How to Avoid Memorizing Acting Audition Monologues

One of the best ways to perform a monologue for an audition is to study the material without actually memorizing it word for word. This can help you give a more natural performance.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose an appropriate monologue. If you are going to be auditioning for a dramatic part, then you’ll need a serious monologue. If the part is comedic, you’ll need a funny one. Also, be sure to choose one that fits with in the suggested time frame, which is often from one to three minutes.

2. Read the monologue out loud a few times to familiarize yourself with it. Don’t worry about inflections at this point. Just get comfortable with the material. Immerse yourself with your character. Study your character’s motivation and point of view.

3. Now that you are in harmony with your character, you are ready to rehearse your monologue with feeling. Don’t worry about reciting your lines word for word. Just keep the general concepts of the scene in mind. Do this over and over again until you are comfortable with the material.

4. Now it’s time for you to put your preparations to the test. Perform your monologue in front of family and friends. This will give you a good idea of how prepared you really are. If your nerves get the best of you and your mind goes blank, that’s okay it just means you need to practice more.

5. Remember to relax and stay focused. This will help you stay in a zone where you can give your optimum performance.

Tips & Warnings

• While performing your monologue, don't get overly concerned with the words. Focus instead on what your character is feeling and the words will come.

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