Auditions & Productions

• Read the Full Play: Never perform a monologue from a play you haven’t read entirely. You need to understand the character’s overall arc, relationships, and context to give a grounded performance.

• Target the 90-Second Mark: While a limit may be  to  minutes, aim for  seconds. Auditors appreciate brevity and clarity. Going over time is one of the quickest ways to leave a bad impression.

• Memorize “To the Bone”: Learn the lines line-by-line, then backward, then standing up, sitting down, pacing, etc.
  • If you have to think about what line comes next, you aren’t fully memorized yet. True freedom in acting only happens when the text is second nature.

• Define Your “Focal Point”: Decide exactly where your imaginary conversation partner is standing or sitting (Imagine them 4 feet in front of you and eyeline should be over the auditors’ heads. Stay away from using the people in the room). Don’t look directly into the auditors’ eyes during the monologue unless instructed to do so.

• Keep it Simple:
  • Leave your items (backpacks, briefcases, purses, jackets, hats, etc.) outside the room. Take only what is absolutely necessary.
  • Warm-Up and other preparation need to be done before you enter the space. Go in ready to play.
  • Enter the space, figure out where they want you to stand, give the auditors space, and wait for greetings. Then state your name (if it has not been stated already), the title of the play, character, and the playwright.
  • Example: “Hello, my name is …. Today I’ll be presenting a monologue by Anton Chekhov from The Seagull.”

• Take a Beat Before You Begin: After finishing your slate, take a moment to drop into character, shift your focus to your focal point, take a breath, and begin. Let the moment before happen for your character.

• The Exit: When you finish, take a brief moment to finish the character’s reaction, shift back to yourself, say a simple “Thank you,” wait for them to respond with questions, notes, or just a simple thank you. Once you know you are finished, turn and leave.

• Match the Tone and Genre: If you are auditioning for a comedy, bring a comedic monologue; if it’s a dramatic play, choose a drama. Always research the play, musical, or theater company beforehand to understand their style.

• Play Close to Your Age and Range: Choose a character you could plausibly be cast as today. Avoid characters with extreme age gaps or accents unless specifically requested.

• Look for an Active Dynamic (An “Arc”): A great monologue has your character actively trying to win, convince, or change another person’s mind. Avoid passive, introspective monologues where the character is just telling a story or reflecting alone.

• Avoid Overdone Pieces: Try to stay away from classical pieces everyone knows (like Hamlet’s soliloquies) or monologues from top-hit modern plays, unless you bring an extraordinarily fresh perspective. Look for published plays rather than “monologue books” or online monologue sites.

Always keep in mind, you are unique and have something special to offer the character you are portraying. Focus your energy on your perspective of the character and what you have to say not on what you think people want to see.

YOU ARE THE PERSON THEY WANT TO CAST!!!