Perfecting Your Monologue

Before you start practicing a monologue, make a plan! Here are guideline questions for perfecting any monologue you do. They are questions because they are meant for you to ANALYZE.

First, ask: who are you talking to? Where are they? Picture them in their setting. How would your monologue's delivery change because of this? At all times imagine what the other person is doing, make decisions based on that.

What kind of play? If it's a naturalistic play, do not overact! Keep to the style of the play, it's very important.

If you choose a monologue where you are speaking to the audience, try to choose a different one. It's hard to portray well, and doesn't show off your connection to other characters. In storytelling monologues, there really is no arch, which is important. If you can't choose another one, pick someone you can talk to specifically. How would you talk to them? Have a motive, try to do something.

What did that person say right before you started talking? What made you want to say these things to them? If you know what they said, you can realistically portray what you would want to do and say. And when you pause, why would you? What did the person say, or what did their facial expression say? Try a different tactic, a different way to get what you want.

What is your relationship with the person you are talking to? Why are you even confronting them? Why don't you just leave?

What happens next? What is the other person doing after the monologue? What are they feeling?

What is the arch of the piece? Something changes in the middle, dynamics, climax, what is the change?
You begin feeling:
You end feeling:

Also, during an audition or rehearsal, a director may give you an adjustment. Even if this makes very little sense, it might just be to see if you can take direction so make sure you comply!

Choose a monologue that is age appropriate and shows emotional diversity!

Break a leg,
Maison