If the casting director asks you to bring a monologue instead of providing you with sides, you can ask them if they prefer a comedy or a drama.
Usually, for film, you are better off with a contemporary piece or finding a scene from a movie that you can perform. If you are auditioning for theater, you might want to ask if they prefer a classical monologue or a contemporary one.
If you are focusing on Shakespearean theater, then you should stick with a Shakespearean monologue.
Monologues for Auditions
Monologues should be no longer than two minutes and no shorter than one minute.
If you are in doubt and don’t know what type of monologue to prepare, you can always ask the casting director when you are booking the audition.
Film actors need to memorize two types of monologues: dramatic monologues and comedic monologues. When you choose a monologue, select one that is age-appropriate and highlights your strengths.
Age appropriateness refers to the range of ages you can convincingly portray, not your actual age. Look for a monologue with active elements, where the action is happening in the present rather than where the character is reminiscing.
The monologue you choose should showcase your acting skills. Avoid performing monologues that are self-written or written by friends.
To stay on the safe side, steer clear of pieces that are full of graphic violence, sex, or offensive language. Many experts suggest avoiding monologues from well-known plays or movies.
If you perform monologues from well-known movies, you risk competing with iconic performances, such as Robert De Niro in “Taxi Driver” or Al Pacino in “Scarface.” Don’t put yourself in that situation.
If you have a hard time identifying your age range or brand, ask your acting teacher or coach to help you choose the right monologues for you. Monologues introduce who you are to casting directors.
There are amazing coaches and teachers around Texas that can help you become an audition ninja.
Remember
- Ask for Preferences: Inquire if the casting director prefers a comedy or drama monologue.
- Context Matters: Use contemporary pieces for film and possibly classical pieces for theater.
- Shakespearean Theater: Stick with Shakespearean monologues for Shakespearean theater auditions.
- Monologue Length: Should be no longer than two minutes and no shorter than one minute.
- Clarify Doubts: Ask the casting director about the type of monologue to prepare if unsure.
- Types of Monologues: Film actors should memorize both dramatic and comedic monologues.
- Age Appropriateness: Choose monologues that fit the age range you can portray, not your actual age.
- Active Scenes: Select monologues with present action rather than characters reminiscing.
- Showcase Skills: Pick monologues that highlight your acting abilities.
- Avoid Self-Written Pieces: Don’t perform monologues written by yourself or friends.
- Steer Clear of Graphic Content: Avoid monologues with graphic violence, sex, or offensive language.
- Avoid Well-Known Monologues: Don’t compete with iconic performances from famous plays or movies.
- Seek Guidance: Get help from acting teachers or coaches to choose the right monologues.
- Professional Help in Texas: Numerous coaches and teachers in Texas can help improve your audition skills.
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