Monologues and Tips on How to Select the Right One for You

Written By Arman Zulhajar on Thursday, December 15, 2011 | 12:31 AM

By Mattias Falco


What is one of the most utilized tools for casting or to get an idea of an actor's talent? Monologues of course. If you are serious about your craft you should build a repertoire of monologues of all types and emotional range.

So how do you go about selecting the right one for your next audition?

1. What is your age? How do you look like? What experiences have you had in your life? Don't explore characters that are not remotely close to who you are as a person.

2. There's different types of pieces you may be asked to perform such as dramatic, serio-comic and comic. Know the theme and genre of what you are auditioning for and stick to the same type of material.

3. You should select a piece that reveals something about your personality. For example if you are looking for a comedic monologue, consider the fact that we all have a different sense of humor. Some people are stand-up comedian types with a sharp sense of humor, some have a goofy character, some are the sarcastic types with a dry sense of humor.

4. Casting directors appreciate when actors perform something they have never heard before. Avoid authors that everybody knows unless you really connect to the material in a special way. You can find inspiring monologues even in little known theatre productions, books, independent films and television shows.

5. Before you look around for a piece, think of material you are already very familiar with. Maybe a high school performance you did years ago or a play that you read for acting class or maybe a movie you really love. Whatever it is, if you really connect with the material because you have read it or watched it or performed it over and over again, that's a great start.

6. Don't abuse the time casting directors give you to show them what you got. Time is valuable and casting directors will not be pleased if you waste their time.

What you are selling in an audition is yourself. Make sure you select the right monologue for you.

Facing your audition with the right monologue will exponentially increase your chances of success. A good start is half the job done.




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