Singing in a monologue.......?

Question

I have an audition for a performing arts course in a couple of weeks, and i have to perform a monologue, i realise that this is an acting piece, but could i sing as i enter the stage and as i leave if it seems like that would be something the character would do, the reason i ask is that i major in singing and i feel like the character im playing would sing as a reasurance mechanism. Ive asked this question before and ive got a very mixed response on wether it would be ok to do so.

P.S please take into accout that the character i play is a depressed individual who feels very alone in the world. I wont be singing to show that part of my tallent off i will just be doing it casually as to fit the characters persona.

Thanx xx

Answer 1

If this monologue is from a play (some aren't out there) and there is no direction to sing, you find this in the stage directions, then it is not a good choice as an actor. They want to see you act and I think a panel of educators would be a little offput by your choice. It may seem like the most natural choice and some directors may even allow making this type of choice but if it's not in the stage directions, your answer is very simple. No. It could
derail an otherwise good audition. Best to you.

Answer 2

I agree with Shkspr. Are you talking about singing a line or two as you enter in a way that makes it very clear why your character is doing this? Or is it really because you want to demonstrate your talent to the auditioners?

The fact that you mention your singing major makes me suspect the second, in which case, it'll be a distraction and will only demonstrate your lack of focus and lack of understanding of what this particular audition calls for.

If it's the first, then by all means, do it. But ask yourself this: if your character is trying to reassure herself, would she be singing well? If she's depressed, she's not going to sound like a fantastic singer. She'll sound like a depressed person trying to cheer herself up. If you can do that, if it fits your character, and you still think it's worth it, then rock on.

Answer 3

I dont know if the monologue has already been assigned to you or not, but there is currently on Broadway a very unususal play with a female character that is EXACTLY the personality type you are describing. There is a combination Song / monologue in the play Grey Gardens called "The revolutionary Costume For today" performed on YOUTUBE by Christine ebersole. She sings and does monologue inthe piece! Its incredible
ust check out YOUTUBE Grey gardens ebersole and you should get several clips of her singing it. the best one is at the Drama desk Awards.

Answer 4

I understand your thought process. If you sing, you will stand out and the auditioners will know you're creative. However, if a) the performing arts course is all acting, no singing or b) you will sing a separate song for your audition, it might be confusing and weird.

If you do decide to sing, work hard on it (with your voice teacher/coach if you have one) even though you want it to sound casual. You want it to look normal, reassuring, casual, but trust me, you don't want to sound like it. Act while you sing (well) to make it what you want. Don't lower the quality of your voice, just highten the quality of your acting instead.

Whichever you decide, break a leg!!

Answer 5

Don't sing during an audition unless it's a musical and you've a musical piece prepared; you'll be passed by.

A depressed person would be self-conscious and a self-conscious person might be afraid to sing.

I think if you sing you'd come off as too strong, particularly if you're a high-strung soprano.

If you sing in character, it's the director or author's choice. They may welcome your talent but theatre people are jealous of those music majors who can belt out a tune.

Answer 6

There is no problem if it fits with the character. However, as the first answer says, if it is from a play and there are no directions then you probably shouldn't.

Answer 7

If singing can be made an ORGANIC part of the monologue performance, then I don't see any problem with it.