Selecting Fresh Shakespeare Monologues for Auditions

Shakespeare’s works have stood the test of time, resonating with audiences and actors alike for centuries. His monologues, rich in emotion and complexity, are a staple for performers seeking to showcase their talents, particularly during auditions where making a strong impression is crucial.

However, the challenge lies not just in delivering these iconic speeches but in selecting one that will capture the attention of casting directors. With countless aspirants turning to the Bard’s most famous soliloquies, standing out from the crowd requires a thoughtful approach to choosing the right piece.

Identifying Overdone Monologues

The landscape of audition pieces is often saturated with certain Shakespearean monologues that have been performed ad infinitum. These include Hamlet’s “To be or not to be,” Juliet’s “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo,” and Lady Macbeth’s “Out, damned spot!” While these speeches are undeniably powerful, their frequent use can lead to a sense of familiarity and fatigue among audition panels. Actors should be aware that these well-trodden paths may not allow their own artistry to shine through as brightly.

To distinguish oneself, it is beneficial to delve into less explored territories of Shakespeare’s oeuvre. This involves researching plays that are not as commonly performed or selecting monologues from popular plays that are not as immediately recognized. For instance, exploring the depths of “King John” or “Timon of Athens” provides fresh material that can intrigue and surprise directors. Alternatively, finding a lesser-known speech within a well-known play, such as a monologue from one of the “Henry IV” plays, can offer a new perspective on familiar themes.

The goal is to find a monologue that not only showcases an actor’s strengths but also demonstrates their ability to bring new life to Shakespeare’s words. It requires a balance of personal resonance with the piece and an understanding of the character that can be conveyed in a short audition setting. Actors should seek out monologues that align with their own experiences and emotional range, allowing them to inhabit the character authentically.

Monologue Selection Strategies

When selecting a monologue, actors should consider the dynamics of the character and the situation they’re in. A monologue that allows for a range of emotions or a transformation within the piece can demonstrate versatility. For example, choosing Angelo’s monologue from “Measure for Measure” where he grapples with his own hypocrisy showcases a complex emotional journey. Similarly, actors might consider the gender-neutral nature of many Shakespearean characters, which can open up a wealth of opportunities. A female actor might explore Richard II’s deposition scene, while a male actor could delve into Portia’s speech in “The Merchant of Venice.”

The language and rhythm of the monologue are also important. Actors should look for pieces where they can play with the iambic pentameter and use it to their advantage, creating a performance that feels both natural and dynamic. This might mean choosing a monologue with a varied meter or one that includes prose passages, which can break up the rhythm and showcase an actor’s ability to handle Shakespeare’s diverse styles of writing.

Research is a valuable tool in this process. Actors should read widely, not only the plays themselves but also scholarly analyses and critiques, which can offer insights into less obvious choices. Engaging with academic discussions or attending performances can reveal nuances in characters that are not immediately apparent, providing inspiration for monologue selection.

Preparing a Unique Monologue

To prepare a monologue that resonates with authenticity, actors must immerse themselves in the world of the character. This involves a deep dive into the character’s backstory, objectives, and the stakes of the scene. Understanding the social and historical context of the play enriches the actor’s interpretation, allowing them to make informed choices about their portrayal. For instance, grasping the political intrigue in “Coriolanus” can add layers of subtlety to an actor’s performance of the title character’s speeches.

An actor’s personalization of the text is what breathes new life into Shakespeare’s centuries-old words. This can be achieved by finding parallels between the actor’s life experiences and the character’s circumstances, thereby infusing the performance with genuine emotion. Actors might also experiment with the physicality of their character, exploring how movement and posture can convey the psychological state of the character and enhance the spoken word.

Collaboration with a coach or director can provide a fresh perspective and help refine the performance. They can offer constructive criticism on diction, pacing, and emotional delivery, ensuring that the actor’s interpretation remains clear and engaging. Additionally, practicing in front of an audience, even a small one, can help gauge the impact of the monologue and identify areas for improvement.

Auditioning with Shakespeare Today

The contemporary audition landscape demands a fresh approach to Shakespeare. Actors must navigate the delicate balance between honoring traditional interpretations and bringing a modern sensibility to their performance. This means understanding current trends in theater and film, and how these mediums are reimagining classic works. An actor might consider how a monologue would sound in a modern setting or with contemporary issues in mind, thereby making it more relatable to today’s audiences and directors.

Technology also plays a significant role in auditions now. With the prevalence of virtual auditions, actors need to be adept at performing for the camera as well as live audiences. This includes understanding framing, lighting, and sound quality, which can all affect the delivery of a monologue. The intimacy of a close-up shot, for example, might influence an actor’s choice of monologue or their approach to the text, encouraging subtler expressions and quieter, more nuanced performances.

Networking and self-promotion have become part of the audition process. Actors should be proactive in creating opportunities to be seen performing Shakespeare. This could involve participating in Shakespeare festivals, online performance platforms, or social media, where snippets of their monologues can catch the attention of casting directors and theater companies.