 
Play Auditions
Monologue Guidelines and Tips
An audition monologue is a long speech made by one person
portraying one character and
can also be called a “dramatic soliloquy.” A monologue can be any section
of a script
where one character talks for a long time without any other
characters interrupting. In the monologue, the speaking character can be
talking to one or more other characters, to the audience, or to themselves.
For the purpose of an audition the monologue should be directed at the
audience - pretend they are the other character(s).
Monologues can be dramatic or comedic, but do
not confuse a comedic monologue with a stand-up act…auditions are to show
how well you can portray a character, not how well you can tell jokes!
Remember, a monologue is not just a memorized story, you should be speaking
and acting as the character while delivering your monologue.
Usually actors choose monologues from plays, but there are also books of
monologues available at libraries and bookstores (there are some suggestions
below). Sometimes actors will even choose long speaking sections from
novels. The important thing is to know the character that you are
portraying well, and to understand why they are saying and doing each thing
that they say and do. This will help you “get into character” so you can
act your part well.
To
understand your character, make sure you read the whole play and pay
attention to why your character behaves as they do. If your monologue is
not from a play and you do not know about the history (the “life”) of your
character, it might help to make one up. With many characters it is a good
idea to do research about the historic period the character came from, the
type of job or life situation they had, and the types of things they
enjoyed. Be sure you know what every word you are saying means and why you
are saying it. “Break a leg!” (That means “good luck” in the theatre.)
Monologue
Tips:
-
If you haven’t done many auditions,
select a character with whom you can identify. It’s okay to pick a
character older or younger or of a different gender, just make sure you
understand their actions and emotions. If you don’t, find a different
character and monologue.
-
Try not to use material that has been
made into a popular movie. There is no need for comparison. Make sure
you portray your character the way you understand him or her. It’s okay
to watch performances by famous actors to see how they act, but do not
copy them (this can look unimaginative). Portray your character the way
you understand her or him.
-
Memorize your monologue, it looks much more professional. Make the
audition your own mini play!
-
While you prepare, read the whole play, not just the extract, and do as
much research on your character as you can.
-
Time your selections carefully. Make sure that for MadCAP auditions
your monologue is between one and three minutes long.
-
The best monologue selections cause the actor to show emotion or
action. Using physical actions and moving around during your monologue
(if that is appropriate to your character) is interesting and
engaging…just make sure you rehearse your movement while rehearsing your
script.
-
Do not dress in costume or bring many props for your audition, this
might make it difficult for the director to imagine you in other roles.
Dress nicely but comfortably.
-
It is often best to avoid using real props because it may distract from
your performance or lead to fidgeting. If there is an important prop in
your monologue, consider imagining that it’s there instead. If you can
interact with an imaginary prop well it can look very impressive.
-
Before beginning your monologue, always introduce yourself, then state
the play or book your monologue is from, the author of the monologue,
and the character you are playing. It’s okay to give a short,
one-sentence explanation of what happened in the plot leading up to the
monologue if you want. Keep in mind that this all counts towards your
time limit, so make sure your introduction is brief.
-
If you are auditioning for a musical theatre production, make sure you
also have a song prepared. See
Song
Guidelines and Tips.
Books of monologues to use for
ideas:
Childsplay: A Collection of Scenes and
Monologues for Children by Kerry Muir
Magnificent Monologues for Kids by Chambers
Stevens
Monologues for Young Actors by Lorraine
Cohen
Audition Monologues: Power Pieces for Kids
and Teens by Deborah Maddox
Magnificent
Monologues for Teens: The Teen’s Monologue Source for Every Occasion by
Chambers Stevens
Free online monologues to use for ideas:
http://www.jimmybrunelle.com/
Auditions will take place at MadCAP's studio at 100 North Hamilton. Please call 251-1879
for more information.
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