monologue help?

Question

I'm looking for a contemporary dramatic audition monologue either an original piece or from a play, but it has to be written for stage performance.

I am a female, but I don't generally have a preference for the character I'm reading.

Anything really helps, thanks!

Answer 1

Just start reading plays and pulling material!

Not sure how old you are or what kind of character you are audtionin for, so it's hard to make suggestions...

Check out "Eleemosynary" by Lee Blessing...great peices for different ages in there. I've used a monologue from it before and it worked well.

There is a book called "The Ulitmate Scene and Monologue Resource Book" you can find at most bookstores or Amazon.com that has LOTS of suggestions, broken down by age and subject.

And as for usuing an original peice, you have to be very careful. Most directors are going to want you to do something from an actual play, but there is a fully developed character behind it and not just an independant monologue. Never do a monologue for an audition unless you've read the play unless you don't have any other option. It's the best way to connect with the character.

Answer 2

to be any good the monologue has to fit you like a glove, to be a role you would be cast in. Read Picnic by WM Inge and To Gillian on her 37th Birthday (I forget the author) and The Importance of Being EArnest by Oscar Wilde for good monologue material.