The Best Audition Songs for Footloose (By Character)

Are you getting ready to kick off your Sunday shoes and dive into the world of “Footloose”? Find the best audition songs for Footloose right here! I know, picking the right audition song can be as nerve-wracking as a high school dance, but fear not! We’re here to dance through this together. “Footloose” isn’t just a story about a town where dancing is forbidden; it’s a tale of rebellion, expression, and the sweet freedom of letting loose. Each character in this high-energy musical brings a unique flavor to the story, and your audition song is your first step to embodying their spirit. Whether you’re aiming to capture Ren’s rebellious heart, Ariel’s longing soul, or Reverend Moore’s complex persona, the right tune can make all the difference. So, let’s jump in and explore some fantastic song choices that will have the directors tapping their feet and seeing you as part of this iconic story!

The Best Audition Songs for Footloose

Ren McCormack

1. “Seize the Day” from “Newsies” – Captures his rebellious spirit and leadership qualities.
2. “I’m Alive” from “Next to Normal” – Reflects his energy and desire to break free.
3. “Dancing Through Life” from “Wicked” – Emphasizes his love for dance and free-spirited nature.
4. “Trouble” from “The Music Man” – A high-energy song that shows off charisma and charm.
5. “Run Freedom Run” from “Urinetown” – Highlights his enthusiasm and ability to inspire others.

Reverend Shaw Moore

1. “Stars” from “Les Misérables” – Reflects his strong convictions and internal struggle.
2. “Gethsemane” from “Jesus Christ Superstar” – Captures deep emotional conflict and commitment.
3. “Pilate’s Dream” from “Jesus Christ Superstar” – For a more introspective and reflective portrayal.
4. “The Impossible Dream” from “Man of La Mancha” – Emphasizes his dedication and idealism.
5. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from “Carousel” – A powerful song reflecting guidance and hope.

Ariel Moore

1. “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked” – Suits her rebellious and independent character.
2. “On My Own” from “Les Misérables” – Reflects her sense of isolation and longing.
3. “Astonishing” from “Little Women” – Captures her strong will and desire for more in life.
4. “Dead Girl Walking” from “Heathers: The Musical” – For a more daring and edgy portrayal.
5. “What It Means to Be a Friend” from “13: The Musical” – Showcases a softer, more introspective side.

Vi Moore

1. “Children Will Listen” from “Into the Woods” – Reflects her role as a mother and mediator.
2. “Tell Me It’s Not True” from “Blood Brothers” – Emphasizes maternal concern and sorrow.
3. “The Winner Takes It All” from “Mamma Mia!” – Highlights her emotional depth and strength.
4. “Back to Before” from “Ragtime” – Suits her reflective nature and sense of change.
5. “As If We Never Said Goodbye” from “Sunset Boulevard” – For a portrayal of longing and nostalgia.

Willard Hewitt

1. “Consider Yourself” from “Oliver!” – Matches his friendly, welcoming nature.
2. “The Nicest Kids in Town” from “Hairspray” – Captures his fun-loving, comedic character.
3. “Gaston” from “Beauty and the Beast” – For a humorous, larger-than-life portrayal.
4. “Magic Foot” from “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” – Highlights his quirky and comedic side.
5. “Real Live Girl” from “Little Me” – Showcases a sense of wonder and innocence.

Rusty

1. “Good Morning Baltimore” from “Hairspray” – Reflects her optimistic and energetic personality.
2. “I Can Hear the Bells” from “Hairspray” – For a portrayal of her romantic and dreamy side.
3. “It’s Your Wedding Day” from “The Wedding Singer” – A fun, upbeat number that fits her character.
4. “A Way Back to Then” from “[title of show]” – Highlights her aspirations and dreams.
5. “Matchmaker” from “Fiddler on the Roof” – For a more traditional, comedic take.

Ethel McCormack

1. “Everything I Know” from “In The Heights” – Reflects her strength and connection with her family.
2. “Just Another Day” from “Next to Normal” – Highlights her resilience in facing everyday challenges.
3. “So Big/So Small” from “Dear Evan Hansen” – Captures her emotional journey as a mother.
4. “The Story Goes On” from “Baby” – A song about maternal love and the passage of time.
5. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac – Reflects on change and motherhood, fitting for Ethel’s character.

Chuck Cranston

1. “Lost in the Wilderness” from “Children of Eden” – For a more intense and brooding interpretation.
2. “Heaven on Their Minds” from “Jesus Christ Superstar” – Captures his conflicted nature and ambitions.
3. “Dentist!” from “Little Shop of Horrors” – Showcases his darker, more comedic side.
4. “The Bitch of Living” from “Spring Awakening” – Fits his rebellious and troubled character.
5. “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett – A rock song that matches his rebellious and defiant attitude.

Urleen and Wendy Jo

1. “Mama Who Bore Me” from “Spring Awakening” – Reflects their youth and coming-of-age experiences.
2. “My Strongest Suit” from “Aida” – For showcasing confidence and a fun personality.
3. “Freddy My Love” from “Grease” – Captures a youthful and playful spirit.
4. “I Know It’s Today” from “Shrek The Musical” – A song about dreams and waiting for life to change.
5. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper – A pop anthem that embodies their lively and carefree nature.

Lulu Warnicker

1. “With You” from “Ghost: The Musical” – A tender song reflecting on love and loss.
2. “Send in the Clowns” from “A Little Night Music” – For a more reflective and mature perspective.
3. “Days and Days” from “Fun Home” – Highlights her experiences and wisdom.
4. “Some Things Are Meant to Be” from “Little Women” – A song about acceptance and the passage of time.
5. “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran – A modern song that captures a sense of family and nostalgia.

Wes Warnicker

1. “It Takes Two” from “Hairspray” – A song about partnership and understanding, fitting for Wes’s character.
2. “Sunrise, Sunset” from “Fiddler on the Roof” – Reflects on the passage of time and family.
3. “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” from “Les Misérables” – For a more somber, reflective take.
4. “You Will Be Found” from “Dear Evan Hansen” – Emphasizes themes of community and support.
5. “Father and Son” by Cat Stevens – A classic rock song about family and generational differences.

Coach Dunbar

1. “Heart” from “Damn Yankees” – Reflects his role as a coach and mentor.
2. “One Man” from “Young Frankenstein” – A comedic take that can highlight his authoritative yet humorous side.
3. “If I Were a Rich Man” from “Fiddler on the Roof” – For a character with dreams and aspirations.
4. “I’m Alive” from “Next to Normal” – A rock-infused song showcasing energy and intensity.
5. “Sweet Transvestite” from “The Rocky Horror Show” – For a more unconventional, bold choice.

And that’s how you set the stage on fire, folks! 🔥🎭 As you prepare to bring the vibrant characters of “Footloose” to life, remember that each song you sing is an opportunity to show the depth and color you can bring to the role. So go ahead, take these suggestions, make them your own, and step into that audition with confidence and a spring in your step. Whether you’re belting out a rock anthem or delivering a heartfelt ballad, let your performance be a celebration of the spirit of “Footloose” – unbridled, joyful, and utterly unforgettable. Break a leg, and may your audition be as exhilarating as the story you’re longing to tell! Let’s hear it for the boy (or girl, or however you identify)! 🌈💃🕺

Photo by Juan Camilo Navia on Unsplash