Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 3/1/2009

Question
I am auditioning for "You're a Good Man... " in a couple weeks. The Dir. has made a monologue "optional" (it's comm. theater). I'm thinking that I want to audition with one. On the audition sheet, I will list "Snoopy" as the character of choice for the production (though am open to being cast in whatever would be the best fit). The problem is that I have no monologues in my repertoire and can't begin to think of what might be appropriate for "Snoopy".  Can you suggest a couple of monologues which are appropriate for the role/show? Would you suggest NOT going in with a monologue if I don't already have one in my repertoire? Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi there Ken...and thanks for writing.  

Auditioning with or without a monologue really depends on what your goals are for your work on stage.  If you want to go further in theatre then finding monologues and rehearsing them is the best idea.  If u just want to play then there is no need.  

Studying monologues is a great exercise though no matter what you are trying to do with drama in your life.  

As for a monologue, the best thing I can suggest is to go to the library and look for monologues for men collections.  Read through them and choose one that you like and can relate to.  And then do your best with it. First read it through often and decide what the character wants from The person they are talking to.  Then choose a couple of actions to show this in your performance.  Then rehearse.  

Does that help?

Wanda