Monologues

Auditors Are Not Scene Partners

Never directly engage the auditors in your monologue. They are not there to perform, you are. In an actual performance, you would not normally look an audience member directly in the eye while delivering your lines. The same is true in an audition. Remember that auditions are like your own mini one man- or one-woman show. Instead, create a scene partner for yourself if necessary. In your rehearsals, imagine this person very vividly so that you can bring him/her into the audition with you. Have him or her sit just behind your auditors. If you’re not comfortable with playing off someone who isn’t there, deliver your monologue to your auditors, but use an atypical focal point such as their ear or the tops of their heads.

Choosing a Monologue

Nothing is more important than choosing the right monologue for your type and skill level. Remember, monologue auditions are your moment to shine. They are perhaps the only time an actor has complete control of a situation. Find monologues that play up your strengths as an actor. While reading through plays and screenplays, pay attention to monologues that seem to get you in the gut; these are the pieces to which you will most likely be able to bring true emotion and passion.

Try to seek out material that has not been overdone. Think of the poor auditors! Imagine a day full of actors reading Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” soliloquy or Juliet’s “Romeo” speech! Be a little more original and consider your audience. What might they enjoy hearing?

Giving a Professional Audition

When you arrive at the audition, hand over your acting headshot and resume (if the auditors don’t already have it) then take your position to begin reading. Do not talk to the auditors unless you are asked a question. Most likely they will ask you your name and what you will be performing. It seems obvious, but have this answer ready. Announcing your piece is part of your professionalism.

At the end of the audition, most auditors will simply say thank you. Return the thanks and leave. Do not linger, do not ask questions, do not compliment their previous work, do not tell them you have a common friend, etc. Stay open and polite. If you are asked some follow-up questions, feel free to answer them, but be brief. A little respect for their time will go a long way.

Going Up

Forgetting your lines is every actor’s nightmare. In the business, this is called “going up” on your lines...and it happens to everybody at some point or another. Of course you should always be prepared, know your monologue inside and out, be able to recite it in your sleep, backwards, on cue, etc. But on the occasion that you go up in an audition, do not panic. Act professionally. If you are doing a piece no one has heard of, improvise a few lines until you get back on track. If your piece is well-known, then pause a moment to gather yourself, but stay in character. This is vital. The auditors are looking at you as an actor. Actors stay in character when they are on stage or on screen. Your audition should be no different.

Move!

Some actors make the mistake of staying rooted to the floor when they give a monologue audition. Don’t do that - it’s rather boring to watch. And never give a monologue sitting down unless it’s implicit in the script (i.e., your character is in a wheelchair). Play the room. Move around. Work believable stage business into your monologue. Think of the entire 1-2 minutes you are performing as a mini play. You don’t need to come in full costume or have a bag of props (in fact, this is not recommended), but do stay mobile in a natural way. Take the time to have a director or acting coach work out some blocking with you.

Taking a Stand

When delivering a monologue, position yourself close to your auditors, but not in their laps. The auditors certainly want to get a good look at you, but if you are too close the fourth wall (that imaginary wall between actor and audience) may be compromised. Your auditors will generally be sitting behind a desk, so use the desk as your centering point. Stand about 10 feet away (or as the space of the room permits) to begin your piece. If you’re on a stage, don’t hide yourself so far upstage that the auditors can’t see you move properly or hear you clearly.

What is a Monologue?

A monologue is an excerpt of a longer piece written for stage or screen. For audition purposes, you should select monologues that run 1-2 minutes in length. Do your best not to exceed this length unless requested by the audition notice. Auditors may have hundreds of people to see, and if you take up more time than they expect, it will certainly go against you no matter how great your monologue is. Typically you should have one or two classical (pre-20th century) and contemporary (20th century) monologues prepared. This way, you have flexibility in your material and can alternate them to keep auditions fresh.