Auditions: How to Ready Your Monologue

Monologues are, arguably, one of the most important parts to a play, and for any actor to land a role they need to be prepared to make their monologue perfection itself. However, it can sometimes be difficult to be to practice a monologue, or hard to remember it. Here are some tips on staying focused and polishing your monologue.

First off, and most important, read the entire play. On the initial read through, keep an open mind and pay attention to all characters. Read it again, this time really looking at the character you want to play. Memorize their personality, how they speak, everything that you can conceivably get from them should be in your mind.

Knowing your character, memorize the monologue. Then, analyze what your character wants then, and what they are really hoping to say. Get the emotions correct, but don't overplay or underplay them. Again, you must be them, not their reflection.

Break the monologue down into segments. You can use the traditional beginning, middle, and end format, or you can make further segmentation. Base it off the monologue and how the character acts.

When you have all that finished, practice the monologue. At first do it in a mirror so you can watch your gestures. While doing this, and also when performing the monologue, try to keep walking, hand gestures, and pantomime to a minimum. They will distract from your words, and you don't want that at all.

Also, imagine the other character(s) in the scene. Why does your character have to speak in monologue about this particular subject? How would the other character(s) react if this were instead dialogue? Thinking this way will help enrich your acting.

Once you are comfortable practicing in front of a mirror, try working with another actor or someone else with play experience (perhaps your friend is a casting director). Gauge what they think, and use their suggestions if any are given.

Before going to audition, be prepared to perform the monologue with different intonations. It isn't uncommon for you to be asked to act sadder, or angrier than what you imagined that character would be. Remember, they have their own spin on the play as well, and they want you to be able to implement it. So be ready, and don't be caught off guard (they may just want to see your versatility as well).

With all this practice, you'll be ready for anything. So good luck, and even if you don't get the role, this is great experience for future auditions.