Expert: Peter Messaline - 2/17/2011

Question
Hi Peter

I am auditioning for a British Drama school, and they ask you to prepare a modern British monologue (post 1956, from a published play) and a monologue by Shakespeare (to contrast with eachother)

I am having problems finding suitable material for the contemporary piece, as the criteria are pretty specific. Do you know of any monologues that I could use? (If possible a comedic one as for Shakespeare, I am doing the Jailer's Daughter). I am 18, but could pass for older ( 20s)... just so you know what to look for.

Thank you very much for your time, and really anything will help!

Answer
Look at the plays performed by London theatres over ten years ago. Any play you recognise is likely to be published, and knowing about the first production will be a point in your favour.

This site lists plays written since 1956 (John Osborne's "Look Back In Anger")

http://www.doollee.com/Main%20Pages/1Plays.htm

http://www.doollee.com/Main%20Pages/1Characters.htm

There's no guarantee that they've been published, but there is a good deal of information
about the style of play, along with the number of characters

And there's this:
http://www.stageplays.com/index.php/browse/categories/modern_plays
Where you can get all the publication details.

These lists will give you places to start your search, but probably you could find a piece that will fit you best by going to a library with British plays and simply reading. Anything that catches your eye will be good -- it doesn't have to be anything you could reasonably play. But do be sure you read the play! There will be questions.

The drama school is looking for the most basic abilities at this stage. Look at books about doing auditions, to avoid the more usual ways of shooting yourself in the foot.