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Quick answer: A monologue is a dramatic speech written to be performed by a single actor. It’s one of the most common requests at theater auditions and some on-camera auditions, because it shows whether you can carry a full scene, how much emotional range you have and what technical tools you use without relying on a scene partner.
Unlike a scene with two or more characters, a monologue is a solo piece: you perform it with no one answering back. It’s one of the oldest devices in theater, and today it’s used in auditions, in drama school admissions and as a training tool.
At an audition it serves a precise purpose: it shows the director how you carry a complete scene and handle your presence without anyone feeding you lines.
When will you be asked for a monologue?
Mostly in theater and in acting school admissions. It’s one of the forms an audition can take, the part of casting where you perform for the director; if the terms get mixed up, see the difference between casting and an audition.
These are the most common cases:
- Theater auditions: the most common setting, in both independent theater and commercial theater. Directors often ask for one or two monologues, and when they ask for two, they usually want contrasting pieces.
- Drama school admissions: many schools, conservatories and college theater programs ask for one when you apply. If you’re considering that path, find out whether you need acting school.
- Some on-camera auditions: certain film or TV directors ask for one to see your emotional and technical range.
- Training: in acting classes and workshops, it’s a constant working tool.
In film, TV and commercials, on the other hand, you’ll usually get sides (a few pages of the actual script), and many auditions have moved to self-tapes recorded at home. If that’s your case, follow these steps to record a self-tape.
How to choose a monologue for an audition
What matters most is that the piece connects with you, is believable for you and has movement. These criteria help:
- It connects with you emotionally: performing something that truly moves you always gets better results.
- It fits your age and type: choose a character that’s believable for the age you look and your physique du rôle, meaning the match between your look and the roles you can play.
- It runs 1 to 2 minutes: time it out loud, with pauses. If the casting call asks for a different length, stick to it.
- It shows emotional range: the best audition monologue has movement; instead of staying in one tone, it moves through different states.
- It isn’t overdone: some classic monologues come up so often at auditions that directors have heard them countless times. Finding less familiar material can set you apart.
Our guide to monologues for auditions has more criteria to help you choose, plus six original monologues to practice with.
How to prepare a monologue for an audition
Order matters: first understand the text, then memorize it, and only then explore and rehearse.
1. Analyze the text
Before you memorize a single line, analyze the text in depth. Who is the character? What do they want in this scene? Who are they talking to, and why? What obstacles are they up against? What just happened to them? The answers build the character’s psychological foundation.
2. Memorize it organically
Tie each line to a specific action or emotion. A text memorized mechanically sounds memorized; one memorized organically sounds like living thought.
3. Explore and rehearse
Try different ways of performing it before you settle on one: other emotions, other rhythms, other intentions. Exploring is a lot like improvising, so these tips to improvise in an audition will help.
Once you find your version, rehearse in conditions close to the audition: standing up, in a similar space and with a timer running.
Tip: Always have two monologues prepared and memorized: a dramatic one and a comedic or lighter one. Many directors ask for two to see your versatility. If you can, also keep one by a contemporary playwright, or even one you wrote yourself: originality always helps. And for theater, a classical piece is worth having ready too.
Frequently asked questions
What is a monologue in acting?
It’s a dramatic speech written to be performed by a single actor. It’s a solo piece: you inhabit a complete character with no one answering back on stage. It’s used in theater auditions, in some on-camera auditions and as a core tool in actor training.
Why do auditions ask for a monologue?
Because it lets the director evaluate you as a whole: how you carry a scene, how much emotional range you reach, what technical tools you use and how you handle your stage presence without a partner feeding you lines.
How long should an audition monologue be?
Aim for a piece of 1 to 2 minutes, timed out loud with pauses. If it’s too short, it’s hard to evaluate you; if it runs long, they may stop you before the best part. And if the casting call asks for a different length, always follow it.
How do I choose a monologue for an audition?
Look for a piece that connects with you emotionally, is believable for the age you look and your type, runs 1 to 2 minutes, has emotional movement and isn’t overdone at auditions. It can come from a well-known play or be written especially for you.
Can I use a monologue from a movie or TV show?
Yes, it’s a valid option. At on-camera auditions, film or TV material works well; theater auditions, on the other hand, usually prefer pieces from plays. Either way, avoid the most famous scenes and choose something that represents you and lets you show your best work.
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