What is the better choice when auditioning for a musical?

Question:Is it better to sing a song from the production itself or to sing something from another musical of a similar genre or sound?

On one hand, singing a song from the production itself would give the directors a clearer picture (especially if you are aiming for a specific part) but this means you'd be singing the same song along with the hundred or so people also auditioning. On the other hand, singing a song from another production would help you stand out (if you make the right choice, that is), but is it risky.

So which is the better choice?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Is it better to sing a song from the production itself or to sing something from another musical of a similar genre or sound?

On one hand, singing a song from the production itself would give the directors a clearer picture (especially if you are aiming for a specific part) but this means you'd be singing the same song along with the hundred or so people also auditioning. On the other hand, singing a song from another production would help you stand out (if you make the right choice, that is), but is it risky.

So which is the better choice?

I had the same problem, so I looked around different websites such as The Stage and such.
Nearly every single one said the same thing:

DO NOT sing a song from the production you're auditioning for.
Most directors/producers/casting directors can get an idea of your voice and whether you're good for the part in about 20 seconds, so singing from the show won't necessarily help you.

The best thing, I think, that you can do is find ANOTHER song from a DIFFERENT show, but that has the same feel (ie: the same sort of song/genre).

For example: if you're going after the part of Nancy in Oliver (sorry, I happen to have just watched my recording from Saturday's "I'd Do Anything"), please please under no circumstance sing AS LONG AS HE NEEDS ME, because I can guarrantee that that's what EVERYBODY will be singing.
Try a song from another show, sung by a character LIKE Nancy, with the same feel and range of voice (more or less).

(And make sure it's within your vocal range and that you act it out!! More often than not, they're looking for someone who can ACT the part. Showing someone how to sing is easier than showing someone how to act!!)

Hope this helps and good luck!

=)

I would say another production because the judges would have heard that sound a million times and will have extremely high standards. However, if you choose from another production, they will have lower standards (unless someone chose the same song and did extremely well but what are the chances of that)

I think you should look at the content of the music. I don't think it makes much of a difference which song, but make sure the song is a challenging song, but not too challenging so you can show what you can do without messing up. I think it's also a good idea to research the show your auditioning for so you have a general knowledge of the show and the different characters. Right now I am searching for all the info(dvd, cd, book, score) I can get my hands on for a musical I'm auditioning for.