How to Pick a Shakespeare Monologue for an Audition

Do you have an audition coming up and they want you to do a classical monologue from Shakespeare? Never done a Shakespeare monologue? Take a deep breath. The key is to have an open mind and an open heart.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer

1. For your first step, you should turn to the trusty internet. Search for keywords, Shakespeare Monologues. There are websites out there that will help you find a monologue that is good for you.

2. I suggest picking two or three monologues. Read through them and pick one that you feel you can do the most with.

3. Once you have your monologue picked out, start memorizing it. Notice if the monologue is in prose or in verse. If it is in verse, check for iambic pentameter.

4. Do your research on your piece. Read the play. It is always important that you can not only act the piece, but you can understand it.

5. When auditioning do not be afraid to actually get into it. If you think Richard III would hobble around, then hobble around. Do something that will set you apart from someone else.

Tips & Warnings

• It is okay to play with your gender in a monologue. If you are a female, try doing a male monologue. A lot of directors like this change.

• Try going for sometime different. A director can only hear so many monologues from "A Midsummer's Night Dream".