How to Choose a Monologue for an Audition

Choose a monologue appropriate to the production.

It doesn't matter how talented you are as an actor -- if you choose the wrong monologue, your goose is cooked. Auditors have a very specific vision in mind when auditioning hopeful actors. Before even uttering a word, an actor should exude a confidence that grabs and holds the attention of the casting directors. There is an "it" factor every successful actor has that is intangible. Choosing the right monologue for the occasion, as well as finding a way to harness your personal "it" factor, will greatly influence your successes and failures. A truly dedicated actor takes something away with her from every audition, especially rejections.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with internet connection
• Library card
• Mirror
• Note paper
• Pen or pencil
• Printer
• Tape recorder or sound recording capabilities on computer

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the specifics of the production for which you are auditioning. Monologue requirements can be a little as one minute to no more than four minutes. Be prepared to edit your monologue should there be changes once you arrive at the audition. If the casting directors take a liking to you, you may be asked to show them more -- you'd better have something to pull from your back pocket at the last minute, or else your audition could be blown.

2. Choose a monologue that is performed by a character whose role is apropos to the role for which you're auditioning. Choosing a monologue that is performed by a happy-go-lucky, 20-something college student would not go over well with casting if the character for whom you're auditioning is a middle-aged, depressed housewife. The mood of the monologue should fit the mood of the production or character you're auditioning.

3. Find a monologue that hasn't been done to death, and stay from speeches made famous by famous people. Remember that the people casting the production have probably auditioned thousands of actors and "been there, heard that." If you have a specific character in mind, try to find a monologue that is less common.

4. Try your monologue on for size. Make notes about the character you will be portraying. What is his frame of mind during the monologue? What changes of emotion occur throughout, if any. Know the character's background story. Make a list of adjectives to describe him in general, the character as a whole. How comfortable do you feel in his shoes?

5. Record yourself performing the monologue to see if the character is really a good fit for you as an actor. Listen to yourself in character. Make two or three recordings to observe how you're able to vary the character's delivery of the speech.

6. Deliver your monologue in front of a mirror so you can see what you will be presenting to the auditors. This is another great way to make sure a character is a good fit. See yourself through the eyes of the casting crew. Are you believable, powerful and memorable? If you can answer yes, then you know you have chosen the right monologue.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your computer to search for monologues; scour the library and bookstores -- make copies, print them out. Keep a collection of monologues that interest you, and that you have used in auditions.

• Never limit yourself or ignore resources available to you.

• Remember that there are thousands of hopeful, striving actors out there much like yourself who will be auditioning for many of the same roles.

• Stay away from monologues that are overly violent or have excessive curse words. Casting directors don't want to hear someone rant and rave for four minutes. They want to see a range of emotions from a character.

References

• Choosing Your Monologues
• Professional Acting Resources