Even within the age of self tapes, having a guide of audition monologues prepared is an absolute staple within the working actor’s toolkit — particularly in the event you’re working in stay theatre. In case you’re completely centered on movie, having items on the prepared you’ll be able to come again to and work for sophistication, showcases, and so on. is equally helpful.
This guide shall be up to date many occasions you develop as an actor and as your sort modifications. Some classes could also be thicker than others, however in the event you’re seeking to construct (or refresh) a regular monologue guide, listed here are your basis items to incorporate.
1. Classical Monologues
Even in the event you haven’t touched Shakespeare since highschool, having classical monologues you’ll be able to rattle off will turn out to be useful. Select two dramatic classical monologues (at the very least one Shakespeare) and ensure you know them inside and outside. Each phrase and each reference ought to be researched and understood throughout the context of the play. These ought to exhibit your sort and be acceptable casting for you. Attempt to keep away from essentially the most overdone ones.
Be sure you even have two comedic classical monologues. These can really feel difficult to search out in the event you’re not well-versed in classical theatre, however they’re value it. Discover items you’ll be able to actually play with that present you off. For instance, one circumstantial comedy that reveals you off as a lead, and one which leans into character comedy.
2. Modern Monologues
Once more, you’re going to need at the very least two dramatic up to date items you’ll be able to whip out at a second’s discover. These ought to be updated (up to date works from the 80s or 90s may really feel dated, so when you’ve got a kind of, ensure you even have one which feels a lot newer). They need to additionally exhibit your sort, however maybe completely different sides of your sort. For instance, in the event you auditioned with one and had been requested in the event you had the rest, attempt exhibiting off one thing completely different in your second piece.
As you’ll be able to most likely guess, you additionally want two comedic monologues. The identical guidelines apply. They need to each exhibit your expertise with out exhibiting exhibit the very same issues.
3. A Bonus Talent Piece
In case you have any expertise that you realize are your bread and butter (bodily comedy, puppetry, and so on.), having a monologue that helps you present it off in textual content generally is a nice benefit. This piece is probably not acceptable usually, however may very well be one thing you pull out in particular circumstances to offer you an edge.
4. A Wild Card Piece
Have that one monologue that simply feels such as you however it simply doesn’t match wherever? Possibly it’s written for a unique gender or age, wants an unusual accent or the subject is simply too area of interest–regardless of the cause.
Having one wild card monologue generally is a great point to have available. It could actually shake off the rust if it is advisable work on one thing in school that brings you pleasure, and when the precise audition comes alongside to truly use it, the payoff may be enormous.
5. A Track or Two
In case you’re a singer, you’ll have a songbook, which is an article for one more day. In case you’re an actor who can sing, it’s good to have at the very least two songs available to indicate that talent off. Safe one go-to tune that reveals off your vary and kind so you’ll be able to act and sing on the similar time. Get at lease one extra character tune reminiscent of a patter tune or one thing easy and humorous.
Even in the event you go six months while not having your monologue guide for auditions, it’s value it to stick with it recent, prepared and updated (whenever you want it, you’ll actually need it). Having it available can save a lot time and stress.
This text initially appeared on Casting Networks.
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Written by Rachel Frawley
