Are you preparing for an audition or are you doing a homework assignment for English class? Whichever it is, there are times when you will have to do a monologue. Including memorizing, there are things you need to do to prepare and practice for a monologue.
Instructions
1. Determine what is required for the monologue. Reciting a Shakespearean soliloquy for English class is different than doing a monologue for an audition for a play. While it is important to have feeling and character in an audition, you need to find out if you will earn extra points in English for putting some feeling into, “To be or not to be?” That is the question.
2. Use whatever method works for you to memorize the monologue. This is important, especially for auditions. Practice while you’re showering or exercising or driving to school or work. Directors want to see what you can do without a script in your hand, so it’s important to have it down.
3. Add movement to the monologue. Hand gestures, body language and facial expressions add life to a monologue. You can incorporate walking, but be prepared to cut it out if the classroom or audition room doesn’t allow for movement.
4. Time your monologue. You might love all of Hamlet's famous soliloquy, but if you are only supposed to give a 1 minute monologue, going over the time limit can detract from an otherwise good performance and reflect poorly on you.
5. Practice in front of a mirror, or better yet a video camera. Watch yourself for nervous movement, like swaying, tapping your foot or wiggling your fingers. Note the things you need to practice.
6. Practice in front of family or friends. Give them the printed copy of the monologue. Mention the things you might have problems with and ask them to take notes about your performance.
7. Get a good night’s sleep the night before you are to give the monologue. Eat a good breakfast and hold off on overdoing the caffeine. Take deep calming breaths before you start, relax and have fun.
