Are you going to an audition that requires a monologue? Some auditions will have you read from a script, but many include or consist entirely of a monologue. What is a monologue in theatre? Experienced actors know that a monologue is a speech or a part from a play that is recited by one actor alone. As opposed to a conversation between two or more actors, a monologue must be performed independently of others. This can be challenging for many young and aspiring actors.

The key to a successful audition depends on two things: your performance and the monologue you choose. Here are some tips for how to choose a monologue for an audition.

Find a Monologue that shows who you are!

Whether the monologue is famous or obscure, look for something that can reflect your age, personality–i.e. YOU! Picking monologues for characters in a different age range or who have wildly different personalities is not always the best choice. The point of a monologue is to express your truthful self in a creative way.

Showcase a Realistic Range of Emotions

Choose a monologue that allows you to showcase a range of emotions, but in a realistic manner. You don’t need to go from laughing to crying to shouting all in one piece, but there should be a natural rise and fall. Don’t overact, but put yourself in the role by imagining the emotions the character is feeling and portraying them as believably as possible.

Make it Action Packed

Choose a monologue from a scene where something is happening in the play. Many introductory or final speeches are well known from certain plays, but you can showcase your acting skills more effectively when you choose an important scene from the middle of the action.

Don’t Write Your Own Monologue

An audition is not the time to use a self-written monologue. Your writing skills may be top notch, but unless the audition calls for an original piece, it is usually in your best interest to do a monologue from an existing play.

Choose Something Tasteful

Although many famous and well-written monologues are not always PG rated, it is usually best to avoid monologues that include offensive language or sexual content. These types of monologues, when used in auditions, tend to make everyone uncomfortable and don’t necessarily give the best first impression.

Keep it Short

Perhaps the greatest tip on how to choose a monologue for an audition is to keep it brief. A monologue for an audition should be around a minute to 90 seconds long. You want to show off your abilities and leave them wanting more. You don’t want to ramble on for so long that your auditioners get bored. It is not length that will impress, but what you can do in a short time.

Forestburgh Playhouse Academy Spring Audition Workshop!

Want to take this a step further? The Forestburgh Playhouse Academy is BACK and kicking off our 2022 season is Spring Into Audition Season, a one week spring break intensive that will give young artists everything they need to make the most of that next audition. During the week, young artists will work on building and refining their audition materials, technique, and confidence with a working NYC based director, choreographer, and music director. Young artists will leave the session with a rehearsed audition book, a video audition ready for submission, and experience with dance audition technique. The week will conclude with a real audition for a special guest director, the Forestburgh Playhouse 2022 season, this summer’s production of Alice in Wonderland, and a very special Young Artist Cabaret to the Forestburgh Tavern! Both full day and after school options are available to young artists!

For more information on the Spring Audition workshop, go to https://www.fbplayhouse.org/2022-education-series-items/spring-into-audition-season or contact us with questions.

How To Choose A Monologue For Your Audition