Aspiring Actor Monologue

Acting
- Notes to the Aspiring Actor

By Chris Freihofer
Actor, Casting Director, Film Producer

WE'RE ON YOUR SIDE, BELIEVE IT OR NOT.

You know the old stereotype. The grumpy table of producers, casting directors and general discontents sit at a backlit, smoky table, frowning at you as you make your way through a well-rehearsed audition. You give your all; you give of yourself, only to be treated rudely, followed by a bellowed "Next!"

That's what we think auditions are, right? I mean, that's what they taught us in school. That's what they show us in movies and on unrealistic reality television. That's the stereotype. And nothing could be further from the truth.

Oh sure, there are some Grumpy-Gusses out there that revel at the
Some of those monologues are:

SAINT JOAN
'CLEAR GLASS MARBLES'
THE WOOLGATHERER
HAMLET'S 'TO BE OR NOT TO BE'
MACBETH'S DAGGER SPEECH
THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS ON MAN-IN-THE-MOON MARIGOLDS
THE SHADOW BOX
THE STAR-SPANGLED GIRL

There are a number of websites that help actors find monologues. Find ones you enjoy and have fun.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

It is not necessary to wear your 'Sunday best' for the audition. Boys, you do not need to wear suits and ties. Girls, your Easter dresses are not needed.

Look nice, but casual. Clean, good-fitting clothes that send the message that you take yourself seriously. Avoid clothes that are too tight and restricting. Likewise, avoid clothing that is too loose and baggy. Do not show too much skin.

Shoe selection is also important. Do not wear flip-flops or shoes that are too 'tall' and ladies, refrain from spiked heels. You don't want noisy, cumbersome or ill-fitting shoes detracting attention away from your performance.

Again, treat yourself and your appearance as professionally as you want to be treated.

WHERE SHOULD I
The judges are very skilled at recognizing talent.

They are not necessarily looking for the actor that can be the silliest or one that can cry on cue. They re looking for actors that can take printed words and make it sound as if it the first time those words are being said. Is the actor being 'real' or does it seem like a 'performance'.

Often times, less is much more.
Many times, the acting the wins competitive acting trophies is not necessarily what is considered 'good' acting. Keep the audition simple, much like conversation, and put yourself 'in the moment' of the scene.

And remember, preparation is key. Make sure you are prepared. If you are learning the audition material on the way to the audition, you might as well stay home. A serious actor knows that learning the lines must be done well in advance before any 'character' can be brought to the role.

WHAT IF I MESS UP?

If you stumble a line, forget a word or blank out for a second, don't worry. It happens to the best of them. Auditioning can be a very nerve-wracking experience, but a professional knows how to keep those moments from ruining the audition. Take a breath, relax, and pick it up from