Q&A for How to Perform a Monologue

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  • Question
    How do I make my voice sound serious?
    Community Answer
    To make your voice sound serious, imagine yourself in a situation where you're facing someone who has wronged you and hurt you deeply in the process. (You could also imagine any other scenario in which you would need to be serious.) This should help you sound more serious and convincing.
  • Question
    How can I look experienced while I'm playing my part?
    Community Answer
    Practice your part when you're at home. Look at monologue videos, and gain some strategies from those. Imagine there's people where you're practicing so you won't feel shy.
  • Question
    What if I forget something and everyone notices?
    Community Answer
    Learn to shake off any mistakes and focus on learning from them. If something does go wrong, just try and cover it up and make it seem natural. Whatever you do, don't break character.
  • Question
    How do you stay calm when doing a monologue or speech?
    Community Answer
    Find something in the room or place to stare at besides your audience. Never rush through a performance, and speak naturally and fluently.
  • Question
    How can I cry when performing a monologue?
    Community Answer
    Stare until your eyes water into the audience. Remember that you are trying to portray emotion. You may find it helpful to read How to Cry On the Spot .
  • Question
    If I don't know my character, how will I make a monologue about them?
    Community Answer
    Do some research and character analysis to find out more. If you can't find out more, choose a different monologue, or create your own.
  • Question
    Which way is the best: auditioning without looking at your script or looking at it?
    Community Answer
    Casting directors like it better when you do not look at the script, but if you forget you can peer down at the script a few times.
  • Question
    When do I get the script before I audition for a TV show?
    Community Answer
    Often you won't get the script, just a general idea of the concept of the show and the character you are auditioning for. You will often be expected to prepare something in the same style as the show for your audition (a comedy for a comedic show, something dramatic for a drama etc). Also, consider the character you are auditioning for. You don't want to act as an old lady in an audition for a teenage girl. Mostly you will not actually see the script unless you get a callback and they want to see how well you do the real thing. It's easier to stop spoilers getting out that way.
  • Question
    How do I work out actions?
    Community Answer
    When you have started to memorize your monologue, start thinking a lot more about the words and the character and mood you are trying to portray. Often actions start coming naturally as you get into character. It is best not to sit down and make the actions up, because that can end up with you looking like a mime as you say your monologue, doing big exaggerated movements. Actions should be subtle and natural.
  • Question
    Will I need to introduce my character so that they know what I'm doing?
    Community Answer
    In specific situations, you may need to introduce a character name and state what play the monologue is from so that whoever you're performing in front of has some context. If it's a self-written monologue, you may need to introduce the character and give some context regarding what the monologue is about.
  • Question
    How do I kill the monologue without any experience?
    Community Answer
    Make sure you're confident and really get into the character. Sometimes I like to dress up as the character so I can play him/her better.
  • Question
    What is the first step when entering in the auditioning room? What must I do and what must I avoid doing?
    Community Answer
    Firstly, be confident. Walk in with purpose. If the casting directors have questions for you, answer like you're sure of yourself, even if you aren't. If you make a mistake while reading the script, don't stop.
  • Question
    What if I get nervous and am not able to speak?
    Community Answer
    Just breathe and tell yourself that you are okay and there is nothing to be afraid of.
  • Question
    Could I play multiple characters in the same monologue?
    Rainy
    Top Answerer
    You can perform your monologue in this way, but it is not recommended. Monologues are meant to show off your ability to stay in character and interact with other people and events onstage, so it's best to pretend that there are other actors playing the other characters. You can even tweak your monologue to make it clearer; for example, if a character you're not playing tells you to go to the store to buy milk, instead of replying with just "Yes, I'll do that," you can adjust your line to be "Yes, I'll go buy some milk."
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