Presenting a monologue is an essential part of auditions and is usually an assignment in acting classes. Choose a short, active monologue that you feel connected to. When you choose the correct monologue, you will have to memorize the lines. During the presentation, you must have a point of focus, introduce the monologue, and master the transitions that the piece includes.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare for the presentation
Step 1. Memorize the lines.
One of the most important parts of presenting a monologue is making sure you have all the lines memorized. If you prepare ahead of time and practice the lines frequently, you will be able to memorize them efficiently.
- Ask friends or family to help you memorize the lines. They can read other characters' lines and even ask you questions.
- Practice the lines twice a day or more often if you have trouble memorizing them.
Step 2. Warm up by singing or reviewing the lines
It is important that you take the time to warm up before presenting the monologue. You can also warm up by doing some rehearsals for the monologue with a acting partner or alone.
Step 3. Wear simple, comfortable clothing and shoes for an audition
You should present well dressed unless it is part of a professional or class presentation. For most auditions, you should attend in clean, tasteful clothing that is not a source of distraction. Try wearing a simple dress or pair of pants with a shirt tucked in. The key is to keep the focus on the performance, not the clothes.
Method 2 of 3: Present the monologue successfully
Step 1. Start with an introduction
For an audition, the introduction to the piece is the first part of the performance. Say your name, the name of the character, the name of the play, and the name of the playwright. If you are presenting two different pieces, introduce both at the same time.
- You can say, “I am White Rose and I will play Blanche in Tennessee Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire.
- In most cases, you won't have to introduce the monologue if it's part of a presentation. Instead, gracefully step into the monologue and treat it as part of a larger presentation.
Step 2. Find a focus point
When you're on stage or in the audition space, find a point of focus. This measure is important because you will not have a acting partner on whom you can focus language, emotions, and gaze. Try to pick a neutral point of focus that is slightly to the side or above the audience or casting director.
Try not to let the casting director be your point of focus, as he can create an awkward situation for them as they evaluate your presentation
Step 3. Master the transitions included in the monologue
A good monologue will have a clear narrative arc, with at least one transition between its parts. For example, instead of yelling or yelling throughout the entire piece, make a clear transition between the part of the monologue where you are angry and the part where you are calmer and more introspective.
Step 4. Be confident
Believing in yourself and your abilities is one of the most important parts of being successful in monologue. Present the monologue confidently, standing up straight, projecting your voice, and focusing on the audience or another focal point.
Method 3 of 3: Choose a monologue
Step 1. Choose an appropriate monologue for the role
If you are auditioning for a play, movie, or television show, you will need to choose a monologue that suits the character you are competing for. For example, if the role is funny, choose a funny monologue. If you are auditioning for a serious role, choose a more dramatic monologue.
Step 2. Pick an active monologue
The piece you submit for an audition or class assignment must be active. It should not consist of a character telling a story or remembering something. For example, you can choose a piece in which the character looks for something about another character or discovers something for the first time.
He presents Claudius's speech to his sister in William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure
Step 3. Pick a monologue that you feel connected to
You will do your best if you present a piece that you are passionate about. Choose a character and a work that harmonizes with you. This will allow the audience or casting director to get to know you through the material.
Consider introducing Mascha's monologue about her future husband in Anton Chekhov's The Seagull
Step 4. Stay away from modern or popular monologues
You don't want to go to class or audition and perform the same monologue as other actors. Modern, popular monologues tend to be overused, and your goal is to stand out. For example, you should avoid presenting the popular monologue from a recent movie or play.
If you feel connected to a trendy or popular piece, you don't need to worry about it. Go ahead and present the monologue with confidence
Step 5. Try a funny and cheerful piece
If you have doubts about what kind of monologue you should present, opt for a lighter and more comical piece. This can stand out in the sea of more dramatic, more emotional or more absurd monologues. Being able to make your audience smile or even make them laugh can be a breath of fresh air for those who witness your monologue.
Try to introduce Trinculo's speech in William Shakespeare's The Tempest
Step 6. Select a short monologue
When choosing a monologue, try to keep it short. You will probably be allotted three minutes for your presentation, but don't feel pressured to occupy every second of the time slot. For example, you can opt for a two-minute monologue or two one-minute monologues to fill the gap for a two- or three-minute presentation.
Step 7. Avoid violent, offensive, or overly sexual pieces
If you are auditioning for a show, a monologue is practically a job interview. Take this into account when deciding which monologue to present. Avoid pieces that contain offensive language, are excessively sexual, or include violence.