TYPES OF MONOLOGUES
Dramatic Monologue
Dramatic Monologues are emotional. They require intense facial expressions and a serious voice. Soliloquies are a form of dramatic monologue - an extensive speech that is an insight into the mind of the speaker.
Examples of Dramatic Monologues - Man
Examples of Dramatic Monologues - Woman
Comedic Monologue
Comedic monologues are a more recent discovery, popularized by stan-up comics. The script is usaully full of wit, sarcasm and irony. They are much more animated and uses hand gestures and body language as a form of expression.
Examples of Comedic Monologues - Man
Examples of Comedic Monologues - Woman
Monologues for Kids
Monologues for kids should come from scripts designed for children. They do not have to have an extensive number of rehearsed monologues. One comedic monologue and one dramatic monologue should be enough. A one-minute monologue should be long enough for most acting auditions for kids.
Examples of Monologues for Kids - Boy
Examples of Monologues for Kids - Girl
Musical Monologues
Musical theatre was actually an extension of the dramatic monologue. When a singer performs a musical piece, he or she is actually performing a monologye. The monologue comes in the form of a song expressing the character's thoughts.
Examples of Musical Monologues
MONOLOGUE TIPS AND GUIDELINES
- Choose a monologue that is appropriate for your age group and a character that you can relate to.
- If auditioning for a particular role, find a monologue that fits in the same genre (dramatic role = dramatic monologue)
- Time yourself and make sure the monologue fits the length acceptable for the audition (usually one to three minutes).
- Pick a monologue that is interesting and will grab the attention of your audience. An "engaging" monologue will make the audience feel like they are personally involved with your character as opposed to just listening to you tell them a story.
- Memorize the monologue until you can recite it entirely. Breaking it down into parts (beginning, middle, end) will help.
- Read the entire script that the monologue is from. Knowing the whole story, the circumstance, and the background will help you develop your characters
- Study and understand your character. What does he/she wants? How will he/she get it?
- Remember a monologue is still a dialogue in which the other person doesn't speak. Imagine the who the person you're speaking to in the monologue and his/her reactions.
- Record your monologue on tape and play it back to yourself repeatedly to help you memorize it.
- Try performing the monologue in several different ways. Be prepared to perform it more than one way at the audition.
- Practice performing the monologue. First to an inanimate object, then for a personal audience (a friend, family), and if possible to a professional (another actor or acting agent).
- Practice it as much as possible. Make sure to always get feedback. Constructive critisism is very important so you can improve.
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