Whether you’re auditioning for a play, television series, or film, you’re going to need to perform a monologue. Casting directors and producers are looking for the right person to fit a specific role and your job is to show them that person is you. One of the most difficult parts of auditioning is finding the right monologue to impress. Below are five tips on how to choose the perfect monologue that will wow directors and set you apart from the others.
1. Show Who You Are with the Perfect Monologue
First impressions are everything. You want this monologue to represent who you are as an actor: your type, acting range, and what kind of character you can play. Choose a piece that comes effortlessly to you and demonstrates why you’re a good performer. You should feel comfortable with the material you choose to perform, knowing that it plays to your strengths.
Keep in mind what part you are wanting to audition for and pick your monologue accordingly. You want to show the directors that you can believably perform that role. Avoid using different dialects, accents, or props as those can be distracting. Your acting should speak for itself and demonstrate what you can do emotionally. Remember that you have unique strengths as an actor, so choose a monologue that exemplifies them!
2. Be Entertaining
It’s called the entertainment industry for a reason. Choose a monologue that excites you. Perform a character that is interesting to you – one that you want to figure out and sink your teeth into. A lot is at stake in an audition, so you should treat your character like a teammate: enjoy being that person and performing that role. Directors can tell if you aren’t excited about your selection or not enthusiastic about the character you’re playing. Don’t bore them.
3. Keep It Short
Some monologues can go on for pages but you want to make sure that yours doesn’t. Most monologues should be around one and a half minutes long and not exceed two minutes. You want to make sure you don’t lose the director’s attention and going on for too long will most likely do that. Impress them in the small amount of time that you have. They usually make up their minds within thirty seconds, so make sure you hit the right note at the beginning, keep their attention, and then leave them wanting more.
4. Tell a Story
Part of being entertaining is telling a complete story. Even though you only have two minutes at most, make sure that you show a range of emotions which showcase what you’re capable of doing. Don’t just stick to one emotion the entire time. No one wants to hear someone only scream angrily or be completely weepy. Make it varied.
Choose a monologue that can be its own mini-narrative. Perform a complete character. Show that they’re human. You want to demonstrate multiple skills, emotional transitions, and layers in your time with directors.
5. Be Familiar with the Part
You should know the context of your monologue. Read the whole script so that you understand the character you’re performing. Be warned though: you should aavoid famous monologues. Not only is that hard to pull off and be original, it will only draw comparisons to the actors who are known for performing them. You want to stand out and be distinct. It’s also usually best not to write your own monologue. Choose a reputable one that’s easy to make your own.
By selecting the perfect monologue, you could be well on your way to securing the role of your dreams. Just be sure to enjoy it and select one that represents you well! You want to make a good impression in a very short amount of time so choose wisely and work hard. Believing in the writing, the character, and your performance shows in an audition and makes directors and agents want to see even more of you.