Cast Images: September 2023

9.15.2023

Mastering Monologue Selection: Tips for Actors to Shine in Auditions

Hello, talented actors!

When it comes to selecting the perfect monologue, it's more than just reciting lines; it's about sharing a piece of yourself with the world. Here are some professional tips that can help you choose an effective monologue that resonates with your essence:

1. Self-Exploration: Start by asking yourself some questions. What's something about yourself that you love and want to share with others? What parts of your identity have you lost touch with and want to reconnect to? What's a belief or passion you hold that you don't get to talk about enough (keeping politics aside)?

2. Connect and Convey: Your monologue should be a reflection of you. It should allow you to share or convey something meaningful in your life at that moment. Whether it's a profound personal journey or a comedic slice of your personality, it should be important to you.

3. Avoid the Overdone: Finding the right monologue can be challenging, especially when the first ones you stumble upon are often overdone in the industry. Be patient and explore.

4. Seek Inspiration from the Source: One excellent way to find unique monologues is to watch TV shows or read plays with characters similar to your type. Extract monologues from these sources to make them your own.

5. Online Resources: If you're in a time crunch, there are websites like:

stageagent.com/monologues

monologuearchive.com/https://www.backstage.com/monologues/

dailyactor.com/monologues-from-movies/

These can provide you with easy access to monologues, although they may be commonly used.

6. Critical Questions: Once you have a few potential monologues, ask yourself important questions:

Does the monologue allow me to take an emotional journey?

What is my objective? (What does the character want?)

How will I achieve the objective?

What are the consequences if I don’t get what I want?

Who am I talking to?

What happened RIGHT before this to make me say the first line of my monologue? (What did the other person SAY or DO?)

Personalize Your Monologue: Find your emotional connection to the piece, and make it uniquely yours.

7. Embrace Imperfection: Don't stress about achieving perfection. Instead, focus on conveying your message authentically. Use your natural voice and allow your emotions to guide you. Remember, when we try too hard to control our feelings, it often comes across as less genuine.

8. Engage Your Audience: Lastly, remember that you're on film. Talk to someone right in front of you. Have a genuine conversation, and let your authenticity shine through. In the world of acting, your monologue is your chance to connect, to engage, and to leave a lasting impression. Choose wisely and embrace the opportunity to share a piece of yourself with your audience.

Break a leg!

Kelly Ann Dunn, Talent Coordinator, Cast Images