Monologue Tips

Selecting a Monologue

• Always have at least two contemporary and two Classical monologues prepared. 
  • At least one of the Classical pieces should be in verse (Shakespeare). 
  • Prepare both drama and comedy pieces. 
• Pay attention to audition requirements for monologue length and type. 
  • The requested length is usually between 1–2 minutes. If you go over your time limit, they may cut you off to keep things moving. To avoid this, shorten the monologue by cutting out lines. But be careful about doing too many random cuts, because significant changes could be distracting to those who are familiar with the script.
  • You will often be asked for two contrasting pieces. This is an opportunity to do both drama and comedy. They might also ask that one be contemporary and the other Classical. 
• Favor comedy for auditions if not otherwise specified. 
• Monologues can come from plays, screenplays, novels, or standalone pieces.
  • Theater companies and drama schools often prefer that monologues be selected from plays.
  • Film/TV generally won’t mind if you use another source.
    • You may have to stitch together dialogue if using a screenplay.
    • You can write your own monologue if you are a skilled writer.
    • Monologue books generally aren’t a fantastic source because all the good selections are probably overused. 
• Make sure the writing is easy to understand. Remember that the audience doesn’t know the surrounding context.
• Avoid using climactic moments from a story. You don’t have the surrounding circumstances to build up to the moment. 
• Look for monologues that highlight what you do best. Cast yourself in a role that is perfect for you. Don't settle for something mediocre. 
• Avoid storytelling monologues. Look for something that actively communicates a need.
• Avoid text that makes you pause to listen to an imaginary partner. Small edits can remove these moments, but one or two pauses may be okay. 
• Avoid monologues that are overused or recognizable. Look for material spoken by supporting actors instead of celebrities.
• Use material that can appeal to a general audience; avoid offensive content. 
• Use material that is appropriate to the space you will perform in. Theatrical auditions will generally give you a stage, but auditions for casting directors or agents may take place in an office. You could be seated up close at their desk. 
• Avoid emotional breakdowns (especially when performing in a small office).
• Have a beginning, middle, and end.

Performing the Monologue

• Be prepared to slate the character, title, and author. They may or may not want a slate, so listen for instructions.
• Have a "moment before" to lead you into the dialogue. This will help ground you in the scene, display your creativity, and hook the audience.
• Make use of space. If they are filming you, clarify how much you can move before going off-camera.
• Demonstrate that you can be grounded in reality. Use subtlety in emotion, but have high stakes. 
• Don't look directly at the audience. Find a spot to look at for your imaginary scene partner.
• Don't stare excessively at your imaginary scene partner. Look away periodically as you would in natural conversation. It's helpful to practice with a real person listening.
• Don't rush. 
• Don’t take excessive pauses. Only pause for the most impactful moments.
• If doing more than one monologue, allow some time between them for a transition. You can turn upstage to create a separation. 
• Have a “moment after.” Stay in character for a beat after the dialogue ends.
• Clearly communicate when you are done by breaking character. You can optionally say "thank you" or "scene" to bring things to a close. But be aware that saying “scene” may annoy some people because actors often cut their scenes off too early with it.

References:

• McMurtrey, Joan. Lecture at Savannah College of Art and Design.
• Merlin, Joanna. Auditioning.