By Lynda Mason Green
CAO Discussion Board
Moderator
When audition for the theatre, you most often have to perform a monologue. The monologue of your choice can come from virtually any
source, most typically an existing play, but also from a personal essay, a novel or short story,
something you've written or that someone else has written. You can use something very well known or find something
more obscure and adapt it for your use.
When researching possible monologues, I suggest that you look for the following:
- Something that has a clear beginning middle and end
- Something that you relate to quite strongly and emotionally
- Something appropriate for your age range, gender and type
- Something that will demonstrate your strengths as an actor
- Something that has not been seen to death by artistic directors and directors; something that will
capture their attention rather than bore them
When selecting a monologue, I suggest you take into consideration the mandate of the company you are auditioning for and the kind of plays that you are auditioning for.
Keep your monologue to 1-1/2 to 2 minutes. The director or artistic director is seeing a lot of people. Don't try to
stretch your monologue out too long. Make your point, be friendly and leave with grace.
If you are not auditioning for a specific play (which you should read first of course), find out what
plays make up the season. If asked which characters you are interested in playing, be specific about the characters you are interested in,
and why. You should also be able to talk about what you think you could bring to the character, without being predictable or boring.
You want them to see the best possible you, as an actor.
Yep, I know it's not easy. But the better you know yourself as a person and an actor, the easier it will get.
Oh and one more thing.... Know your piece so cold that you could perform it as three different characters (or
with three different attitudes), with accents or without. I also highly recommend that you have a minimum of
five different pieces that you can call up on a dime. Sometimes you get into the audition and you realize
that what you thought you would do is just not right. It's good to have a Plan B, and C, D and E. Include at least one
classical monologue (preferably two), and one comedic (modern or classical) monologue if you are inclined toward comedy. Your flexibility and preparation will impress.
Be prepared to offer a choice. If they decline to chose, go with the monologue that best
demonstrates your strengths. Take your time and knock their socks off.
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