Question about monologues...

Hi everyone. I recently got an audition where I'm required to prepare and present a one-minute long monologue. No real big deal, I'm familiar with the format for auditioning, understand why and also got enough feedback to work out what might be a good topic or character to present. Thing is I haven't auditioned much in many years, and found the prep process quite a lot more daunting than it should have been. Wondering how other people deal with this format? Do you fall back on old stuff you've written? Perform classics? What to you do? etc.

I try to find a piece that is close to the character I am auditioning for. An example of this is a recent audition I did for "Camarilla" which is a very political play set in England- I chose the "Brit in New York" monologue from "Stuff Happens" so I could do the accent, and be discussing politics...sneaky I know, but I have found it helps....especially if casting directors have *tiny* imaginations. I still find it daunting, though...keeps me on my toes! The nerves never disappear for me until I have the part. Rae Johnston Actress/Voice Artist www.raejohnston.com

Good advice. This particular audition is not for any particular role though unfortunately, beyond the obvious categories of age and sex, so inventing something far more reaching is challenging. It's not really the way I prefer to audition people, but I only direct film not theatre. I suppose film has a lot more room for allowing the person to get into the zone, unlike the pressure and stamina required for theatre that would be better expressed in an open monologue. In the past I've actually allowed auditions to run up to 45 minutes, but I understand bigger companies don't have that luxury. I think also with film, because of the natural inclination to hire someone who looks the part, there is less breadth for acting as there is in theatre. Cassie Dart Actor-Writer-Director cassie.dart@fixedpoint.com.au

I don't think most theatre companies, small or large, have that kind of luxury to run 45 minute auditions. Unless they are group auditions and not one-on-one. I've never heard of a 45 minute one-on-one audition slot. The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

It depends really on the audition. If the audition is for an ensemble theatre play then it’s about the way you interact with others. It’s about working as a team/group and how well you form relationships. I personally love ensemble based auditions because it’s about the group as a whole not just you. It is where you have the opportunity to give and take eg. improvisation exercises. Group Auditions may vary from 30 mins to an hour. But when it is a one on one audition then making the panel remember you is what you need to achieve. And it is also important to how well you perform your piece. When coming down to choose a piece that is fresh and suitable for the role you are going for then always go with one that you are comfortable with. A monologue that you know very well, meaning you have read the play or seen the movie (so you know the storyline and character profile) it helps when you know the background of performing your monologue. Anyways mate I hope this helps. Nelio Henriques Sam Actor/Director

Thanks Nelio, I had wanted to get the conversation rolling on this topic and it is good to clarify a few things. In regards to theatre Na I totally agree, like I said, most groups or companies do not have the luxury of running 45 minute individual auditions, but Nelio is right, group auditions can go far longer. I've played a character in this roving theatre group for the government for a year now, with the project looking to go on for several years. You can understand with a big project like that they need to know that they have the right person, and my audition was a very tiring 3 hours! I couldn't believe it. But yes, Nelio is right, it depends on the audition. For a major Hollywood film I think repeated call backs are common, particular for action films or films that involve a wide range of skills. The reason for me taking a long time to audition people for my films - and the audition part itself may only be 5 or 10 minutes - is when you are doing an independent film, the commitment can be quite large for very little money. You also want to make sure you are going to be able to work well with the person, because on a low budget project the work environment can be far more team oriented. It's not about intimidating the person, but quite the opposite - giving them a real chance to forget they are at an audition at all. I'm even glad to say most people come out smiling, even if they don't get the part. As an actor, I'd love it if we could all get the same attention and consideration, but that's not always possible. Ah well, I didn't mean to go on. Each to their own. Either way, thanks to everyone, you've made me feel a little better about tonight! Cassie Dart Actor-Writer-Director cassie.dart@fixedpoint.com.au