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How to Choose a Monologue for an Audition (2026 Guide).

Photo by Frankie Cordoba on Unsplash

Choosing the right monologue for an audition can feel like a daunting task. With thousands of scripts out there, how do you find the one that best showcases your skills in front of directors and producers? The truth is, your monologue isn’t just about memorizing lines—it’s your chance to show casting directors your range, authenticity, and ability to connect to the character.

I’ve sat on both sides of the audition table, and let me tell you: the right monologue can make all the difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential steps to picking the perfect piece, so you can step into your audition with confidence.

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Understanding the Purpose of Your Audition Monologue.

Before picking a monologue, ask yourself: What is the purpose of this audition?

    • For a specific role? – Choose a monologue that fits the tone, style, and energy of the production.
    • For drama school? – Schools like Juilliard or RADA want to see range, emotional depth, and strong character choices.
    • For a general audition? Aim for a monologue that showcases your strengths, even if it’s not tied to a specific role.

Casting directors aren’t just looking at your acting skills. They want to see your ability to connect with material, make strong choices, and bring a character to life. Make sure your monologue helps you do that.

Check out the experts advice on audition techniques for more insights!

source: Adrian Balasoiu

Matching the Monologue to Your Strengths.

Your monologue should feel natural—like it was written just for you. Here’s how to find the perfect fit:

    • Play to your strengths. If you’re great at comedy, pick something that lets you shine. If emotional depth is your strong suit, go for a dramatic piece.
    • Stay age-appropriate. If you’re 18, don’t do a monologue about being a 50-year-old divorcee. Casting directors want to see you in roles that suit your casting type.
    • Avoid overly complex language. If you struggle with heightened text (like Shakespeare) and it doesn’t serve the audition, pick something more in your wheelhouse.

If you’re unsure what suits you best, ask a trusted coach or teacher. You can also record yourself performing different pieces to see what feels most authentic.

Finding the Right Genre and Style.

Theater, film, and TV all have different styles. The wrong monologue can feel out of place.

Classical vs. Contemporary:

    • Classical pieces (like Shakespeare or Molière) showcase vocal and text skills.
    • Contemporary monologues (written in the last 50 years) often feel more relatable and natural.

Comedy vs. Drama:

    • Comedic monologues should be funny because of the character, not because you’re trying too hard.
    • Dramatic monologues should allow you to showcase real emotions, not forced tears.

Consider what suits the project. A gritty, naturalistic play needs a different monologue than a stylized musical.

Considering the Length and Time Limit.

Most auditions require a 1-2 minute monologue. Shorter is better.

    • First-round auditions: Stick to 60-90 seconds (roughly 15-20 lines of dialogue).
    • Drama school auditions: Some allow longer monologues but always check guidelines.
    • If needed, cut it down. Keep the emotional arc intact, but trim excess dialogue.

Choosing a Monologue That Isn’t Overdone.

Avoid the same old pieces everyone else is performing. No matter how good you think your delivery of it is.

Overdone monologues to skip:

    • “To be or not to be” – Shakespeare
    • “And the first time I saw the Dead Boy” – The Library
    • “You’re out of order!” – Justice

Instead, dig deeper. Look for monologues in lesser-known plays or original works. Check out our New Indigenous playwrights guide for inspiration.

source: Toa Heftiba.

Connecting With the Material.

Your performance will be stronger if you feel a personal connection to the material.

    • Ask yourself: Can I relate to this character’s emotions?
    • Break it down: What’s the emotional journey of this monologue?
    • Find authenticity: Make sure you feel natural saying these words.

If the piece doesn’t excite you, the audience won’t feel it either.

Testing and Refining Your Monologue.

Once you’ve chosen your monologue, it’s time to polish it.

    • Rehearse in front of a coach, teacher, or trusted friend.
    • Film yourself and analyze your performance. Are you engaging? Do you connect with the text?
    • Try different interpretations. Play with pacing, volume, and emotion to see what feels right.

Here’s how to walk into the audition room with confidence:

    • Introduce your monologue clearly. Say:

“Hi, my name is [Name], and I’ll be performing [Monologue Name] from [Play Title] by [Playwright].”

    • If you mess up, keep going. Casting directors don’t care about small mistakes—just stay in character.
    • Own your space. Take a deep breath, ground yourself, and commit to the performance.

Pro Tips for Audition Success.

In closing, choosing the right monologue is all about finding what fits YOU. Pick something that plays to your strengths, fits the audition, and excites you to perform. And remember: confidence, preparation, and authenticity will always make you stand out.

Now, go find your monologue and nail that audition! Need help picking a piece? Drop a comment below, and I’d be happy to suggest one.

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