Can you change a monologue

I would also add that even on a production that is sticking strictly to the lines, you can always discuss issues with a director. I was interviewing Jack Thompson recently and he told me a story where he was preparing for a real-life character by listening to a recording of actual clips from a courtroom.

He heard something in the tapes that he felt had to be used in the film and went to Clint Eastwood who was directing and asked to add the line in. And he did! Directors and writers are often open to these suggestions, but this is very different from being lazy in your preparation on a script. We as actors must always aim to honour the work of the writer, no matter how bad the script may be.

And, if we are working on truly great writers, we must be even more diligent. However, there are plenty of times where bringing your own creativity and augmenting the script might even be the reason you book the job! At the end of the day, you have to understand the tone of the production. If you have an impulse and you feel it will be supported, go for it. I know actors who even when auditioning for major productions add little extra lines or make changes to give it a point of difference.

Actors Toolbox: The Basics. How To Survive Pilot Season. Onya Andrew!! Once you have an appropriate piece picked out, it's time to think about how long it needs to be Most auditions especially open calls or "cattle calls" are lengthy processes for the casting director involved. They are sometimes seeing hundreds of people every day, so it is your job to give them something good, but just as important, something short.

The old cliche "leave them wanting more" should be your mantra. Think of your monologue as an appetizer. Give them a taste of the best of what you have to offer them for this particular show, but JUST a taste. That way, they'll be compelled to call you back to see more, or to read from a script. Where to cut. Many successful monologues for auditions aren't monologues at all. They are sometimes scenes that are one-character heavy, and with a little artful editing, the lines from the other character in the scene can be eliminated.

Any time your character has an interaction with another character eliciting a simple "yes," "no" or "uh huh" type response, you can most likely cut those right out without worrying about hurting the monologue. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8. Monolgoues from newer plays are perfectly acceptable, assuming they are from plays or musicals of literary merit.

Do not simply write your own monologue. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4. Is it okay to write your own monologue if you think it shows a particular set of skills you want to convey? Yes, usually this is fine. However, check the audition information beforehand as you might be required to perform a specific monologue that those holding the audition want everyone to read.

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3. Is it a problem if I learned a monologue from a TV show instead of a movie? I was aware of the mistake 5 days before the audition. Bridgett Weaver. A monologue doesn't just have to be from a movie, so just do the one you practiced.

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 6. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you are well rehearsed you will perform your monologue well. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Be confident and tell yourself that you're able to do it and don't be upset or disappointed if you're not chosen. Even though you may have had a wonderful audition, you may not get the part. Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0.

Related wikiHows How to. How to. Expert Interview. More References 4. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Lesly Kahn, MFA. Co-authors: Updated: August 10, Categories: Auditioning. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 58, times. I really don't like monologues, but reading this helped me to choose one that is right for me and shows who I am.

Rated this article:. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. I do suggest dropping your eyes only not your head for a brief 3-second countdown into the piece at the very beginning, but otherwise, let the auditors see your eyes as much as possible.

This will involve them in the piece and keep them with you. Hating the material You are the producer, director, actor and designer of your monologues, and every monologue audition gives you an opportunity to run with this incredible artistic freedom. Do you like watching a cast that is not excited about performing the play? Your monologues have the potential to be expressions of why you want to act in the first place; celebrations of your favorite writers, and also thrilling experiments and challenges.

Solution: Do whatever you need to do to find material you love read more, do some thinking about what writing excites you the most and get to work. See Why you should have 20 monologues and other articles on this website for ideas about finding material. Acting to looking at the auditors When we interviewed 7 industry professionals for The Monologue Audition Video, all but one said they hate it when actors directly to them, or otherwise use them during the piece.

Most actors seem to know not to do this, but it still happens. Solution: Find a place to focus that best creates the illusion that you are talking to someone just behind them. You can adapt this focus if necessary to create the illusion that you are speaking to more than one person, a group, yourself, God, etc. Practice working off of your own instincts and sense of truth, as you act the monologue to that focus choice with someone watching, this is essential. Practice with a friend until you are sure your focus looks the way you want it to.

They end up acting their piece for the corner! Solution: Always give those watching you the fullest experience of your performance they want to audition you, not your profile. Standing too close to the auditors Acting too close to the auditors can make them extremely uncomfortable as you would be if a stranger got too close to you!

I have recently been hearing of auditions that actually put markers down on the floor, and ask actors not to cross them. Each audition room is different, and each room will require different choices.

Solution: Learning how to find the best spot for your performance is part of your showmanship. Practice, ideally with a friend, walking into different rooms and identifying the best acting area.