How to Choose Monologues for Auditions
For an actor, choosing the right monologue for an audition can mean the difference between snagging the perfect role and getting an immediate rejection. A successful monologue helps the committee of auditors view the actor's strengths, reveals the actor's ability to play the part and showcases the actor's skills. With a well-chosen monologue, an actor has a better chance of impressing the auditors, giving a memorable performance and, ultimately, getting the gig.
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Instructions
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Read over the rules of the audition. Some auditions prohibit monologues from movies, while others request monologues that come from published scripts written specifically for theater. Knowing the rules of the audition will help you pick a monologue and will prevent you from being eliminated from consideration simply because you broke a rule.
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Research the part for which you are auditioning. Pick a monologue that demonstrates your ability to portray that character. For instance, if you are auditioning for a tragic role, a light-hearted, silly or comic monologue would be inappropriate. Instead, select a monologue that centers on loss or some other serious theme that highlights your ability to portray a character in a tragedy.
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Find an emotion-based monologue, one that gives insight into a character's emotional state. As you research your options, take note of monologues that stand out as especially significant or moving. Your performance is bound to be more compelling when you pick a monologue to which you are emotionally connected.
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Choose a monologue that is character driven, active and engaging. A monologue that shows the character dealing with conflict would be a good choice. Active monologues are more interesting for the audience and demonstrate your ability to bring a character to life.
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Stick to monologues that make sense when out of the context of the entire script. Avoid a monologue that may be confusing or less powerful on its own. Instead, select one that is strong and can showcase a memorable character without requiring an explanation of the story line.
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Browse through more original material to select a monologue that is not overdone. While favorites, such as Juliet's speech from her balcony in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," are fun to perform, they are unlikely to stand out from the other auditions.
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Choose monologues that contrast one another and highlight the versatility of your acting. Many auditions request that actors perform two contrasting monologues. When selecting them, make sure that your monologues feature different characters in different situations while still highlighting your candidacy for the role.
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Tips & Warnings
Limit your monologues to two and a half minutes each.
Never do a monologue from a movie or television show for a theater director. Some will see it as boorish and insulting to the theater.
Stay away from "Macbeth". Some theater people have peculiar beliefs about "the Scottish play," and it's best not to risk upsetting them the first time they see you.
Do not choose a monologue that requires a foreign accent unless you are auditioning for a role that requires the same accent.
Avoid excessive profanity or overly explicit sexual content.
References
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