When performing a monologue in an audition where do you look?

Question

During an audition, when performing a monologue/ audition piece, where do you look. This confuses me, because I've heard that you should never look at your auditioners, but then where do you look when in the audition piece you're adressing someone or the audience?

Answer 1

I've watched hundreds of actors perform thousands of auditions. By and large, the most effective pieces are those in which your character is addressing another person (or persons). Naturally, those other actors are not present with you onstage during your audition. Still, your focus needs to be ON THEM...wherever you imagine them to be.

In technical terms, I find it best to "place" those other characters at about a 30-degree angle downstage of where you're playing. That way, you can focus on them, while keeping yourself visible to your auditors. You're free to move wherever you want in the playing space; once you've set the (imaginary) other character(s), you always know where to find them.

Here's the bottom line: you're going to do your best acting when you're in a situation where you're trying to AFFECT another character. You're playing your objective/intention, and trying to get a particular response from that other person. In an audition context, nothing makes a stronger impression than seeing an actor doing that kind of work...even when he/she is alone onstage.

One last thing. It IS permissible to address your auditors directly in an audition. BUT...you must ask them first whether they're okay with it! And, if they're NOT...you had better be sure that the monologue you're using is equally effective either way. No auditor will (or should) ever grade you down for asking such a question.

Answer 2

Monologue Audition

Answer 3

I helps to take a monologue from a play, one that I use quite often if from Anne Frank, she is talking to Peter the entire time in the monologue, the other is from the Crucible and Abigail is talking to John. Granted I have had both these parts, but if the monologue is form a play then all you have to do is pretend there is another peroson on stage with you and interact as though they were there. However there are some monologues that arent' form plahy that can be preformed to the audience as a whole but don't pay any special attention to the people you are auditioning you, pretend you have a full house and act for everyone who would be there.

Answer 4

Well, you should be using a monologue from a play, first of all - not something just written as JUST a monologue (now if it is something from a play like Vagina Monologues or Search for Signs(...) or Molly Sweeny, that's a little different). With that in mind, do the monologue as if you were doing it within the context of the play. You should read the entire play. Know the character - their objectives, their beats, etc. Do the piece as the character. Would the charatcer be looking at a casting director or an empty house? Possibly. But likely not.

Answer 5

I would advise to never look at the auditioners, as i have heard of cases where the performer was great but didnt get a job simply because they focused on the judges and it intimidated them. Either way, it shows you are a good actor if you can maintain a focal point just directly above them and always look at that same point when you are delivering you monologue to that person.

Either way, break a leg!

Answer 6

I think you'd probably do best looking just above the auditioners, because usually a monologue is something that's addressing the audience, and it's been easier in my experience not to look directly at one person, just 'through' or above them, if you know what I mean. Good luck :)

Answer 7

It depends on your level of acting experience, and what your acting teacher taught you. Teachers/coaches have different ideas. Some agents/casting directors, don't like the actor to look at them, others don't mind. If it's an issue, ask the casting director/agent, before you start your monologue.

I saw two brilliant auditions where the actors, "used those of us in the the casting session, as part of his monologue." It worked, mainly becasue both actors were seasoned professionals. It's not something everyone can present successfully, and make it believable.

Answer 8

Act like there is an audience out there & look at all of them. Don't concentrate on the auditioners, but don't ignore them either!
It is a high wire act, but act like you are getting good response from your audience & look at them!!
Good luck! oh, sorry, break a leg!

Answer 9

IN MOST CASES YOU SHOULDNT LOOK AT THE AUDITIONER, BUT IN SOME IT IS OK, IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE TYPE OF MONOLOGUE THAT YOU ARE DOING. IN MOST CASE IF YOU ARE ON A STAGE YOU SHOULD LOOK OUT PAST THE AUDIENCE AT THE EXIT SIGNS IN THE BACK. GOOD LUCK !!!!!! HOPE I HELPED SOME

Answer 10

Pick an exit door in the rear of the auditorium. Focus on that point. Talk to that point. it will give the illusion of talking to the whole room, head up high, with agood profile of your person. If you feel the need to scan frmo point to point, use a second door at a similar level.