Monologues and Songs: Choosing the Right Material

Preparation: the name of the game. You do better, and you feel better. This includes rehearsal of your song and monologue (with a coach), what you wear, your resume, and directions to the theatre!

The evaluators want you to be good - they need you.

Be on time.

Know your "type" or "look" - age, physicality, height, and weight.
Develop a wide range of vocal varieties to offer - speaking and singing.

Acting ability is seen in the song as well as the monologue. It's in the eyes, whether you're totally involved, or just performing. Don't forget to act the song, rehearse and block the song, just like a scene.

Listen and be aware, both to what is said to you, and to others. Don't be the onewho doesn't know where to stand, or what's going on.

Dance ability - take training at your level, and keep it up. you may be called upon to do anything, and you can never be too talented for a role.

Dress clean, neat, conservative, professional, and ironed! If you can, dress toward the show's style or period, but subtly. Don't wear heavy shoes. No matter what. They make you clumsy, not elegant.

Have your resume updated, neatly printed, easy to read, and include most important or recognizable credits for that particular audition. your resume should change almost every time - just keep a master list on the computer, then cut and choose accordingly to the play, area, or director.

Find time in the audition to be yourself. be confident and secure, not apologetic or pitiful. be someone the director wants to work with and will enjoy, not dread and have to constantly build up. This can happen in 30 seconds with eue contact, a "thank you" or a handshake.