Even within the age of self tapes, having a e book of audition monologues prepared is an absolute staple within the working actor’s toolkit — particularly in case you’re working in stay theatre. In the event you’re completely targeted on movie, having items on the prepared you possibly can come again to and work for sophistication, showcases, and many others. is equally useful.
This e book will likely be up to date many instances you develop as an actor and as your sort modifications. Some classes could also be thicker than others, however in case you’re seeking to construct (or refresh) a typical monologue e book, listed below are your basis items to incorporate.
1. Classical Monologues
Even in case you haven’t touched Shakespeare since highschool, having classical monologues you possibly can rattle off will come in useful. Select two dramatic classical monologues (not less than one Shakespeare) and ensure you know them inside and outside. Each phrase and each reference must 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.
Ensure you even have two comedic classical monologues. These can really feel tough to search out in case you’re not well-versed in classical theatre, however they’re price it. Discover items you possibly can 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 not less than two dramatic modern items you possibly can whip out at a second’s discover. These must be updated (modern works from the 80s or 90s may really feel dated, so you probably have a kind of, ensure you even have one which feels a lot newer). They need to additionally exhibit your sort, however maybe totally different sides of your sort. For instance, in case you auditioned with one and had been requested in case you had the rest, attempt displaying off one thing totally different in your second piece.
As you possibly can in all probability guess, you additionally want two comedic monologues. The identical guidelines apply. They need to each exhibit your abilities with out displaying exhibit the very same issues.
3. A Bonus Talent Piece
You probably have any abilities that you already know are your bread and butter (bodily comedy, puppetry, and many others.), having a monologue that helps you present it off in textual content could be a nice benefit. This piece is probably not acceptable typically, however could possibly 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 nevertheless it simply doesn’t match wherever? Perhaps it’s written for a unique gender or age, wants an unusual accent or the subject is just too area of interest–regardless of the cause.
Having one wild card monologue could be a good thing to have available. It might probably shake off the rust if you should work on one thing in school that brings you pleasure, and when the fitting audition comes alongside to really use it, the payoff might be enormous.
5. A Music or Two
In the event you’re a singer, you’ll have a songbook, which is an article for one more day. In the event you’re an actor who can sing, it’s good to have not less than two songs available to point out that ability off. Safe one go-to track that reveals off your vary and kind so you possibly can act and sing on the similar time. Get at lease one further character track equivalent to a patter track or one thing easy and humorous.
Even in case you go six months while not having your monologue e book for auditions, it’s price it to stick with it contemporary, prepared and updated (once you want it, you’ll really want 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