Choosing the Right Monologue for Musical Theatre Auditions: Dos and Don'ts

Auditioning for a role in a musical theatre production can be a nerve-wracking experience, and one crucial element of your audition is often overlooked: the monologue.

While musical numbers steal the spotlight, a well-chosen monologue can showcase your acting skills and leave a lasting impression on the casting team.

To help you make the right choice, here are some dos and don'ts for selecting the perfect monologue for your musical theatre audition.

Dos:

1. Show Range and Versatility:

  • Do choose a monologue that allows you to display a range of emotions and characters. Casting directors want to see your versatility and ability to transform into different roles.

2. Keep It Appropriate:

  • Do select a monologue that is age-appropriate and fits the tone of the musical you're auditioning for. Ensure it's something you can perform comfortably and convincingly.

3. Know the Play or Musical:

  • Do research the musical or play you're auditioning for and select a monologue that aligns with the show's style and themes. Understanding the context will help you make a more relevant choice.

4. Highlight Your Strengths:

  • Do pick a monologue that plays to your strengths as an actor. If you excel at comedy, go for a comedic monologue; if you're strong in drama, choose a dramatic one.

5. Keep It Engaging:

  • Do select a monologue that engages the audience emotionally. Look for material that can draw them in and hold their attention from start to finish.

6. Rehearse Thoroughly:

  • Do practice your chosen monologue extensively. Memorize it, work on your delivery, and be prepared to perform it confidently.

Don'ts:

1. Avoid Overdone Monologues:

  • Don't choose a monologue that is overly popular or has been done countless times. Casting directors may grow tired of hearing the same material repeatedly.

2. Steer Clear of Long Monologues:

  • Don't select a monologue that is excessively long. Keep it within the recommended time limit (usually one to two minutes) to respect the auditors' time.

3. Skip Offensive Material:

  • Don't use monologues with offensive language, sensitive topics, or explicit content. Keep it professional and avoid anything that might make the panel uncomfortable.

4. Avoid Monologues with Multiple Characters:

  • Don't perform a monologue featuring multiple characters, as it can be confusing and may not effectively showcase your individual acting skills.

5. Don't Rush the Decision:

  • Don't hastily pick a monologue without researching and trying out different options. Take your time to find the one that suits you best.

6. Don't Neglect Rehearsal:

  • Don't underestimate the importance of rehearsal. Even if you've chosen a great monologue, poor delivery can undermine your audition.

Selecting the right monologue for your musical theatre audition is a crucial step toward impressing casting directors. By following these dos and don'ts, you'll be well on your way to delivering a memorable and captivating performance that leaves a lasting impression on the audition panel.

Remember, your monologue is your chance to shine, so choose wisely.

Hard time finding the perfect monologue? Have us choose for you!

Maggie Bera

Maggie Bera, creator of Actor Aesthetic, is an actress based in NYC. A proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Texas State University.

https://maggiebera.com
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