Are these 2 Shakespearean monologues contrasting enough? I need 2 contrasting pieces for an audition?

Question

1. The Tempest - Act 2, Sc 2, Ln 23, Trinculo's speech:
"Here's neither bush nor shrub, to bear off..."
http://www-tech.mit.edu/Shakespeare/tempest/tempest.2.2.html

2. Two Gentlemen of Verona - Act 1, Sc 2, Ln 115, Julia's speech:
"O hateful hands, to tear such loving words!..."
http://www-tech.mit.edu/Shakespeare/two_gentlemen/two_gentlemen.1.2.html
(I can't figure out whether this is sad or funny!)

If not, can anyone suggest something else for the second piece? I want to do a female lovesick character lamenting over lost love or something like that. But I don't want to do the usual suspects like Romeo & Juliet or Hamlet. (A Midsummer Night's Dream is also out because that's the play I'm auditioning for.)

I'm female, but I chose my first monologue from a male speech because I couldn't find any very funny pieces written for females, and I love that Trinculo speech.

Answer 1

These don't qualify as contrasting monologues; they're both comedic. Of the two, you should keep the Julia piece -- which can be VERY funny if properly played -- and lose the Trinculo piece.

There's no reason to audition with a speech from a role that you couldn't conceivably be cast in RIGHT NOW.

If you continue to work on the Julia (comic) piece, then you should be looking for a strong dramatic piece to contrast it.

You want to stay off the beaten path? Here are a few to consider:

1) Lady Percy in "Henry IV, part one." The speech where she confronts him, and demands that he share his pre-battle emotions with her.

2) Imogen from "Cymbeline." The speech where she pleads with Pisanio to kill her, because she realizes that her husband thinks that she's been unfaithful.

3) Queen Margaret from "Henry VI, part two." There are several useful monologues in this play. Look for the one where she describes how hard it was for her to leave her native France, and how disappointed she has been with her marriage to King Henry.

That ought to get you started. But, again...keep Julia; lose Trinculo.

Answer 2

They're fine but you could also try the final scene of A Winters Tale for an excellent and underused female monologue. Good luck with the audition.

Answer 3

Try a monolouge from The 12th Night, it's the play the movie "she's the man" was based off of. there are plenty of funny/lovesick characters in there.

Answer 4

I know you said no Romeo and Juliet but the Nurse speech is great if you want funny

Answer 5

these are fine to me