended to be sung with a touch of bravado. 

In terms of theme, the song focuses on the times of transitional phases everyone inevitably goes through while passing through their various stations in life.

“A Letter From Charlie Bucket” From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Musical

Song Year: 2013

Charlie Bucket expresses his altruistic nature in A Letter From Charlie Bucket, which, of course, is addressed to Willy Wonka. The song reads as a request for Wonka to invent certain things that would make each individual person in Charlie’s family happy. 

Musically, this song is ideal for children because its melody consists of closer note intervals, keeping large jumps to a minimum.

“You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” From Annie

Song Year: 1977

One of Annie’s most unforgettable scenes is when the group of orphans break out into song and dance after hearing You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile come on the radio. This classic show tune serves as a reminder to leave the house with a smile as you start the day. 

The song’s pauses for dramatic animation provide opportunities for children to display their acting skills.

“The Perfect Nanny” From Mary Poppins

Song Year: 1964

Michael and Jane Banks outline to their parents the sort of qualities they feel should be prioritized in their search for The Perfect Nanny. Throughout their plea, their father is in continual dismay, but in reality, one can’t help but feel they were really asking for the bare minimum.

After all, who wouldn’t want the caretaker of one’s children to be a caring, loving person who invests time and has fun, too?

“If I Only Had a Brain” From The Wizard of Oz

Song Year: 1939

Sung by Scarecrow, If I Only Had A Brain, is remembered for its signature rolling melody as he outlines what he would do if the Wizard did grant him a brain. Ironically enough, throughout the song, he shows evidence of already being capable of doing such things.

“I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” From The Lion King

Song Year: 1994

As we approach the 30th anniversary of The Lion King, it’s safe to say that this franchise is still popular among younger audiences. This likely familiar song provides opportunities to act as both the hopeful Simba and the pessimistic Zazu, as Simba proclaims how he is looking forward to succeeding in his father’s royal position.

“Who Will Buy?” From Oliver!

Song Year: 1963

In the song, Who Will Buy, Oliver Twist is watching the scene of a market from a wealthy home after spending his life as an orphan. Throughout the song, the various vendors are asking who would buy their wares, while Oliver makes note of having a feeling of happiness that perhaps cannot be bought.

“Picture Show” From Bonnie and Clyde

Song Year: 2009

Picture Show is a great choice for a duet or an audition piece that displays one’s ability to act and sing in different roles and styles. The song is sung by a young Bonnie and Clyde as they tell of their dreams, with Bonnie wanting to be an actress, and Clyde wanting to be a gangster.

“Giants in the Sky” From Into the Woods

Song Year: 1986

Giants in the Sky is sung by Jack as he describes his experience of the world of giants that exists after climbing the beanstalk. This track begins with a graceful, nimble delivery before erupting into tension as Jack outlines the feeling of terror as he realizes the giants want to eat him.

“Be Kind To Your Parents” From Fanny

Song Year: 1954

Be Kind To Your Parents is a comical reminder to all children that they should exercise a little patience with their parents. In a way, the song almost depicts parental adults as kids, showing that children are responsible for parenting their parents.

It’s easy for kids to forget that their parents were once children, too. Little do they know that their parents might always feel like children to some degree.

“So Long, Farewell” From The Sound of Music

Song Year: 1965

This song from The Sound of Music is featured during a scene when the Von Trapp children say goodnight to the attendees of a family party. So Long, Farewell makes use of both English and German, which can be an opportunity for kids to display a talent for singing in other languages.

“Consider Yourself” From Oliver!

Song Year: 1960

Making friends at any age can be difficult, but every once in a while, you might come across someone who makes you feel like part of the group. Consider Yourself is sung to Oliver Twist by Dodger, telling him that he’s a member of the family and that their struggles and windfalls will be shared between those in the group.