As a performer, your repertoire book is a key tool in your audition arsenal. In this guide, we'll dive into what makes a great rep book and what should be considered while creating your rep book. A well-crafted rep book should be a diverse collection of songs that you're not only comfortable singing but also excited about. It's your chance to showcase your range and style. 

Now let's dive into what you should include in your rep book!

Diverse Musical Theater Selections: 

Include a mix from different eras:

• Traditional/Golden Age (e.g., Rodgers & Hammerstein)
• Contemporary (with modern influences)
• Legit (emphasizing classical technique)
• Pop/Rock (for a modern flair)

Your "Money" Song

Choose a song that showcases your best qualities. This is the song you can perform in your sleep, highlighting your vocal, acting, and interpretive skills.

Character Songs for Auditions

Select songs that allow you to showcase your acting range with different character types.

"Screw Loose" from Cry-Baby - "Screw Loose" is a humorously quirky song that epitomizes the offbeat charm of Cry-Baby. It's sung by a character who is endearingly eccentric, showcasing a performer's ability to portray whimsical and comedic roles. The song's light-hearted melody and playful lyrics are perfect for demonstrating a unique blend of humor and vocal skill.

"A Summer in Ohio" from The Last Five Years - This song is a witty and sarcastic portrayal of a character's less-than-ideal summer. The lyrics are filled with humorous anecdotes and vivid imagery, allowing a performer to exhibit exceptional comedic timing and expressiveness. It's a brilliant piece for showcasing a range of emotions, from frustration to affectionate sarcasm.

"Killer Instinct" from Bring It On - "Killer Instinct" is a dynamic and powerful number, perfect for showcasing a character's ambition and determination. The song's high energy and assertive lyrics allow performers to display a strong, commanding presence. It's an ideal choice for those looking to demonstrate vocal power coupled with a portrayal of a fierce and ambitious personality.

"He Vas My Boyfriend" from Young Frankenstein - This song is a delightful blend of humor and drama, set to a catchy, old-style melody. It allows performers to showcase their ability to handle comedic roles with a flair for the dramatic. The song's playful nature and comedic timing requirements offer a fantastic opportunity to exhibit versatility in both singing and acting.

"Lost in the Brass" from Band Geeks - A touching and relatable song, "Lost in the Brass" speaks to the feeling of being overshadowed and the desire to be noticed. Its heartfelt lyrics and emotive melody provide an excellent platform for performers to demonstrate depth, sensitivity, and a connection to more introspective characters. This song is perfect for those looking to showcase their ability to convey genuine emotion and vulnerability through music.

Sondheim Songs for Auditions

These are challenging and showcase a performer's nuanced acting skills.

"Johanna" from Sweeney Todd - "Johanna" is a beautifully melancholic song, brimming with yearning and love. Its delicate melody and tender lyrics allow performers to showcase a deep emotional range, portraying longing and obsession in a hauntingly romantic context.

"Losing My Mind" from Follies - This song is a poignant exploration of inner turmoil and unrequited love. Its slow, reflective pace and heartfelt lyrics offer a great opportunity for performers to demonstrate their ability to convey deep emotional pain and longing.

"Do I Hear A Waltz?" from Do I Hear A Waltz? - A whimsical and reflective piece, this song captures the mixed emotions of excitement and uncertainty in new love. It's ideal for performers who can express a range of feelings from hopefulness to introspection.

"Marry Me a Little" from Company - This song beautifully expresses the complex emotions surrounding commitment and longing for love. It allows performers to explore themes of vulnerability and desire, showcasing both the tenderness and apprehension of romance.

"Broadway Baby" from Follies - An upbeat and aspirational number, "Broadway Baby" is perfect for performers looking to showcase determination and ambition. Its lively rhythm and hopeful lyrics make it an excellent choice for demonstrating a character's dreams and aspirations.

"Someone Woke Up" from Do I Hear A Waltz? - This song offers a narrative of self-discovery and awakening. It's an excellent choice for performers wishing to portray a character experiencing a transformative moment, full of hope and realization.

"Could I Leave You?" from Follies - A song filled with biting sarcasm and emotional complexity, it's perfect for portraying a character wrestling with the decision to end a relationship. The song's mix of humor and bitterness provides a unique opportunity to showcase dramatic acting skills.

"Like It Was" from Merrily We Roll Along - This song reflects on the nostalgia and regret of lost love. Its introspective and melancholic tone is ideal for performers to demonstrate their ability to convey a sense of longing and reflective sorrow

Songs to Be Cautious Of for Auditions

While it's great to have popular musical theatre songs, be wary of "Overly Done" tunes that might not help you stand out. Your book should reflect your unique talents, not just your ability to perform well-known numbers.

Some of the most “Overly Done” auditions songs: 

• "Defying Gravity" from Wicked
• "Let It Go" from Frozen
• "On My Own" from Les Misérables
• "Tomorrow" from Annie
• "Don't Rain on My Parade" from Funny Girl
• "Memory" from Cats
• "Popular" from Wicked
• "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables
• "Gimme Gimme" from Thoroughly Modern Millie
• "Astonishing" from Little Women
• "Maybe This Time" from Cabaret
• "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz

Knowing Your Songs

As a performer, understanding each song in your rep book is key to acing auditions. Being able to confidently deliver any piece from your repertoire sets the stage for a memorable audition. But how do you cultivate this confidence and in-depth knowledge? For actionable insights on mastering song memorization and connecting emotionally with your music, explore our guide, "Ace Your Audition: Proven Methods for Memorizing Songs with Confidence." This resource is rich with practical advice and expert strategies, designed to help you internalize your music and showcase your unique talent with every note.

Structuring Your Repertoire Book

An effectively organized repertoire book is crucial for every aspiring performer. It's not just about having your music in order, but presenting it in a way that reflects your professionalism and dedication to your craft. Opt for sturdy binders or durable folders that can handle frequent use, ensuring your music remains in top condition. Organize your sheets methodically, possibly by genre, show, or mood, and include clear labels for easy navigation. This structured approach not only streamlines your preparation for auditions and rehearsals but also showcases your meticulousness and commitment as a performer. Regular upkeep of your repertoire book is a small but significant step in setting the stage for a successful performance career.

Final Thoughts

Building a repertoire book is a personal and strategic process. It's about showcasing your strengths and giving a glimpse of your potential as a performer. Remember, this book represents you, so make it as unique and dynamic as your talent.

For further assistance or personalized advice, our team at Performers Theatre Workshop is always ready to help you refine your audition repertoire and enhance your performance skills.