Monologue troubles.?

Question

Hey. I've acted in plays for about three years. It's fun and all but I know it's not for me. I'm told I'm good and I really want to try movies. I have an agent and can easily get a headshot but I need a monologue. I want something that says "I have talent." Maybe from someone catty. But I don't want to look like a diva because I really am not. I want something with.. character. Wordplay. I want it to be humorous but also I want to show that I can make you think, not just laugh. I want to make a great impression and I really don't want to end up like Steve Martin or Jim Carrey, who play the exact same person every time. I want to show my deep side. Haha. I know it's confusifying but that's what I want. Any ideas.

Thanks a ton, Maxwell. (look for my name, it's gonna be in lights)

To clarify, I know theater acting isn't for me. I want to do movies!

Answer 1

You ask for the perfect monolouge, in my personal opinion. The only problem is that I doubt someone would actually have the control and consistancy to write such a monolouge, and still leave you room to do you work.

Don't get me wrong, there are some absolutely amazing monolouges out there, I agree with the person who suggested Shakespeare, but having so many things in a monologue is tough to act. Humorous but thoughtful, catty but not diva-like? Something deep yet showing off your talent with a range? If I weren't a writer myself, I would say it was a total oxymoron.

My best advice is to search. Listen whenever you go to a play, write down monologues that people mention in conversation, ask your agent, go to the theatre, research online! It might hit you when you least expect it.

Something quite strange that I love is when actors take monolouges from books! Novels are such a different sort of literature, no stage directions, open to interpretation. You have an open canvas, which is frightening. I saw an actor recite a beautiful monologue from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. It was amazingly done, and left a unique impression. However, this option could be considered unwise. I might be drawn to the idea myself because of my preference of literature and culture. The combination of Austen and theatre! It's delightful to me.

But the choice is yours. All I can suggest is don't use the same monologue that everyone uses. You could be the most talented actor in the world, but there's only so much you can do to an overused, cliche paragraph of words. Don't settle. Find something that is witty and deep, that shows of your expression, and that shows true emotion. Best of luck, and if nothing else works, I could always try to write it for you! :D

Answer 2

You're not making much sense.

Acting is fun but you know it's not for you? Then why are you continuing with it?

You have an agent [supposedly] but don't have headshots? In my 25+ years in theatre, I've never heard of such a thing.

And if you have no arsenal of already learned monologues, how have you gotten cast in your lengthy three-year career?

And you want a monologue that will show that you can be humorous yet shows that you can make the audience think. Well, you obviously have a very, very healthy ego to think that it's you and not the material that's making the audience "think."

Anyway, your questions should be addressed to your agent, unless it's actually your mother and she's taking a much-needed and well-deserved break from her constant stream of praising you.

OK, that was catty, but I get a little irritated with people taking up room at auditions when they have no true interest in a career. The fact is, you need to get a hell of a lot more serious and focused if you're going for a career in the arts [and you need ten times as much determination if you're thinking of tackling Hollywood, Mr. "My Name Is Going To Be In Lights"].

But I'll close with some positive and helpful advice -- there are a ton of monologue collections available, so visit a bookstore and start perusing.

Answer 3

If you have an agent, and do not have a monologue, there is something wrong with your agent. Some one ready for having an agent all ready has not one, but three monologues ready to go at all times. Now, tell the truth, who is your agent? And if you have one, why do you need a monologue all of a sudden. Something fishy here tht doesn't add up. Write an tell me, I really am interested in your situations. And, oh yeah, read my profile.

Answer 4

have you ever tried shakespeare? shakespeare takes a lot of talent to act! and if you want something catty for a monologue try the jew from a merchant of venice. but if you don't think acting is for you then why are you trying it?