So how do you choose the right monologue?

One important suggestion we have to make is that before choosing your audition monologues you should find some background information on the company you will be auditioning for. This will help you decide what kind of monologues you should prepare for that particular audition.

Always have two audition monologues prepared. In almost all cases the audition will only call for one audition monologue, but on the off chance that the directors are interested but still very indecisive as to weather to call you back. The director may ask if you have anything else prepared. Do not answer with an emphatic "Yes!"? The best answer should be a casual "Yes, there is another piece I have been working on,"? or something of the like. Make sure both pieces are very polished and well rehearsed, make sure also that the characters of each piece are not alike" ?they should be different to show off your versatility.

If you have the opportunity to perform/audition both audition monologues, do not be afraid to take a few moments to take a few deep breaths and get into character before starting your second piece. Having told the director/casting crew that you have been "working on"? this piece will give them a good impression for two reasons: first, that you have not practiced this one as much and yet it was performed very well. Second, that you are continuously working on your acting skills and versatility as an actor. I cannot state it enough: Always have two audition monologues prepared.

Don't be afraid to seek coaching for your audition monologues. After all, you will receive a lot of feedback and direction from the director of whatever show you are in if you get the role. It is definitely not "cheating"? to seek guidance while preparing to audition. Some of the best acting resources are teachers and tutors at acting schools, but there are also public acting workshops that can help you prepare your piece(s). I would also recommend preparing more than one piece for your audition" ?both very polished. Just in case the casting members want to see more the first time around.

Include movement in your monologue" ?do not just stand there. Gestures will help portray your character's personality. Do not fidget, unless of course your character is one prone to fidgeting. Look into the eyes of the casting members there. If that is too scary (which it may be) focus somewhere at the back of the theatre or just above their heads" ?don't look down! Again, unless your character is one prone to looking down" ?a character with little confidence, maybe hunched shoulders etc. Be careful with choosing these types of characters for your audition monologues, though. It makes it harder for the casting crew to hear you and it rids them of the ability to assess you facial expressions as you continue through the hopefully dynamic monologue.

The best way to impress the casting members is with confidence, complete transformation into the character you portray, and expressiveness in the body and in the face. Prove to them that you know how to become another person" ?that's what acting is. Your acting monologues should show them that. Do not think: what hand gesture or facial expression would I make when delivering this line, think of what your character (who is a completely different person than yourself) would do.