How to Pick a Monologue for an Audition
Are you having a difficult time choosing a monologue? Picking a monologue for an audition doesn’t have to be so difficult.
Monologue Blogger has put together several key points to help uplift your effort in finding a monologue that is most suited for your needs.
If you are feeling overwhelmed and confused, let’s review some of our guidelines to make looking for a monologue easier for yourself.
Key Points
Natural Strengths & Risks: It’s good to try to stick to where your natural acting strengths are, but trying something new and taking risks can all be beneficial to you as an actor.
Guidelines Given for Audition: When guidelines are received for an audition, it’s always a good rule of thumb to stick to what’s being asked of you in the audition room.
The Context of the Audition:Â Try to select a monologue that will align with your strengths as an actor and fits the tone of the project you are auditioning for.
Monologue Arc:Â Choose a monologue that doesn’t come off as one held note and instead pick a piece that shifts with a beginning, middle, and end.
Avoid Overdone Material:Â Try to avoid selecting a monologue that everyone seems to be familiar with. Instead, choose something that is lesser-known but still provides the audition context. Having said that, if it is a piece that really speaks to you, go with it; go with your gut.
Cut It Down: If you have a monologue that is too long for a specific audition, see about cutting it down in order to still perform it.
Get Feedback: Feedback can be a productive form of understanding your monologue performance. Â Whether it be an acting peer you trust or an acting teacher, receiving constructive criticism can help you make solid acting choices.
How to Pick a Monologue for an Audition
1. Natural Strengths & Risks
It’s good to be aware of what your natural abilities are as a performer, but it’s also a good idea to try to take risks, too.
Ask yourself:
- Do I think I will learn something by working on this monologue?
- Does this monologue give rise to something in me I wish to express?
Sometimes you may want to take on a monologue that is really different from who you are, and that is fine.
Look at each audition as an opportunity to perform in front of someone. Always remain open to learning from your audition experiences.
Therefore, if you don’t get the role, you have still had a chance to work on your instrument as an actor.
2. Consider the Type of Audition
It’s always important to consider what type of audition it is you will be going on. Not every monologue works for every audition.
The role you’re going out for should provide  the approach you should take for your monologue choice.
If you’re auditioning for a crime drama, perhaps it’s not the best idea to go into the audition room with a rom-com monologue.
Ask yourself:
- What is the tone of the project? (drama, comedy, experimental)
- What is the audition notice stating? What are the guidelines shared?
3. Find a Monologue That Speaks to You
You want to have a monologue that is best suited for your audition, but that’s not to say that you should pick something that does not resonate with you.
There are a ton of monologues from plays out there, and finding one that excites you for your audition is always a possibility.
How do you know when you’ve found the best monologue?
- You immediately identify with the words in the monologue.
The same goes for when reading the full script for a part offered to you; if the script moves and stimulates you, you will most likely do good work.
4. Avoid Overdone Monologues
There are monologues that have been performed countless times. It doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot and should not perform the monologue, but it does help for you to seek out a new playing field.
Performing an audition monologue that isn’t overdone could be a chance to introduce other creatives to unfamiliar and emerging playwrights.
5. Monologue Arc
Finding a monologue that has layers and emotional shifts is a fantastic way to express your range as an actor.
Look for monologues where:
- The character in your monologue begins in one place but ends in another by the end.
6. Cut It Down If Necessary
There are times you find a suitable monologue, but the audition is asking for a one-minute piece.
If possible, try to cut your monologue down to size.
If you feel your monologue can maintain its emotional potency, shorten it.
When cutting:
- Remove excessive exposition.
- Keep the strongest moments intact.
- Ensure the piece still has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
7. Get Feedback & Refine
You may want to perform your monologue in open theater castings whilst refining it. Keep your ears open for feedback, but also trust your instincts.
Refine your delivery:
- Are you emotionally connected to the truth of the monologue?
- Are you willing to take risks with the material?
Audition Monologues to Consider
- Call Me When You Wake Up
- The Goldfish
- Sugarland
- Scratching the Surface
- Cowboyville
- Songs of the Courtyard
FAQs
FINAL THOUGHTS
Taking the time to search for a monologue that speaks to you is no easy task, but if you are patient and work with some of our suggestions, the process may be easier for you.
