How do I choose a monologue for an audition?
Match the piece to you
Choose a monologue that fits your age range and the type of role you usually get cast in. Casting directors can tell quickly when a piece does not suit the performer, so avoid roles that are far older or younger than you. Pick something you connect with emotionally, because you will spend a lot of time living in it.
Read the full play, not just the speech. Knowing what happens before and after the monologue helps you make clear choices about who you are talking to and what you want from them.
- Age and type should fit your look and range
- Choose a piece with a clear want and a change
- Avoid pieces that are famous on audition lists
- Check the play for any content you are not comfortable performing
Shape it for the room
Most auditions give a time limit, often between one and two minutes, so pick a piece that tells a complete story in that window. Trim lightly if needed, but keep the sense of a beginning, middle and end. Practice with a timer so you know how it lands.
Have a second choice ready in case the casting team asks for a different style or tone.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a monologue that is too long and getting cut off mid-thought.
- Picking a piece that is overdone in audition rooms.
- Performing a speech without knowing what happens in the scene before it.
