Introduction: How to Prepare a Monologue for an Audition

By Premiere Event
About: Premiere Event is a producer of industry events that are devoted to showcasing the talent of young actors, dancers and singers between the ages of 5-18. We give children and their parents the opportunity to co…

If you are serious about getting into acting then you should be ready to put yourself through the audition process over and over again. Although this may sound like a grueling task, it does not have to be difficult and can even be fun if you come at it from the right angle. One way to reduce your anxiety and increase your chances of getting the part is to come prepared with one or two polished monologue pieces. This article will take you through the method of selecting and preparing your audition monologues.  

Step 1: Select

Before you choose the monologue you would like to perform for your audition you will want to consider the role you are trying to get. Your monologue will serve to show the casting director your abilities as an actor in general but it will also help them determine if you are the right actor for a specific part. Look for a monologue that matches up with the gender and age range of the character you would like to be considered for. Once you have narrowed down your selection of monologues choose a few that you connect with and try them out to figure out which ones work best for you. 

Step 2: Practice

Giving your monologue a natural feel is one of the most important things you can do for your performance. Practice the piece until the words start to feel as if they are your own. You can use conversations that you've had with family and friends as inspiration for your monologue. Since we tend to speak differently with the various people in our lives it is essential to consider the person you are supposed to be speaking with in your monologue. Even though you will be the only performer during your audition you need to remember that your monologue is just one side of a conversation. Thinking about what your character wants can help you achieve a realistic performance. 

Step 3: Polish

After you become comfortable with your chosen monologue you should practice in front of family and friends who can give you feedback on your performance. This is your chance to work on the subtle aspects of the piece, which can include gestures, blocking, tone etc. It is also necessary to make sure that your audience can understand what you are saying so make sure to enunciate. Finally, before you perform your monologue for an audition, it is highly recommended that you work with an acting coach to work out the kinks in your performance and enhance your understanding of the piece.