Monologues

Here is the most important thing I can say about monologues — prepare, prepare, prepare. I have made the mistake in the past, as many actors have, of choosing a new monologue and simply memorizing, working it on my own a couple of times and then using it as an audition piece. This was a mistake. We are actors. Actors, no matter how smart they may be, generally require some direction. Work the monologue in your class. If you’re not in class, work it with a coach. If you’re broke, work it with a good actor friend who you trust. Bottom line, work it with someone. The monologue may seem okay to you, but it is most likely not fully realized and things you think may be working may not be at all. The second most important thing? Throw it out if you don’t like it. Immediately. Don’t keep trying with the hopes that someday you’ll come to enjoy it. It is just you up there and if you don’t like your piece, I guarantee you that will come through. Find a piece you LOVE. Isn’t it great when you can say, “Gosh, I love doing that monologue!” Actors always say, “I hate monologues.” I believe that’s simply because they haven’t found a piece they love yet. This can take time and much research. Be patient. Keep going to plays, reading plays, talking to friends. You’ll find something, I promise. And when you do, I bet you’ll start getting the callback.