How to Use Props for Acting Auditions

Video Transcript

"This is Dr. Charles Grimes. I'm speaking on behalf of Expert Village about analyzing a text and beginning to rehearse your monologue. I'd like to give you my philosophy about using props in a monologue audition. Let me make it simple: don't. It's quite possible you might feel tempted to use a simple prop, whether it's a book or a letter or a cigarette or a glass. You might want to use these as you're rehearsing your monologue, to get you into the character and get used to what the character is doing. I would never bring them on stage. The unspoken rule is that simply, it's all about you. You're there. The only instrument you have, the only help you have is your body and your voice. If you bring props on, even as much as a letter, it's going to look like you're faking it. It's going to look silly. So I would avoid that at all costs. It's quite possible you want to rehearse with it, but don't bring it on stage. Also, in the same vein, you may well be speaking to another character in your monologue, but you're kind of fudging that as you're actually giving the audition. If I'm speaking to a character, I might imagine he's there. But I'm not going to look at him and pretend that he's there. This again, will make you look kind of silly. Again, it's just you. And the focus should always be on you. "