Help, they want me to perform a monologue!!!

Get prepared for your career as an actor

By Chris Johnson - EFM Staff

When auditioning for a film or theatre project, you may be called upon to perform or send them via DVD a monologue(s).

When auditioning for film most of the time you are supplied a side (a portion of the script) to read from, ask for one as soon as possible before you get into the audition

Many times for a film, you will not be asked to perform a monologue but may be required to do a cold read from a side, but it is always a good idea to be prepared and have a number of monologues ready as you build your auditioning techniques and materials.

A monologue can come from any place, some use plays, personal papers, short stories or something that you have or have had written.

There are a number of options on the best monologues to use to display your talent.

Our suggestions on choosing the best monologues are below:

There are three main ingredients that your selected monologue(s) should include:

1- A complete story or situation

2- Display of a character type

3- A range of emotions.

• Make sure the piece is something that you as an actor can relate to completely.
• Look for a piece that is complete, a short story or situation.  Make sure it encompasses an introduction, middle and end.
• Make sure the monologues are fitting for your personality type, your age range and gender.
• Select something that will exhibit your effectiveness as an actor or actress.
• Choose something that is new and fresh; don’t go for the average run of the mill monologue that everyone else is performing. Pick something that will capture the attention of the casting personnel and make you shine.
• When selecting a monologue, take into consideration the role you are auditioning for, get sides from the casting office if you can and perform them. It's always best to work with a piece that is as close to the role you are trying to land.
• If you are unable to get sides, try to get as much of a detailed background and the situation of the character you are auditioning for and fashion your monologue as close as possible to the character and situation. This will help you display that you have a grasp on the character and situation surrounding the role.
•  Monologues typically need to be 1 to 2 minutes, sometimes they ask for 5-minute monologues or longer but unless requested keep them short and powerful as you can to help insure that the casting director remembers you. The goal is to separate your performance in the casting director’s mind from the hundreds of other people auditioning for your desired part.

Selecting and performing a monologue is not a simple decision, but the more prepared you are and the more research you do, you will enhance your chances of landing the role. Not to mention the wealth of experience you will get from honing your talent as an actor.

Know your monologue inside and out, practice and build different character outlooks and manners

We suggest that you build your monologue library and have as many monologues as you can so that you can call on them in the spur of a moment. Build dramatic, comedic, and classical and anything that can display your range of versatility and help you display your acting talent.

We have posted a few monologues in the EFM Gold Member only forum; however; only select what best fits you based on the criteria above.

 There are a large number of monologue resources on the Internet. Take the time to explore and investigate your options.

Remember, Acting is a job career. The more knowledge, preparation and research you gather, the better you will stand out as a performer and further your career as an actor or actress.

Chris Johnson - EFM Casting Coordinator

Share Click The Plus Sign Icon For More Social Networking Site Choices - Spread The Word
Business Cards Actors, Models Animal Actors Comp Card Affordable Zed Cards Affordable Comp Cards Affordable Headshots     Affordable Headshot Business Cards Be professional get the part, take something to leave casting personnel. Great for Extras to Professionals. Get 100 customized headshot business cards for $17.75! Zed Cards for as low as .45 each! Leave a headshot or business card as part of your audition materials, helps you stand out from the crowd Upload your own photo, graphic, or use a pre-existing headshot template. Create a quick and easy model or actor headshot Headshot Business cards and affordable headshot cards are professionally printed for all of your networking needs You can create and customize headshots cards online and choose from hundreds of font styles for free! * Choose from ten types of premium card stock. Custom Affordable Headshot Business Cards for Actors, Models and Extras. 3.5" x 2", $27.50 -100 pack Create a quick and easy headshot business card
	VISIT OUR FRIENDS
www.PhotosofCalifornia.com	www.WebmasterDeveloper.com	www.FilmLocationsWanted.com
www.ContestsGiveaways.com	www.HandmeaLine.com	www.TahitiHoneymoons.com
ExtrasForMovies.com Staff Auditions@ExtrasForMovies.com