How Can Actors Best Prepare for Monologue Auditions

Getting yourself prepared as an actor for an up-and-coming monologue audition may have its challenges. We provide steps to help you perform.

There are quite a few common monologue problems that may creep up on you that you didn’t expect. There are always solutions you can try in order to free yourself up in your work.

Why are monologues important for actors?

Monologues are not only important for growing in one’s acting craft but also for demonstrating ability to perform in an audition room.

Here are a few steps to help you with monologue preparation for auditions.

1. Choose the Right Monologue:

Finding a monologue you feel stimulated by is one of the first steps toward your path for preparing your monologue audition.

• Age Range: Be sure to pick a monologue that is within your age range as an actor. Go after a monologue piece that resonates with you emotionally.
• Character Portrayal: Find a character that intrigues you, challenges you, or one in which you feel you understand.
• Duration: A general rule for auditions and monologue practice is to find a monologue that is within the 1-2 minute duration. That’s pretty much the industry standard and what is asked from an actor in an audition room unless otherwise noted by casting.
• Circumstances: Pick a monologue that is in a situation you may relate to or feel you can connect to in order to help make it more authentic.

2. Understand the Monologue:

It may sound obvious, but fully comprehending what the monologue is about is an important factor in providing the truth in your performance.

The more insight you gain into your monologue, the more interesting creative choices you may be able to make.

• Read the Script: Research the monologue by reading the full play script that surrounds it. There is so much to absorb and consider with characters, relationships, and theme. By reading the full play, you will get a better handle on understanding the monologue.
• Needs, Wants, Obstacles, Intentions: Breaking your script down into what your character desires, their intentions, who they are speaking to, and what their relationship is like with who they are speaking to, are all parts of putting your monologue together as a whole.
• Find Subtext: It’s wonderful to know what’s going on on the surface of your monologue, but dig deeper and examine what could possibly be going on beneath the text of the monologue.
• The Moment Before/After: What was your character doing before they entered the room? What are they planning on doing when they leave the room?
• Environment: Where does the monologue take place? What neighborhood? What time period? This will influence your character and the way in which they live truthfully.
• Physicality: Does your character have a particular walk that reveals more about who they are? Do they speak with a lisp? Do they overarticulate?

3. Memorize the Monologue:

There are techniques to memorize your monologue that you may use. Here are a few solid samples you are welcome to try out and practice.

• Intention of the Line: It’s not only about learning the lines. When you attach the intention behind the lines, you will oftentimes be able to remember the words more efficiently.
• Speak Your Lines with Physical Action: Practice saying your monologue aloud while doing a physical task. Movement is a good way to think less about the words.

4. Prepare for the Audition Setting:

Try to familiarize yourself with the audition location prior to your audition appointment.

• Size of the Room: You may not be able to see the audition room before you enter it. Prepare three differently sized rooms during rehearsal for yourself. Small, medium, and large. It will be easier to adjust yourself to the space upon entering the room.
• Communication: Be friendly yet focused. A casting director may wish to ask you a few questions prior to your audition. Be ready for that.
• Aim Your Performance: Be sure to not have your back or your profile turned away from the casting representative or camera. Make sure you are facing who you are performing for so they see your work.

5. Take Direction Well:

Be receptive to receiving feedback if provided.

• Constructive Criticism: Sometimes a casting professional will want to give you their own take of your monologue. Use their thoughts as a way to show your ability to collaborate.
• Have another monologue: Always have another monologue ready to go in your back pocket if casting asks to see something else from you. There are many reasons why a casting representative will do this, so be prepared to perform something else.

6. Know the Business Side:

A professional headshot and resume are important necessities to have as an actor.

• Headshots & Resume: Be sure to have a professionally shot headshot and correctly formatted resume for your monologue auditions.
• Arrive on Time: Arriving early allows you to prepare yourself before you enter the audition room. Showing up on time and being ready lets others know you are professional.

Final Thoughts

Don’t get caught up in thinking about trying to perform your monologue perfectly. Focus on what the character is focusing on and express what is true.

The more you audition and practice, the better you will get at the process of auditioning.

FAQs

Why are monologues important in theater and film?

Monologues can serve the story as an emotional driving force that heightens the reality of the character and/or subject matter.

What makes a good monologue?

A good monologue is a monologue that empowers the actor to perform at their highest potential. Whether it is funny or dramatic, a good monologue is both truthful and entertaining.

How long should a monologue be for an audition?

A monologue for an audition should be between 1 and 2 minutes in duration. Unless otherwise noted by the audition guidelines.