How Do Actors Find Monologues?
For an actor, finding the right monologue is essential to making a lasting impression at an audition, in a performance, or in a class. A monologue is a great way to demonstrate an actor’s skill, range, and emotional depth, but finding one that suits both the character and the actor’s strengths can be challenging. Monologues come in various forms, including classical, contemporary, comedic, and dramatic pieces, and they can be sourced from many different places. In this article, we will explore how actors find monologues, why the choice of a monologue matters, and provide examples to guide actors in their search for the perfect piece.
1. Why Is the Choice of Monologue So Important?
Choosing the right monologue is key to an actor’s success. A well-chosen piece can showcase the actor’s strengths, align with the role they’re auditioning for, and highlight their ability to convey emotion. On the other hand, a poorly chosen monologue can make an actor seem ill-prepared or out of place, which can hurt their chances in an audition or performance.
1.1 The Right Fit for the Character
The monologue should match the character’s background, personality, and emotional arc. For example, an actor auditioning for a role in a Shakespearean play should choose a classical monologue from a similar work, such as Hamlet or Macbeth. An actor auditioning for a contemporary comedy may choose a humorous monologue from a modern play or film. The monologue should reflect the character’s needs and story, ensuring that the actor can deliver a performance that feels authentic and true to the material.
1.2 Showcasing the Actor’s Range
Actors use monologues to display their range, so selecting the right piece is crucial in showcasing the breadth of their abilities. Whether it’s a dramatic monologue that requires deep emotional work or a comedic monologue that demands timing and humor, the chosen piece should challenge the actor and allow them to demonstrate their skills. A good monologue should reveal aspects of the actor’s versatility and emotional depth.
1.3 The Context of the Audition
Monologues should be chosen based on the audition context. For example, a general audition for a variety of roles might require a versatile, neutral monologue. However, an audition for a specific role in a show or movie might necessitate a monologue that mirrors the character’s personality or tone. The choice of monologue reflects how well the actor can adapt to the role they are auditioning for.
2. Where Do Actors Find Monologues?
Monologues can be found in many different places, ranging from classic plays to contemporary films, books, and even online platforms. Let’s explore some of the most common places where actors can find great material for monologues.
2.1 Classical Plays
The most traditional source for monologues comes from classical plays, particularly those written by Shakespeare, Chekhov, or other playwrights from the Western canon. Classical monologues often come from works with a rich, complex language and emotional depth, providing actors with the opportunity to showcase their ability to speak heightened or poetic language.
Example:
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Hamlet by William Shakespeare – “To be, or not to be, that is the question…” is one of the most famous monologues in all of literature. This reflective piece gives an actor the chance to explore themes of life, death, and the human condition.
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare – The character of Puck offers a playful, whimsical monologue that allows an actor to show off their comedic timing and energy.
Where to find them:
- Libraries or online platforms like Project Gutenberg often provide free access to classical plays.
- Websites like Shakespeare’s Monologues or Monologue Archive offer searchable collections of monologues from famous playwrights.
2.2 Contemporary Plays
Many actors turn to contemporary plays for monologues that speak to modern themes and issues. Contemporary playwrights like Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee, Sam Shepard, or Tracy Letts have created iconic characters that have memorable monologues full of emotional depth and relevance to today’s world.
Example:
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The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams – Tom Wingfield’s monologue about escaping the confines of his home and his responsibilities provides an actor with a deeply emotional piece that showcases themes of family, duty, and personal freedom.
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August: Osage County by Tracy Letts – The character of Violet Weston has many powerful monologues, with one particularly unforgettable moment where she confronts her family, full of venom and bitterness. This dramatic piece allows an actor to explore raw, vulnerable emotions.
Where to find them:
- Modern plays are often available through libraries, bookstores, or online play databases like The New York Theatre Workshop or Dramatists Play Service.
- Websites like StageMilk and Monologue Blogger also have collections of contemporary monologues.
2.3 Movies and TV Shows
Film and television scripts can also be excellent sources of monologues, especially when auditioning for a screen role. Monologues from iconic films or TV shows often come with more specific character traits and contexts, making them perfect for actors auditioning for screen roles.
Example:
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The Pursuit of Happyness (film) – Will Smith’s monologue to his son in the car, encouraging him to believe in his dreams, is an emotional and inspiring piece perfect for a dramatic audition.
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Breaking Bad (TV) – Walter White has several powerful monologues that showcase his descent into moral ambiguity. A strong actor can find complex emotions within his transformation.
Where to find them:
- Movie scripts are available on websites like IMSDB (Internet Movie Script Database) or Simply Scripts.
- TV scripts can be found on TV Writing or The TV Writers Vault.
2.4 Books and Novels
Sometimes, actors can adapt monologues from novels or books. While novels don’t provide the same structured dialogue as plays, many contain inner monologues or passages where a character reveals their thoughts and emotions. These can be turned into a compelling spoken piece for an audition.
Example:
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The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – Nick Carraway’s internal monologue about Gatsby’s dream of love and the American Dream provides rich, reflective material.
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To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – Atticus Finch’s closing speech in the courtroom is an impassioned defense of justice and morality.
Where to find them:
- Books, obviously, are the best place to find these. When looking for a monologue in a novel, focus on sections where the character reveals themselves or speaks directly to another character.
2.5 Online Monologue Databases
There are a wealth of online resources where actors can find monologues. These sites compile monologues from plays, films, books, and more. They are easy to search by theme, gender, length, or type (comedic, dramatic, etc.), making it easier for actors to find a monologue suited to their needs.
Example Websites:
- Monologue Blogger – Offers a variety of monologues for male and female actors, including contemporary, classical, and comedic pieces.
- StageMilk – Provides a wide selection of monologues, often with notes on performance, character, and themes.
- Actor’s Studio – Contains a diverse range of monologues, including selections from film and TV scripts.
These websites are excellent starting points for actors looking for material for auditions, monologue performances, or practice.
3. How to Choose the Right Monologue
Once an actor has a pool of monologues to choose from, they must decide which one will best suit their needs. There are several factors to consider when making this choice:
3.1 Suitability to Audition Type
An actor’s choice of monologue should be tailored to the type of audition they’re attending. For example, if an actor is auditioning for a role in a comedic show, a funny, light-hearted monologue would be ideal. However, for a drama-heavy role, a more intense, emotional piece may be appropriate.
3.2 Age and Typecasting Considerations
Actors should choose monologues that align with their age range and appearance. While it’s tempting to choose a monologue from a role that you’re drawn to, it’s important to remember that casting directors will be looking at whether you physically and emotionally match the character they are seeking. Choosing a monologue from a character similar to the role you’re auditioning for can make a big impact.
3.3 Emotional Range
Choose a monologue that allows you to explore the full range of emotions. A well-rounded piece provides opportunities for growth and depth, allowing you to showcase your acting range. For example, a monologue that starts lighthearted but shifts into something dramatic or tragic can reveal your emotional depth.
4. Examples of Successful Monologue Selections
4.1 Viola Davis in Doubt
Viola Davis is a great example of an actor who carefully selects monologues to demonstrate her range. In Doubt, Davis delivered a standout performance in a scene where she explains her doubts about the priest. This monologue required her to convey vulnerability, certainty, and emotional conflict, showcasing her incredible range.
4.2 Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver
De Niro’s performance in Taxi Driver is iconic, partly because of his inner monologue, “You talkin’ to me?” This piece is so memorable because it conveys the growing frustration and alienation of his character in an authentic way. It highlights the power of a well-selected monologue to convey a character’s journey.
5. Conclusion
Finding the right monologue can be a challenge, but it’s essential for an actor’s success in auditions, performances, and acting classes.
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