Whether it’s Shakespeare, your stand-up routine, or The Great Gatsby, your monologue makes you the focus point for your audience. That can be intimidating, but it’s also your time to shine. You, and nobody else but you, are in the limelight and it’s time to demonstrate the depth and range of your acting abilities. Feeling a bit nervous? Don’t let it faze you. Put your talent to work and use our tips on how to act a monologue to perfect your performance.
Monologue vs Soliloquy
A soliloquy is one of the types of monologue you may encounter. To clarify the question “What is a monologue,” we need only know that it’s a long speech by a single actor. A soliloquy is a monologue in which a character expresses their thoughts with no other character listening.
For example, Lady Macbeth’s monologue after the murder of King Duncan is a soliloquy. It’s a monologue because she delivers a lengthy speech. It’s a soliloquy because it reveals her inner thoughts when no other character is present. She is “talking to herself,” and we see the rise of her insanity through the expression of her inner turmoil.
Different Types of Monologue
Different sources have different takes on what types of monologue there are. It’s a purely terminological classification, and that terminology appears to be quite subjective.
For example, some people distinguish between classical and contemporary monologues. Others distinguish between exterior monologues, delivered in the presence of other characters, and internal monologues or soliloquies. We can also classify monologues according to their intended effect. For example, there are dramatic monologues and comedic monologues.
However, all these types of monologue have things in common: the actor speaks at length, and timing and delivery are crucial.
Monologue Examples
During auditions, actors may be asked to perform a monologue of their choice. This is a wonderful but challenging opportunity to demonstrate your acting prowess. Great material coupled with skill and talent contribute to your success.
Shakespeare deserves special focus if you’re auditioning for a classical role. Options include Claudio’s “Measure for Measure” speech, or Trinculo’s speech from “The Tempest” which offers some memorable moments of humour. For female characters, Titania’s monologue from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Lady Macbeth’s descent into madness, or Ophelia’s monologue in “Hamlet” are fruitful examples.
For more contemporary productions, look to Checkov. “The Seagull” offers magnificent male and female monologues. Additional options include Gloumov’s monologue in “The Diary of a Scoundrel” or Lubov’s monologue in the ”Cherry Orchard.’
Do consider your choice of audition monologue well. An unusual choice could set you apart from the crowd and spark interest. Your panel may already have seen ten Mark Anthonies and boring your casting director or choosing a monologue that invites them to compare you with others can be risky.
How to Act a Monologue
When you’re auditioning, you have limited time to showcase your skills. Try to forget that your performance is being judged. Don’t rush anything. Instead, remember that this moment is yours alone. In productions, your director will ensure that their interpretation of the scene is part of your performance. In auditions, interpretation is up to you. Keep the following broad guidelines in mind.
- Know the context. Get into character. Consider the events leading up to the monologue and think about your character’s role in the story and how they perceive or manipulate events. For example, Mark Anthony’s speech after the death of Caesar is not only a tribute from an old friend. Instead, it is a call to arms: a smart political move.
- Demonstrate emotional range: Most monologues begin almost gently, soaring to emotional heights before reaching a dramatic and decisive conclusion. Capture your audience’s attention through your interpretation of the speech, dramatic monologue or soliloquy and demonstrate your skill in portraying a range of emotions.
- Consider the medium: On stage, your acting is expansive and slightly exaggerated. You need to communicate emotions to your audience, and they have a limited, remote viewpoint. In film, the director decides the perspective from which your monologue is viewed. In close-up shots, even the smallest changes in facial expression are significant. Adjust your performances accordingly.
- Don’t play to the panel: Monologues are seldom addressed directly to audiences. Your character is talking to themself or they are talking to others in the scene. Avoid playing to the panel and deliver your performance as if it were part of a production.
- Practice makes perfect: Prevent stage fright from taking its toll on your performance by practising your monologue so that it’s second nature to you. Review self-made videos of your practice sessions and refine your performance. If you have a coach, take their recommendations on board.
Understand your Audience
Understanding other people’s wants, needs, and preferences will help you to connect with audiences. Empathy and intuition will serve you well and they’re very important to your skillset as an actor. Although some people predict that AI will take over film actors’ jobs, its inability to interpret human emotions will limit its capacity to portray engaging characters. Use your monologue to demonstrate your ability to do just that.
As an actor, your skills are in demand in roles that have no relation to stage or screen, but where you nevertheless have a chance to shine. At RSVP, we offer flexible jobs for actors because we know that your talents can be put to work for the benefit of our clients. Working towards the next big break? We’d love to have you on board. Visit our careers page to find out more.