by Ryan Hanley

Created on: July 04, 2008   Last Updated: July 07, 2008

A theatre professor of mine once told me some good advice: "Tom Cruise may be a good actor, but he would not look good in every role that he went for." Regardless of what one might think of Tom Cruise's acting ability, the notion applies to all actors. Being a 6'1", 145 lb white boy won't get me "Othello" anytime soon. But no matter what shape, size, age, color, or anything that you are, there is a place for you on stage. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. People may love looking at Brad Pitt, but the fact of the matter is that a stage show usually won't require two or three Brad Pitts. So when going out into an audition, the key is to use what you have and use it well. Half of that battle is finding a good monologue.

First we will start with the technical aspects. I've run into many different styles of auditions, but on average you only have one minute to do your monologue. I understand that in this instance some people might try and do two with thirty seconds for each. While this might work for some people, I personally would want to stick with one monologue. I think trying to cram two monologues in one minute would be too much. In some instances, you might get two minutes. If that is the case then the monologues that you choose should contrast each other. Have one dramatic and the other comedic. Another option is to have one classic and the other contemporary. In the instance where you have enough time for just one monologue, do something you are comfortable with. There is no point in going up there with you head full of worries when you might be nervous enough as it is. It's alright to be daring and different, but make sure it fits you. You are the important thing here. If you are better with comedy than drama, then do a comedic monologue. The casting directors will see what they need to regardless of what you are saying. In fact, the monologue itself isn't really what they are judging. It's how you move, articulate, your choices, etc.

In order to find the perfect monologue, one must therefore look for it. If you are going for a theatre show, stick to a theatre monologue. Books are alright for the most part. Personally, I say no to movie monologues, but again that is just my opinion. Also, when doing a monologue from a show, there are two pieces of advise I have. The first is that you should try and pick a show that isn't hugely popular. I don't mean pick a bad show because you obviously want good material. Just don't pick a show everyone knows and

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>