One of the most exciting times for a young actor is the time when they're auditioning for acting school. For most of us, this is the beginning of our true training, the period where we begin to hone our talents and skills as actors. Choosing the right acting school is important, and if your goal is to get into one of the better acting schools (which for most of us it is), you'll need to choose some great monologues to audition with. Here are a few tips for picking monologues that are right for you.
Most acting schools require that you prepare two monologues for auditioning. Usually they want to see monologues of contrasting character, and the total time for both monologues should run about four minutes. The truth is, if you can do your monologues in less than four minutes (and do them well), you're that much better off. If your monologues run over four minutes, the auditors will cut you off. You won't be able to finish your monologues, and if the end of your second monologue shows your best acting, this is obviously a real problem. So keep mindful of this. If you can, aim your total monologue time to be around 3 minutes and 30 seconds, and at the most, 3 minutes and 45 seconds, as that will leave you 15 extra seconds if something should take longer when you're in the actual auditioning process. You can also cut your monologues to fit the time frame, but be sure to keep in the important parts and make sure as well that they retain a proper flow.
If you're unsure of how to choose two contrasting monologues, here are some basic principles to follow. Contrasting monologues involve characters from different plays and genres; most actors choose one that is modern and one that is classical. To show off your acting chops to the various acting schools, make one a comic character and the other a dramatic character, that way it will be clear that you're very versatile, and can do both dramatic and comic parts.
Another important element to choosing the right monologue for acting school auditions is to choose monologues from characters that are close to your age and experiences. For instance, you won't want to choose a monologue from a character that's 60 years old and dealing with the death of their grandchild, no matter how well you think you could play the part. A big key to getting the part, and in this case, getting into acting school, is to be believable. So choose parts that your future acting school teachers can see you in—let them know you understand this principle. And though you do have some leeway with age, you'll definitely want to keep that opening relatively small.
Unless you are really versed in Shakespeare, you may want to opt for monologues from other classical writers that are easier to grasp and understand, such as Chekhov. This isn't to say there aren't a lot of great Shakespeare monologues, but Shakespeare is full of hidden context, all of which is wrapped in language that's over 400 years old, so unless you've really studied Shakespeare intently (and that means well beyond your English class), you will most likely miss a lot of the context and language and flub up certain parts of the monologue. Most auditors at acting school auditions will be familiar with Shakespeare and know that you're missing the mark.
Finding monologues for acting school can be challenging, but it's also a fun process. Just make sure to be prepared and rehearse; do your monologues in front of those you trust and get some critique for your current high school acting teachers as well. Acting schools are a great experience and you want to arm yourself with the best possible chances of getting into a good one, so make sure your audition monologues are up to par.
Most acting schools require that you prepare two monologues for auditioning. Usually they want to see monologues of contrasting character, and the total time for both monologues should run about four minutes. The truth is, if you can do your monologues in less than four minutes (and do them well), you're that much better off. If your monologues run over four minutes, the auditors will cut you off. You won't be able to finish your monologues, and if the end of your second monologue shows your best acting, this is obviously a real problem. So keep mindful of this. If you can, aim your total monologue time to be around 3 minutes and 30 seconds, and at the most, 3 minutes and 45 seconds, as that will leave you 15 extra seconds if something should take longer when you're in the actual auditioning process. You can also cut your monologues to fit the time frame, but be sure to keep in the important parts and make sure as well that they retain a proper flow.
If you're unsure of how to choose two contrasting monologues, here are some basic principles to follow. Contrasting monologues involve characters from different plays and genres; most actors choose one that is modern and one that is classical. To show off your acting chops to the various acting schools, make one a comic character and the other a dramatic character, that way it will be clear that you're very versatile, and can do both dramatic and comic parts.
Another important element to choosing the right monologue for acting school auditions is to choose monologues from characters that are close to your age and experiences. For instance, you won't want to choose a monologue from a character that's 60 years old and dealing with the death of their grandchild, no matter how well you think you could play the part. A big key to getting the part, and in this case, getting into acting school, is to be believable. So choose parts that your future acting school teachers can see you in—let them know you understand this principle. And though you do have some leeway with age, you'll definitely want to keep that opening relatively small.
Unless you are really versed in Shakespeare, you may want to opt for monologues from other classical writers that are easier to grasp and understand, such as Chekhov. This isn't to say there aren't a lot of great Shakespeare monologues, but Shakespeare is full of hidden context, all of which is wrapped in language that's over 400 years old, so unless you've really studied Shakespeare intently (and that means well beyond your English class), you will most likely miss a lot of the context and language and flub up certain parts of the monologue. Most auditors at acting school auditions will be familiar with Shakespeare and know that you're missing the mark.
Finding monologues for acting school can be challenging, but it's also a fun process. Just make sure to be prepared and rehearse; do your monologues in front of those you trust and get some critique for your current high school acting teachers as well. Acting schools are a great experience and you want to arm yourself with the best possible chances of getting into a good one, so make sure your audition monologues are up to par.
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