Update: Rules that blacklist audition songs

In picking audition songs, generally, here is what can make your song a "no-no:"

#1.) If the accompaniment is too hard. Which may include - Jason Robert Brown, Steven Schwartz (That would be Wicked & Godspell) If you know the accompanist is excellent, it may be worth the risk to try for a more complicated song. If you don't know the accompanist....go with something simpler. 

#2.) If the songs have too much emotional depth to carry for your age. I.E. - everything by Stephen Sondheim - Into the Woods (for the most part), Company, A Little Night Music, Assassins, Sweeney Todd..... (these songs usually also go under #1. You don't want to be singing "Stay with Me" from Into The Woods, which is from the perspective of an old, miserable, and lonely witch, if you have never been seriously shunned by the world, 22, and have never had a child (ie - me). It is too much of a stretch. 

#3.) The songs are too overdone. Currently my list for Contemporary Pop Uptempos this includes "Lets Hear it for the Boy," and "I need a Hero." I heard at least 3 girls sing it in an hour last week. 

So basically....you want something that is easy for the pianist to sightread, that is age appropriate, is recognizable but not overdone, and that showcases your acting and singing ability, and makes them want to offer you a Broadway Contract. 

Can you see why my mind runs in circles? Rules 1-3 eliminate all the contemporary musical theater that I know well and love dearly. Can I please just sing pretty non-belty ballads all day?