How To Choose The Perfect Monologue For Your Audition

Selecting the right monologueA long speech by a single character, often revealing their thoughts, feelings, or background. for your audition is a critical step in showcasing your skills as an actor. A monologue is more than just words on a page; it’s a chance to demonstrate your range, connect with the material, and leave a memorable impression on your audience. With countless options available, it’s essential to choose one that resonates with your personality and aligns with the character or production you’re vying for.

Selecting Your Monologue

When selecting the perfect monologue for your audition, it’s important to understand the types available to you and what each type aims to accomplish. By distinguishing between these and assessing their purposes, you can pick a piece that highlights your strengths and suits the character or role you’re aiming for.

The Type of Monologue For Your Audition

There are primarily two types of monologues you’ll encounter:

• Comedic: These are designed to showcase your timing, delivery, and ability to evoke laughter. They’re often lighter in tone and require a nuanced performance to hitA precise moment in the script or performance where an action, line, or effect occurs, often used to emphasize timing. the right comedic notes.
• Dramatic: Dramatic monologues allow you to display deep emotional range and control. They’re more intense and are typically centered around a pivotal moment in a character’s story arc.

When choosing between these, consider the role you are auditioning for and the tone of the production. A monologue should reflect the essence of the character voice, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the role.

Assessing the Purpose

Every monologue serves a specific purpose within a role, and you need to understand this to perform it effectively:

1. Character Development: The monologue should give insight into the character’s personality, backgroundThe part of a scene or picture that is farthest from the viewer, typically behind the main subject., and motivations, aligning with the role you’re auditioning for.
2. Story Progression: It should ideally propel the story forward, not just fill space. Focus on monologues that are pivotal to the plot or reveal significant events.

Consider the monologue place in the character’s journey and how it contributes to the overall story arc. Your performance should capture the essence of the moment, whether it’s a turning point or a subtle reflective passage.

Choosing a Monologue That Fits You

Selecting the right monologue is a crucial step towards showcasing your talent. The monologue you choose can significantly impact the way a casting directorA professional responsible for selecting actors for various roles in a film, often conducting auditions and negotiating contracts. perceives your skills and your compatibility with a character. When choosing, consider not just your preferences, but also how your unique qualities as an actor can illuminate the monologue.

Research Thoroughly

Before settling on a monologue, dedicate time to research a variety of playwrights and genres. Look for pieces that resonate with your instincts as a performer. Familiarize yourself with the playwright’s other works to ensure an in-depth understanding of the playwright’s intention and style. This knowledge will guide you in picking a monologue that aligns with your capabilities and the character’s essence.

Know Your Type

Understanding your own “type” – the range of characters you are likely to be castThe group of actors and performers appearing in a film. as – is instrumental in choosing a monologue. Consider your age, range, and unique traits that are quirky or distinct to you. Are you the comedic sidekick or the brooding hero? Be honest about where your strengths lie and choose a monologue that showcases these facets, ensuring it’s something within your grasp and can be performed convincingly.

Consider the Casting Director’s Perspective

When choosing a monologue, always keep in mind the casting director’s perspective. Your aim is to demonstrate that you can fill the specific needs of a production. Read the casting call carefully to glean what they might be looking for, and select material that exhibits your understanding of the character’s dynamics. Remember that casting directors are often looking for actors who can breathe life into a role in a way that aligns with their vision for the production.

Where to Find Monologues

Books and anthologies offer a rich collection of classic and contemporary pieces, while websites and databases provide convenient access to a wide range of monologues suited for theatre and film.

Books:

Browse through books dedicated to monologues from plays. They often categorize pieces by age, gender, and genreA category or classification of films based on similar narrative elements, styles, or themes, such as horror, comedy, or drama., making your search more targeted. Insightful books may also offer advice on performance techniques.

Examples:

• Contemporary Monologues for Men
• The Actor’s Book of Classical Monologues

Anthologies:

These are collections of plays or monologues and can be themed by playwrights, eras, or topics. They allow you to explore a spectrum of voices and styles within one volume.

Examples:

• The Oberon Book of Monologues for Black Actors

Websites:

They can be goldmines for finding a monologue with advanced search features. Use filters for play title, author, or specific characteristics like emotional tone to find the perfect monologue.

Databases:

Online databases compile thousands of monologues from both classic and modern plays as well as movies. Access to full texts or excerpts is generally available, sometimes free of charge.

Examples:

• The Monologuer by Backstage
• Actor Aesthetic’s Monologue Database

Preparing Your Monologue for Audition

To stand out to the directorThe person responsible for overseeing the artistic and dramatic aspects of a film, guiding the cast and crew to realize their vision. and land the role, it’s essential to thoroughly prepare your monologue, focusing on memorization, showcasing your acting skills, and adapting your piece to the audition’s context.

Memorizing your monologue is the foundation of your preparation. Start by breaking down the text into segments, allowing you to focus on smaller parts one at a time. Use tools like flashcards or recording yourself to improve recall.

Rehearsing comes next—practice your monologue repeatedly, varying your emphasis and tone to discover the best delivery. Remember, the auditioning panel’s attention span is limited, so your brevity and ability to keep them entertained are crucial.

Showcasing Your Acting Skills

Your monologue audition is an opportunity to display the breadth of your acting skills. Choose a scene that allows you to express a range of emotions and character depth. Emphasize key moments that demonstrate your ability to convey complex feelings or a transformation. This will illustrate to the director your versatility and understanding of the character, helping you to stand out amidst the competition in your career.

Adapting Monologues for Different Auditions

A versatile monologue repertoire is beneficial, especially when facing diverse auditions. For a voice over role, focus on the nuances of your voice and how it can convey the storyline. In contrast, for live-action roles, your physicality becomes just as important as your voice. Adapt your monologue to fit the tone and style of the production you’re auditioning for, whether it’s dramatic, comedic, or somewhere in between.

Read The Next Lesson (Audition Preparation): How to Prepare for a Cold Read Audition