5 Excellent Traditional Audition Songs For Girls Under 12
Having trouble finding a go-to traditional audition song for a young girl?
Here I've listed some solid Traditional Musical Theatre songs appropriate for girls under 12, or young female-identifying actresses, that will work for any Golden Age Musical audition.
The Golden Age of Broadway ranges from shows written between the 1940s to the late 1960/70s. Notable composers and lyricists of that time include Rodgers and Hammerstein, Charles Strouse, Lerner and Lowe, Cole Porter, and more.
Each of these songs fall perfectly between overdone and obscure, with tunes just famous enough to leave the creative team wanting more.
1. I Want It Now - Willy Wonka (Movie)
Written right at the end of the Golden Age era of music, “I Want It Now” is from the 1971 movie, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. The tune is sung by the spoiled-rotten princess, Veruca Salt, who is used to having everything handed to her. A fun song to sing for any young actress looking to embrace their bratty side!
2. I Always Knew -Annie Warbucks
Annie Warbucks was the second attempt at an Annie sequel, running for 200 shows off-Broadway. With music and lyrics by original Annie creators, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, “I Always Knew” is the perfect song to showcase your little star.
3. Born to Entertain - Ruthless
With music by Marvin Laird and book/lyrics by Joel Paley, Ruthless! The Musical is an all female musical that spoofs Broadway musicals, like Gypsy and Mame, and movies such as The Bad Seed and All About Eve. “Born To Entertain” is a classic that showcases confidence in performing!
4. I Know Now - Snoopy The Musical (The World According to Snoopy)
Otherwise known as The World According to Snoopy, Snoopy The Musical is a sequel to You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. “I Know Now” is an upbeat, matter-of-fact tune with excellent lyrics that will win the heart of any casting director.
5. A Cockeyed Optimist - South Pacific
Kids have an optimism unlike anyone else. Written by Rodgers and Hammerstein for the musical South Pacific, “A Cockeyed Optimist” is the perfect audition song to make anyone smile.
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Maggie Bera, creator of Actor Aesthetic, is an actress based in NYC. A proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Texas State University.