What Monologues Should Actors Avoid?
A Guide to Selecting the Right Material for Auditions
(By Tonya Tannenbaum)
(Photo: Pixabay | Pexels)
Choosing the right monologue for an audition is crucial to making a lasting impression on casting directors and other industry professionals. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, certain monologues are generally best avoided. These pieces may not serve you well, either because they are overdone, overly complex, or simply not suited to your acting strengths. In this article, we will discuss which monologues actors should avoid, the reasons behind those choices, and how to pick material that showcases your skills effectively.
1. Overused or Cliché Monologues
Why Avoid Them:
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a monologue is whether it has been done to death. Overused pieces tend to lose their impact because they’ve been performed by countless actors in auditions, plays, and even films. Casting directors have likely heard the same lines time and time again, and your performance may fail to stand out as a result.
Examples to Avoid:
- Hamlet (To be or not to be soliloquy)
- The Glass Menagerie (Tom’s monologue)
- A Streetcar Named Desire (Blanche’s monologues)
- Death of a Salesman (Willy Loman’s speeches)
How to Avoid This Pitfall:
Choose a monologue that is less commonly performed. Look for contemporary or modern pieces that are more relevant to the role you are auditioning for. If you do choose a classic monologue, make sure to interpret it in a unique way that makes it feel fresh and personal.
2. Monologues That Don’t Showcase Your Range
Why Avoid Them:
A monologue should ideally showcase your range as an actor. If you choose a piece that only demonstrates one aspect of your acting ability, you may miss the opportunity to present a broader spectrum of your talent. Casting directors want to see versatility, depth, and emotional complexity, so it’s important to select a monologue that allows you to showcase a variety of emotions, tones, and physicality.
Examples to Avoid:
- A monologue with only one emotional tone (e.g., a sad piece with no variation)
- Monologues that are too short or have little to no character development
How to Avoid This Pitfall:
Pick a monologue with emotional depth and a clear arc. Ensure that the character goes through some kind of transformation or emotional shift throughout the speech. This will give you the opportunity to showcase different facets of your acting skills, such as transitioning from anger to vulnerability or from confusion to clarity.
3. Monologues Outside of Your Type
Why Avoid Them:
It’s tempting to want to try something outside of your usual type or comfort zone, but audition monologues should align with the roles you’re auditioning for. If you choose a monologue that doesn’t reflect your age, type, or the genre of the production you’re auditioning for, you risk confusing the casting team or not showcasing your true potential.
Examples to Avoid:
- A 20-something actor performing an elderly character’s monologue
- A comedic actor choosing a highly dramatic monologue from a tragedy
- A very serious actor attempting a whimsical or slapstick comedy piece
How to Avoid This Pitfall:
Stick to monologues that align with your casting type, especially if you’re auditioning for a specific role. If you’re auditioning for a dramatic role, choose a dramatic monologue; if it’s a comedic role, find something funny that fits your style. Casting directors want to see how well you fit the role they are considering you for, so avoid choosing material that doesn’t fit the character type or tone of the show.
4. Monologues That Are Too Long
Why Avoid Them:
While longer monologues can be a great way to showcase depth, they are a risky choice for auditions. Most casting directors prefer to see a brief but impactful performance—usually no more than 1-2 minutes. Monologues that are too long can cause your performance to drag, leaving little room for emotional variation or depth. Auditions are often time-limited, and a lengthy monologue may simply not fit within the time constraints, which could negatively impact your chances.
Examples to Avoid:
- Soliloquies or long speeches from classic plays, such as Macbeth or King Lear
- Overly detailed monologues from plays that require significant backstory to understand
How to Avoid This Pitfall:
If you choose a longer monologue, make sure to edit it down to fit the time limit of the audition. Aim for a piece that can be performed in 1-2 minutes, allowing you to convey emotional complexity while respecting the time limitations of the audition. Cutting unnecessary dialogue or backstory can help you focus on the most powerful moments.
5. Monologues That Don’t Fit the Audition’s Genre or Tone
Why Avoid Them:
When auditioning for a specific project, it’s important that your chosen monologue fits the tone of the production you’re auditioning for. If you’re auditioning for a drama, performing a slapstick comedy piece won’t have the same impact as a well-chosen dramatic monologue. Similarly, a monologue with a lighthearted tone might not be appropriate for a dark or intense play.
Examples to Avoid:
- A dramatic monologue for a comedy audition
- A lighthearted comedic piece for a serious drama role
How to Avoid This Pitfall:
Tailor your monologue selection to the type of show you’re auditioning for. If you’re auditioning for a drama, pick something that demonstrates emotional depth and seriousness. For a comedy, choose a piece with humor and timing. Make sure the style, tone, and genre of your monologue align with the production you’re auditioning for.
6. Monologues With Inappropriate Language or Content
Why Avoid Them:
It’s important to be mindful of the language and content in your chosen monologue. While some roles may require profanity or mature content, audition monologues should generally avoid language or themes that could be deemed offensive, especially if you are unsure of the audience’s tolerance for such material. Using explicit language or inappropriate content in an audition can create an uncomfortable environment and leave a negative impression.
Examples to Avoid:
- Monologues that contain explicit or offensive language, unless it’s necessary for the character or role
- Material with controversial themes (e.g., graphic violence or sensitive topics) that could alienate casting directors or producers
How to Avoid This Pitfall:
If your monologue includes strong language or adult themes, ensure that it is appropriate for the audition setting. If you’re unsure, consider choosing material that is more neutral and universally accepted, especially if you’re auditioning for a broader audience.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Monologue
Selecting the right monologue for an audition is key to making a positive impression and demonstrating your talent. While there is no absolute “right” monologue, avoiding pieces that are overused, overly long, or mismatched to the audition’s genre or tone is crucial. Choose material that aligns with your casting type, showcases your range, and fits the audition’s time frame and requirements.
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