10 Underrated Audition Songs for Baritones
“The Full Monty” playing at North Shore Music Theatre Photo © David Costa Photography
by Chris Peterson
Let’s be honest: finding the right audition song when you’re a baritone can feel like digging through a closet full of "Stars" and "If I Can't Love Her" knockoffs. And while those big ballads are great, sometimes you want something different — something that shows range, personality, and that you have a little more to say than "here’s another sad man belting his feelings into a void."
So here’s a list of 10 underrated baritone audition songs — a mix of ballads and upbeat numbers — that can help you stand out without making the accompanist sigh heavily when you hand over your sheet music.
1. "Left Behind" – Spring Awakening
A stunning, rarely used ballad for baritones that cuts straight to the heart. It’s emotional without feeling manipulative, and it gives you room to show control, connection, and genuine storytelling. Plus, it’s modern enough to feel fresh but not so overdone that everyone will be humming along in the audition room. If you can ground it with real honesty, it hits harder than a thousand vocal runs.
2. "You Walk with Me" – The Full Monty
A heartwarming ballad that's emotionally rich without being vocally showy. It feels intimate and grounded, making it a great choice for roles that call for quiet strength. It’s the kind of song that lets you show emotional vulnerability in a way that feels totally unforced — and in a sea of over-the-top audition pieces, that can seriously set you apart for the better.
3. "Where Do I Go?" – Hair
This is a gorgeous ballad that most people forget is perfect for baritones. It starts simple and builds with a sense of yearning that’s really satisfying to act through. If you connect with the text, it can feel almost spiritual — a huge asset if you’re auditioning for shows that lean into earnestness, raw emotion, or that 1960s spirit of searching for meaning.
4. "The Games I Play" – Falsettos
This is a brilliant ballad that's often overlooked for baritones. It’s emotional without being overwrought, and it gives you a huge opportunity to act through subtlety. The song is almost confessional — full of regret, humor, and defensiveness all tangled together — making it a perfect choice if you want to show depth and complexity without ever needing to resort to heavy vocal acrobatics.
5. "You Should Be Loved" – Side Show
An absolute gem. It’s passionate without feeling like a screlty scream-fest, and it lets you live right in that beautiful mid-baritone pocket where story and emotion carry the day. This song also gives you room to build — it starts with a low simmer and moves into an emotional climax, which is so much more interesting than jumping in at full intensity from the first note.
6. "I'm Calm" – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Perfect for showing off comedic chops. The irony of a man completely melting down while insisting he's calm is prime audition material, and it gives you room to act while staying technically sharp. Plus, Sondheim’s writing means you need to stay crisp with diction and rhythm, which can make you look even more impressive if you nail the timing without losing the humor.
7. "Her Face" – Carnival
An old-school, wistful ballad that hasn’t been done to death. It’s simple, heartfelt, and shows off a warm, honest tone. If you’re auditioning for a golden age musical or even a more intimate revival, this kind of song shows you understand style and restraint, which can sometimes be even more impressive than a 15-second high note.
8. "Bigger Isn’t Better" – Barnum
A plucky uptempo that’s full of optimism and heart. Plus, it has that circus-y charm without tipping into caricature — a great way to show personality, especially for younger baritones. There’s a slight vaudeville feel baked into it, which means you can really lean into expressive phrasing, physicality, and character work without having to manufacture fake "energy" to keep it interesting.
9. "A Bit of Earth" – The Secret Garden
Hauntingly beautiful and a little mysterious. It’s not a typical "here’s my ballad" ballad — it lets you show off a reflective, more internal performance style, which is rare and so effective when done well. It also reads as more intellectual than emotional, which can be a huge plus if you’re auditioning for more restrained or complex characters that aren’t all about raw passion.
10. "How Lucky You Are" – Seussical
A snappy, clever character song that can be customized depending on how big you want to go with the Cat in the Hat energy. It's a great uptempo if you need something lighter but still grounded in solid singing. The wordplay keeps the accompanist and the casting team awake, and if you can nail the timing and humor without feeling forced, you’ll immediately look polished and like someone who’s fun to work with.
When choosing any of these, remember: just because something is underrated doesn't mean it should be under-rehearsed. These songs work because they’re unexpected — but only if you bring the same thoughtfulness and polish that you would to "If I Can't Love Her" or "Anthem." Break legs out there.