A monologue, be it theatrical or cinematic, is a speech delivered by a character in front of an audience. For an actor, it is similar to an instrumental solo performed within an orchestra, so it offers the opportunity to show off one's skills. Monologues are often requested at auditions, so that the cast members get an idea of the actor's presentation and performance. The trick is to keep in mind some key aspects to make a difference and to act in a heartfelt way.
Steps
Step 1. Choose a monologue that's right for you
Consider various factors, such as acting skills, age, gender, and appearance. If you are a young black woman from another country, you should choose a monologue from The Color Purple, not a soliloquy from Hamlet. On the other hand, if you can play Ophelia convincingly, don't hesitate to give it a try. In general, it is better to opt for monologues attributed to roles that are particularly close to your exterior.
Step 2. Find out about the audition you will be attending and choose a monologue based on gender and the possible needs of the role
- Choose a monologue from the work you are auditioning for. If it's an audition for Romeo and Juliet, memorize a monologue from this drama. Don't try to reinterpret it your way or try to look original at all costs - the director has the job of imagining you playing the original role, so focus on simplicity.
- If you don't have access to the work, choose a monologue similar to the genre of the show and the role you want to play. Is this an audition for an original work and you can't read the script? You have no choice but to select a text yourself.
Step 3. Choose a piece that enhances your main characteristics and talents
Again, if you are a truly experienced and talented actor, opt for a more difficult monologue in order to show off your skills. However, unless you have years and years of acting and acting lessons behind you, don't try something particularly complex or extravagant - present yourself solidly, with a piece that makes you confident.
Step 4. Memorize the beats
This often means reading and reciting them over and over until you have memorized them. At this point, don't worry about the details and nuances - you just have to memorize the words, so that everything else is easier. Most actors have to both read and recite the monologue. Remember that each of us is different: some assimilate everything at once, others may need a week. The important thing is to play the role well, it is not a competition to see who learns the script faster.
Step 5. Develop your character
Often, the hardest part is making sure the interpretation feels realistic in those few minutes you have.
- Choose a couple of elements that allow you to get an idea of the character. For example, the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz walks and dances stiffly. Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, smiles kindly and moves with elegance. The Wicked Witch of the East has a loud laugh and acts menacingly.
- If necessary, dress correctly for the monologue. Wearing clothing vaguely reminiscent of the original helps you to immerse yourself in the character, but also allows the audience or director to imagine you in the role. For example, if you're doing a monologue to get the role of Rizzo (character from Grease), a pink shirt, a pair of tight black pants, a scarf and maybe a gum can be reminiscent of the 1950s (but beware, it's generally not ideal to come to an audition with a full costume).
- Developing your character in front of a mirror is helpful, because it allows you to watch yourself as you play him. You can also register and listen again - this can help you determine what is right for you and what to leave out.
- Experiment and enjoy. While acting often takes some seriousness, letting your mind melt, open up and communicate positive feelings to you is important to the creative process. Try several more serious moments after getting into the part, but then give it a try with fun and inspiring aspects on the spot, no matter how dramatic a monologue it is. Interpret it by conveying emotions diametrically opposed to those you need to communicate, or replace a keyword with a word like "banana". This helps fight fatigue, boredom and frustration, resulting in a fresh performance.
- Make it natural. At first, performance will generally be a bit clunky, overloaded or uncertain. Practice until it feels spontaneous. Remember that on stage you need to behave in a more dramatic and accentuated way than in real life, but avoid overdoing the acting.
Step 6. Try the monologue in front of people who will give you helpful opinions
To hear you say "Bravo!" it is encouraging, but useless. Ask “What did you like?”. If someone didn't like it, try to figure out what they think went wrong. Remember that actors need to be open to criticism, not take it personally or react badly.
Step 7. Before the monologue, warm up your voice
There are exercises that allow you to melt: they allow the mind to focus and make you relax before an audition or other stressful situation. The choice of heating depends on everyone's preferences:
- Try singing Wild Horses by the Rolling Stones. This song helps you open your vocal cords, but is slow enough to allow you to calm down.
- Say one of your favorite poems. Even the ones you've known since you were little can reassure you. The alphabet song is useful when needed, because it uses so many different sounds, it is familiar and soothing.
- Put your headphones on and sing while listening to your favorite playlist. Choose songs that relax, energize and comfort you. It is likely that they will work. In any case, avoid singers who scream at the top of their lungs, because imitating them is bad for the vocal cords.
Step 8. Interpret the monologue
It will be the fastest part. Follow any instructions given to you by the director. This is the time for you to show off the fruits of your preparation and defeat the fear or terror of the stage. In short, it is the litmus test.
Step 9. Did you forget a joke?
Having a memory lapse or saying something wrong happens to even the best of actors. It is the reaction to error that makes the difference between a successful interpretation and one destined to fail. A performance saved despite the difficulties could convince the director to choose you, however imperfect you may have recited the monologue. In fact, you demonstrate flexibility, self-esteem, creativity and character. Situations may vary, but there are a few tactics to always keep in mind:
- Skip passages of the monologue. In most cases, no one pays any attention.
- Make up lines that the character would say, even if they weren't in the original monologue.
- Don't get out of character. Directors love actors who are able to step into a role and who remain there even in moments when everything seems to be going for the worst.
- Smile a lot! If you have to drop a piece of scenery, miss a line, or run out of pants while acting, try to smile spontaneously, regardless of how you feel or what is around you. This clearly demonstrates confidence and character to the director.
- It is known that actors who miss several lines entirely can still get the part by staying in character, improvising phrases suitable for the monologue, using their sense of humor or simply showing calm and self-worth despite the disaster. Of course, you don't have any guarantees, but it is known that this often happens.
Advice
- Try to incorporate the right gestures, such as hand gestures, into the monologue. To interpret such a piece, it is not enough to say the lines.
- Imagine the monologue is a story, and make sure you know it. Some actors like to approach one line at a time to process their thoughts. For starters, knowing the whole plot should be enough to improvise forgotten lines and fit them into the story.
- Make sure you look at the audience when it's appropriate.
- Read the work or watch the adaptation made for a film before presenting the monologue. Many actors find pieces online or in a book, but have never read the complete work, so they don't know the character and can't get it right.
- If possible, seek face-to-face support to present the monologue. If you go to high school or college, the drama teacher will likely be willing to help you in the process, especially if you've never tried to interpret a text like this before. You can also sign up for a theater class.
Warnings
- Be honest with yourself and your abilities. Talented actors are usually confident, but they know what they're good at and they know their weaknesses.
- Try to understand when you are overdoing your acting, so as not to overload the interpretation of your character, making him stereotyped and not very genuine (unless, of course, you have to act this way!).
