Here is a suggested process for preparing and rehearsing your audition Monologue.

There are a number of qualities that directors look for in an actor’s audition:

  • Honest connection to the language and situation.
  • Fully understanding and committment to the character’s imaginary situation –
  • A strong sense of the character’s driving needs in the moment and the need to speak these specific words
  • The moment to moment discovering of the next thought
  • A good sense of physical presence, confidence and curiosity
  • Making bold choices that are rooted in the truth of the character point of view and the situation

Choose something that you can relate to and stimulates your curiosity.

  • Read the play so you can fully understand the circumstances driving the monologue.
  • Clarify who you are speaking to
    • What is the charged relationship?
    • What is the problem
    • What is your objective towards that person – what do you want them to do or feel
    • Notice where your tactics (Charm or Threat etc.) change or where anything else happens to change you and mark it in your script.
    • Note moments of victory and defeat
    • In the margin write your first hunch about what tactics you might try for each line/thought/beat.
    • Notice where there are moments of discovery or realization.
    • For Shakespeare look up all the unfamiliar words so you can play the specific meaning of what you are saying. Here is a link to an edition of the play that contains definitions for some of the words at the end of each scene. http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/
  • Make a space where you are comfortable rehearsing.
  • Preparation
    • Imagine and feel the location, all the elements that relate to your 5 senses.
    • Imagine and feel the inner environment – everything happening inside your body and it’s connection to your mental state
    • Imaging the person you are speaking to – fill them with all the elements of the charged relationship.
    • Plant your driving need in your heart and mind – “I need them to (feel or do) . . .
  • Play/explore the scene
    • Keep looking at your imaginary partner; let the driving need grow stronger until-
      • it compels you to speak.
      • Imagine their response
      • Adjust your tactic and speak the next line/thought
      • Keep exploring the monologue trying different tactics and continuing to develop your preparation.
      • Rehearse and rehears until it is fully memorized, each moment is specific, alive and full of discovery.
      • Ideally you should prepare it so well that it can flow spontaneously from you without sacrificing the moment to moment specificity.