How to Choose an Audition Song for Your Kid?
As a parent, you want to give your child every opportunity to succeed in their chosen passion. If your child is interested in pursuing a career in acting or singing, auditions are a crucial step in the process. One of the most important things to consider when preparing for an audition is the choice of song. In this article, we will discuss how to choose an audition song for your kid that will help them stand out from the crowd.
Consider the Age Range
The first thing to consider when choosing an audition song for your child is their age range. Casting directors often have specific age ranges in mind for each role. You want to choose a song that is appropriate for your child's age and the age range of the role they are auditioning for. For example, if your child is 10 years old and auditioning for a role that calls for a 10-12-year-old, you want to choose a song that is appropriate for that age range.
Which is the Best Song Style for an Audition?
The best song style for an audition will depend on the show or role your child is auditioning for. If your child is auditioning for a contemporary musical, you may want to choose a pop or rock song. If they are auditioning for a classical musical, you may want to choose a ballad or aria. It's important to research the show or role your child is auditioning for to determine the appropriate song style.
Should You Use a Well-Known Song?
Using a well-known song can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, casting directors may be impressed by your child's ability to perform a popular song. On the other hand, they may be looking for something more unique and original. If you do choose to use a well-known song, make sure your child puts their own spin on it to make it stand out.
List of Kids' Audition Songs
Here are three great audition songs for kids, along with details about each song and why it's a good choice.
You might also be interested in:
- Child Acting Auditions in Calgary,
- Kids Casting Call in Chicago,
- Child Acting Auditions in Tampa FL,
- Child Modeling Casting Calls.
"I Just Can't Wait to Be King" from The Lion King
Written by Elton John and Tim Rice, "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" is a fun and upbeat song that is perfect for young performers. It's a great choice for auditions for musicals or plays with a youthful and energetic vibe.
Lyrics "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" from The Lion King:
I'm gonna be a mighty king
So enemies beware!
Well, I've never seen a king of beasts
With quite so little hair
I'm gonna be the mane event
Like no king was before
I'm brushing up on looking down
I'm working on my ROAR
Thus far, a rather uninspiring thing
Oh, I just can't wait to be king!
You've rather a long way to go, young master,
if you think...)
No one saying do this
Now when I said that, I -)
No one saying be there
What I meant was...)
No one saying stop that
Look, what you don't realize...)
No one saying see here
Now see here!)
Free to run around all day
Well, that's definitely out...)
Free to do it all my way!
I think it's time that you and I
Arranged a heart to heart
Kings don't need advice
From little hornbills for a start
If this is where the monarchy is headed
Count me out!
Out of service, out of Africa
I wouldn't hang about
This child is getting wildly out of wing
Oh, I just can't wait to be king!
Everybody look left
Everybody look right
Everywhere you look I'm
Standing in the spotlight!
Not yet!
Let every creature go for broke and sing
Let's hear it in the herd and on the wing
It's gonna be King Simba's finest fling
Oh, I just can't wait to be king!
Oh, I just can't wait to be king!
Oh, I just can't waaaaaait ... to be king!
Performing on this song:
To perform "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" successfully, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the song is meant to be fun and lively, so make sure to bring lots of energy and enthusiasm to the performance. Consider incorporating some playful movements or dance steps to match the upbeat tempo of the song.
Another tip is to pay attention to the dynamics of the song. There are several moments where the music quiets down before building back up again. Make sure to adjust your volume accordingly to really highlight these moments and create a dynamic performance.
In terms of vocal technique, the song has a wide range with some challenging high notes, so it's important to warm up properly before attempting to sing it. Practice breathing exercises to build stamina and make sure to sing from your diaphragm to support your voice.
Why it's a good choice: "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" is an excellent choice for kids' auditions because it allows young performers to showcase their energy and enthusiasm. The song's playful and upbeat vibe is perfect for capturing the attention of the audience and the judges. It also allows for a lot of movement and expression, giving young performers the opportunity to show off their dance moves and acting skills. Overall, this song is a fantastic way for kids to demonstrate their natural talent and potential for the stage.
Read Also: Best Kid's Acting Scenes for Practice Before Audition
"Castle on a Cloud" from Les Miserables
Written by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, "Castle on a Cloud" is a beautiful and emotional ballad that is perfect for young performers. It's a great choice for auditions for classical musicals or plays.
Lyrics "Castle on a Cloud" from Les Miserables:
There is a castle on a cloud.
I like to go there in my sleep.
Aren't any floors for me to sweep.
Not in my castle on a cloud.
There is a lady all in white.
Holds me and sings a lullaby.
She's nice to see and she's soft to touch.
She says Cosette I love you very much.
I know a place where no one’s lost.
I know a place where no one cries.
Crying at all is not allowed.
Not in my castle on a cloud.
Performing on this song:
To perform "Castle on a Cloud" successfully, it's important to tap into the emotional depth of the song. Consider the character who sings it, a young girl named Cosette who dreams of a better life. Think about her hopes and dreams and try to convey those emotions through your performance. This song doesn't require a lot of movement or choreography, but it's important to pay attention to the phrasing and dynamics of the music.
In terms of vocal technique, "Castle on a Cloud" requires a softer, more delicate approach. Focus on controlling your breath and using a more heady, ethereal tone to match the dreamy feel of the song. Make sure to also pay attention to the higher notes, which can be challenging for some young performers. Practice hitting those notes with confidence and control to really impress the judges.
Why it's a good choice:
"Castle on a Cloud" is an excellent choice for kids' auditions because it allows them to showcase their vocal abilities and emotional range. The song's beautiful melody and touching lyrics make it a great choice for classical musicals or plays. This song also provides a great opportunity for young performers to show off their acting skills and ability to connect with a character. Overall, "Castle on a Cloud" is a fantastic way for kids to demonstrate their versatility and range as performers.
Read Also: How to Get My Baby in Commercials?
"I Know It's Today" from Shrek The Musical
Written by Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire, "I Know It's Today" is a playful and charming song that is perfect for young performers. The song is a trio that involves three characters from the musical - Young Fiona, Teen Fiona, and Adult Fiona - who each sing about their dreams of being rescued by their true love. The song showcases the performer's acting skills, as well as their ability to harmonize and sing in a group.
Lyrics "I Know It's Today" from Shrek The Musical:
Young Fiona:
I know it's today
I know it's today
This is the day
This is the day
I know it's today
I know it's today
I'm sure I'm sure
I'm sure I'm sure
Teen Fiona:
I don't care about your pipes and your powers
Or bleeding heart quests through the Troll-infested bowers
I don't care about the way that you look
All I know is that we gotta get outta this cookoo-crazy underworld
Adult Fiona:
And into a life that's lived
For real
Today
Adult Fiona:
And into a life that's lived
For real
Today
Performing on this song:
To perform "I Know It's Today" successfully, it's important to embody the character you are playing fully. Each of the three characters - Young Fiona, Teen Fiona, and Adult Fiona - has a distinct personality and voice, so make sure to differentiate between them through your performance. Consider adding in small acting choices that match the lyrics of the song, such as gestures or facial expressions. The harmonies in the song can be challenging, so it's important to practice singing in a group and finding the right balance between the three parts. Pay attention to the dynamics of the song, as there are several moments where the music builds to a climax before dropping back down again.
Why it's a good choice:
"I Know It's Today" is a great choice for kids' auditions because it allows them to showcase their acting and singing skills in a fun and entertaining way. The song is a trio, making it an excellent choice for group auditions, and the different personalities of each character provide a lot of opportunities for young performers to show off their range and versatility. Overall, this song is a great way for kids to demonstrate their ability to harmonize and act as a part of a group while still standing out with their unique personalities.
Read Also: How to Audition for Disney Channel?
"The Lonely Goatherd" from The Sound of Music
Written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, "The Lonely Goatherd" is a lively and upbeat song that is perfect for young performers. The song is sung by Maria, a young woman who is teaching a group of children how to sing. The song showcases the performer's ability to sing in a group and dance while singing.
Lyrics "The Lonely Goatherd" from The Sound of Music:
High on a hill was a lonely goatherd
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo
Loud was the voice of the lonely goatherd
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
Folks in a town that was quite remote heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo
Lusty and clear from the goatherd's throat heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
O ho lay dee odl lee o, o ho lay dee odl ay
O ho lay dee odl lee o, lay dee odl lee o lay
A prince on the bridge of a castle moat heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo
Men on a road with a load to tote heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
Men in the midst of a table d'hote heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo
Men drinking beer with the foam afloat heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
One little girl in a pale pink coat heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo
She yodeled back to the lonely goatherd
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
Soon her Mama with a gleaming gloat heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo
What a duet for a girl and goatherd
Maria and the Children:
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
Ummm (ummm)
Odl lay ee (odl lay ee)
Odl lay hee hee (odl lay hee hee)
Odl lay ee
Yodeling
One little girl in a pale pink coat heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hoo hoo
She yodeled back to the lonely goatherd
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
Soon her Mama with a gleaming gloat heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hmm hmm
What a duet for a girl and goatherd
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
Happy are they lay dee olay dee lee o
Yodeling
Soon the duet will become a trio
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
Odl lay ee, old lay ee
Odl lay hee hee, odl lay ee
Odl lay odl lay, odl lay odl lee, odl lay odl lee
Odl lay odl lay odl lay
Hoo!
Performing on this song:
To perform "The Lonely Goatherd" successfully, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the song has a lot of energy and involves yodeling, so make sure to bring enthusiasm and a positive attitude to your performance. Consider practicing some dance moves to match the upbeat tempo of the song. Another tip is to pay attention to the dynamics of the song. There are several moments where the music quiets down before building back up again. Make sure to adjust your volume accordingly to really highlight these moments and create a dynamic performance. In terms of vocal technique, the song requires a wide range, including the ability to yodel, which can be challenging. It's essential to warm up properly before attempting to sing it and practice breathing exercises to build stamina and support your voice.
Why it's a good choice:
"The Lonely Goatherd" is a fantastic choice for children's auditions because it allows young performers to showcase their vocal and acting abilities. The song's upbeat and catchy tune, combined with the inclusion of yodeling, makes it a memorable performance that can capture the attention of the judges. It also involves group singing and dancing, giving performers the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work together as a team. Overall, this song is an excellent way for kids to demonstrate their potential and passion for musical theater.
Overall, choosing the right audition song for your child is an important part of the audition process. By considering their age range, the appropriate song style, and whether to use a well-known song or not, you can help your child make a lasting impression on the audition panel. Remember to always practice with your child and encourage them to give their best performance. Good luck!
