Expert: John T. Aney - 9/15/2005

Question
Hello, I have very little acting experience but I have an audition to prepare for.  I was have taken a voice and movement class, but I have no experience reciting words.  I was wondering what first steps do you think I can take.  I need to do a classical and contemporary monolouge.  One dramatic and one comedic.  It would be really great if you could suggest a book or certain play that I could work on, something that hasnt been overdone.  I was actually thiking of doing something from Othello, or should I just do the standard audition book thing.  Thanks for all your help.
-miguel

Answer
Miguel,

There is nothing wrong with doing something from an audition book - there are lots of good books of monologues out there.  Definitely do a Shakespeare, but stay away from Hamlet.  Most important, no matter what monologues you do, read the entire play before you start working on the monologue.  Go to your local library or bookstore and check out monologue collections.

Good luck!

jta