A monologue can prove your acting skills!

How often have you seen a casting call with the following sentence: "Please prepare a monologue for your audition".

What exactly is a monologue? The Webster’s dictionary defines a monologue as a "dramatic sketch performed by one actor".

Why do some casting directors want you to perform a monologue? Very simply: to see your talent. If you are Jack Nicholson or Eddy Murphy you most definitely don't have to perform a monologue. But if you are a beginner or a relatively unknown actor the casting team may want to see you perform a monologue to learn more about you. Don't be too nervous about it, because your monologue gives you the opportunity to show your acting abilities. Moreover, YOU get to pick your own monologue. And you get to practice it at home or with an acting coach.

Always keep comedic, dramatic, contemporary and classic monologue at hand. Sometimes a casting director or producer may not even mention a monologue in their casting call. Prepare one anyway - but make sure the monologue fits the role you are auditioning for. If you are auditioning for a role in a modern comedy performing a piece from Shakespeare's Hamlet may just make you look stupid! At the audition ask if you may perform it, and if there is time they may grant you permission. Sometimes the casting team might be so thrilled with your cold reading from their script that they don't need to hear you perform a monologue.

Bottom line: if you are a beginner actor, start reading monologues; choose the ones that will bring out your acting abilities and start rehearsing. Keep them short - most casting directors prefer monologues under 2 minutes.