As an actor, you’ll likely have to perform a monologue at some point. Monologues give casting directors – and, later, audiences – a clear view of your skills, instincts, and ability to bring a character to life. In an audition, it is highly likely you’ll have to perform one to a panel.
But delivering a monologue well isn’t just about memorising lines; it’s about connecting with the text, understanding your character, and reciting a speech that feels totally authentic. In this guide, we’ll break down what a monologue is, how it differs from a soliloquy, and how to perform one with flair.
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Stemming from the Greek words “monos” (alone) and “logos” (speech), a monologue is a speech performed by a single actor in a dramatic context. They’re usually revelatory or emotional, so they’re a good way for casting directors to assess an actor’s skills.
You may have also heard the term “soliloquy.” They are similar to monologues, but they’re not exactly the same. A soliloquy, like Hamlet’s “to be or not to be” speech, is a character speaking their inner thoughts aloud, often alone on stage. A monologue doesn’t always require that level of introspection; it can be directed at another character and delivered as part of a larger scene in which multiple characters are present.
Monologues are more than a showcase of memory and vocal control. They are your chance to get into a character’s head. In an audition, the panel will be looking at your technique, delivery, and natural instinct. “The casting director and director want you to succeed. They are looking for reasons to hire you, to discover all that is unique about you as an individual, expanded and extended into the given circumstances of the play,” writes Christina Duarte for Dramatics.org. When you’re rehearsing a monologue, things to think about include:
- Motivation: What is driving your character to make this speech?
- Delivery: What image does your character want to present? What are they actually feeling?
- Movement: Are you gesturing? Do you look natural when you speak? “Pay attention to gestures, body language, and posture to match your character’s personality,” according to the Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts (VADA).
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Now that you know what a monologue is, how do you go about choosing one?
Picking the right monologue is just as crucial as performing it well. A poor choice can undermine your strengths. “No matter how good an actor you are, if you have chosen a piece that is boring or that is simply not right for you, then you will not be shown in your best light,” writes John Byrne, a careers adviser for The Stage. Here’s what to think about:
- Good match: Choose a speech that matches your age, casting type, and vocal range. Casting directors want to see you in a role that’s believable. “Opt for a monologue that resonates with you on a personal level,” VADA recommends.
- Length: Industry standard is a maximum of two minutes. Prepare anything over that, and you may get cut off. Of course, always follow the specific instructions of a casting call too.
- Tone: Match the monologue to the audition’s tone. “The most important factor is selecting audition monologues with the same general tone as the shows you’re auditioning for,” Andrew Koch writes for Dramatics.org. “Try to match comedic monologues to comedies and dramatic monologues to dramas.”
- Originality: Avoid monologues that everyone else is doing, because standing out can make all the difference. “You know when you are watching X Factor and the person starts singing Alicia Keys again. You switch off,” according to arts education resource Iampro. “It is a good idea to steer clear of monologues that are overly popular or frequently used in auditions.”
Once you’ve chosen your monologue, it’s time to bring it to life. Here’s how:
1. Understand the text.
To properly understand your monologue, you should read the whole play it comes from. Then return to the monologue and break down what your character wants in that moment. “The true art is making the words come to life and making the audience believe you are in the moment at that given time,” Byrne says. “Take time to analyse what the character is really saying. Dig deep and interrogate the text.”
2. Connect to your character’s emotions.
If you emotionally connect to what your character is saying, there’s a high chance you’ll perform much better. Remember: Authenticity always beats overacting. “The goal of a trained actor is to become a fully realised three-dimensional character with a rich backstory,” RADA instructor Dee Cannon told the Guardian.
“A monologue is not a preplanned speech,” says Acting Coach Scotland. “It’s a train of thought in which you don’t know what you’re going to say next. You have to break it up into chunks of thoughts.”
3. Get to know your character.
Think about your character’s backstory, relationships, and quirks. How do they move, speak, and react? Theatre Royal Stratford East recommends playing games like Hot Seating, in which you answer questions about your character on the spot, and doing exercises like emotional mapping, in which you draw out your character’s emotional journey.
4. Think about pacing.
“There is always the tendency to rush through and get the lines out as quickly as possible,” Byrne says. But monologues aren’t about speed; they’re about rhythm. Use pauses to emphasise important lines, give the audience a moment to breathe, and create dramatic tension. The whole performance should feel entirely natural. “Rhythm and pace in acting create or disrupt the sense of flow in your performance,” Alexander Lee-Rekers writes for StageMilk.
5. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.
They say practice makes perfect, so repeating your monologue as often as possible will only help you get more in tune with your character. Practise in front of a mirror, record yourself, or perform it for a friend. Listening back to yourself can reveal habits you weren’t aware of too. “Break the monologue down into smaller chunks and learn it methodically, part by part, until you can reassemble and repeat it verbatim,” Patrick Cullen writes for StageMilk.
Getting comfortable performing monologues is an important skill all actors should master. But remember that audition panels want to see how you put your own spin on things. Choose your monologue wisely, rehearse, and arrive ready to show off your personal interpretation. The most important thing is that you feel confident – and hopefully even enjoy performing it.