Audition Tips, Tips

All About Monologue Auditions

So you finally have an audition, congratulations! But before you go waltzing in there to end up stuck by fear, you have to prepare! It is best to start early, before you even land your first audition. That way you will know what to expect and what to do in order to score your first big (or small) part. Something you will run into often is a Monologue Audition. This is a speech that is around a minute long. It is normally taken from a play, but can be from other things as well.

The tip to a successful audition is to choose a monologue you actually like! Luckily the library has shelves and shelves filled with books on monologues, so finding one should be a snap. Make sure you practice with your speech over and over until you are comfortable. You have to know your character inside and out to make it believable. Don’t be afraid to explore your character. Ask questions about who they are talking to (or about), what they are going through, what year is it, what are they like. Dig deep into them and figure out exactly who you are playing.

One of the biggest mistakes an actor can make is not memorizing the lines well enough. Even if you think you know all your lines, run through them again. And again, and again, and again! Then take a break. Don’t even think about your lines for a day or two. If you still have it memorized by then, you are in safe waters. But just make sure you know your monologue like the back of your hand. This is so important.

You have your lines memorized and you are in for your audition. What now? First off, don’t look at the floor. You would be surprised at how many first time actors actually do this. Pretend whoever your character is talking to is actually there! Imagine them sitting in front of you. Pace around, yell at them, point towards them. After all, there may be nobody there, but you want the director and producers to think there is. Once you have them believing it, you are closer to that big role. Just don’t place your imaginary person where the casting director is sitting. They hate it when you stare at them while going through your lines.

If you remember these few tips, you should have no issue in your next (or first) audition. Just remember, when it comes to monologues you have to know what you are saying and make it believable. Choose a piece that really sticks out to you, make it your own, and remember it. Recite it every hour if you have to, just make sure you really know the lines.

As always, break a leg!