Selecting an acting monologue for your audition can be a challenging task, as you want to choose a piece that showcases your strengths as an actor and resonates with the project you’re auditioning for.
- Know the Project. Research the project you’re auditioning for and read the script if it’s available. Understanding the story, characters, and tone of the project can help you select a monologue that is appropriate and effective.
- Choose a Monologue that Fits Your Type. Select a monologue that fits your type as an actor. If you’re auditioning for a specific character type, choose a monologue that showcases that type of character.
- Select Material That Resonates With You. Choose a monologue that resonates with you on a personal level. It’s essential to have a personal connection to the material to deliver a compelling performance.
- Consider the Length and Tone. Choose a monologue that is the appropriate length for the audition, usually one to two minutes. Consider the tone of the monologue and whether it matches the tone of the project.
- Showcase Your Range. Choose a monologue that showcases your range as an actor. Include moments of both vulnerability and strength to demonstrate your versatility and emotional depth.
- Read the Monologue Out Loud. Read the monologue out loud several times to get a feel for the rhythm and pacing of the piece. This can help you deliver a more nuanced and authentic performance.
- Get Feedback. Ask for feedback from friends, acting coaches, or other industry professionals. Getting feedback can help you refine your performance and choose the best monologue for your audition.
Getting the perfect monologue that will land you the acting gig will take some work. The good news is there are many resources that are available to you such as books and huge online databases which offer many samples to choose from.
Here are a few places to get you started on your search for the perfect audition monologue:
- Online Monologue Databases: There are many websites that offer monologue databases for actors. These databases are usually categorized by genre, age range, and gender. Some popular websites for finding monologues include Monologue Blogger, Monologue Genie, and Actorama.
- Acting Books: Many acting books include a variety of monologues for different types of characters and genres. Some popular books include “The Ultimate Audition Book” by Jocelyn Beard, “Audition Monologues: Power Pieces for Women” by Janet B. Milstein, and “Contemporary American Monologues for Women” by Todd London.
- Plays and Scripts: Reading plays and scripts can also be a great way to find monologues for auditions. Look for plays or scripts in the genre you’re interested in and find a character that resonates with you. Some popular playwrights include Shakespeare, Arthur Miller, and Tennessee Williams.
- Personal Writing: Consider writing your own monologue that showcases your strengths as an actor. This can be a great way to demonstrate your range and creativity in an audition.
- Acting Coaches: Working with an acting coach or teacher can be a great way to find monologues that are tailored to your strengths as an actor. Acting coaches often have a vast collection of monologues and can help you find material that showcases your abilities.
Here are some sample monologues:
Shakespearean Monologues
Disney Monologues