Would it be possible to use a book extract as my monologue?

Question

I am auditioning for the NYT at the end of Feb. and need to know if I would be able to use a book extract for my monologue, despite them saying it should be from a play. The book is called 'A Long Way Down' by Nick Hornby, it's a really great book and wondered if I would be able to use one of the begining pages, since they are so akin to monologues. I asked my drama teacher and she said it would be something new for them, but I'm searching for your expertise. Thanks

NYT = National Youth Theatre (of the UK)

It really isn't written like a book though. If I hadn't read the book I could have said it was from a play. It
is about suicide and such. If I don't use this I will have trouble finding something else.

I am an emotional actor, and am strong both physically and vocally. The casting stage for an amature production of 'The Visit' by Durrenmatt that I am in has commenced. Are there any good monologues in that?

Answer 1

I don't think an extract from a book is what the auditioners are looking for. You want to show them that you can act, so I would strongly recommend a speech from a play. Choose something that appeals to you & something that shows your skills. Many actors are stronger either vocally or physically - which is your strength? Are you an emotional actor? Good at comedy? Can you handle speechs in verse? Are you good at mime? Your answers to these questions should influence your choice. Also listen to your drama teacher's advice. Good luck with the audition.

YES, I think there are speeches in 'The Visit' that could be performed as a monologue. Reading the script is a good idea, as this is the play for which your auditioning.

Answer 2

I have two responses to your question:

1) In general, it's wise to choose monologues from published plays. Regardless of how beautifully written the Hornby passage is, and regardless of how much you admire the book, you just have to understand that the novelist's "voice" is ENTIRELY different from the playwright's "voice." One is writing for a reader, and is appealing to an individual's imagination, while the other is putting together words and ideas with the EXPRESS purpose of having them spoken aloud and publicly.

2) If the auditors already TOLD you that your piece "should be from a play," why are we even having this conversation? Believe me, if I was conducting the audition, and I told the actors in advance to prepare something from a PLAY, and you walked in and started performing an excerpt from a BOOK...you would have absolutely ZERO chance of being cast. Why? Because you would have already demonstrated to me that you're incapable of taking my direction. It's not a good idea.

Answer 3

You would be taking a chance either way. Directors
might like the fact that you are being creative or (like mentioned before) react by thinking you can't take 'direction' since you were expected to use a monologue from a play.
If you know about the director for this project, you would know which of these schools of thought he would lie. If not - I say follow your instinct.

Answer 4

Yeah it would be freash to incorporate some lines in a book for the play. Is this for an audition? You might as well mention to them that you have some creative alterations with the piece. You know they might be expecting, as not to have them shocked. Theres always room for creativity! :) Its nice to be unique too. Goodluck!

P.S. You know people are always in for something new or fresh. Have fun to all of your endeavors. :)

Answer 5

decide for it! i'm an avid adolescent reader and my prominent sort of books are those some woman attempting - and each so often failing - to attain her desires. Your tale may well be so outstanding and encouraging to human beings. What makes it ultimate is that it is your tale. Your English is astounding, do no longer concern approximately that area. it could even have super attraction to older readers. My mom is often interpreting books approximately real human beings attempting to interrupt out of their way of existence. Now, i'm a author, too, and that i are conscious of it could each and every so often be confusing to jot down. the main mandatory factor is to no longer be afraid. do no longer concern approximately something different than getting each and every thing down. Now, I have no thought what concern you're in (no remember in the adventure that your loved ones is against it or no longer, no remember in case you would be punished for attempting to jot down something like it, et cetera), yet you ought to nonetheless decide for it. cover it, in case you ought to. i in my opinion, relatively wish this facilitates you. Oh, and, particular, I do think of a narrative ought to alter right into a reader's prominent. i understand apparently like a narrative that i might enjoy. what's your call? i wish to be interpreting your tale and seeing it on the right of the bestseller's record quickly. good success

Answer 6

sure if that is the ticket into acting , go for it kiddo