So, you’ve chosen the perfect drama school for you and got your application in. Now it’s time to prepare for the audition. Auditioning for drama school is a thrilling yet challenging endeavor. It’s a crucial step for aspiring actors and performers who wish to hone their craft and break into the world of theater and film. One of the key components of this process is your monologue performance. Here, we’ll delve into everything you need to know to prepare your drama school audition monologues.

From selecting your monologue, to rehearsal tips, to building confidence, here are the best things you can do to prepare your drama school monologues.

Understanding Drama School Audition Monologues

Before you start preparing, it’s important to understand what drama school audition monologues entail. Essentially, these are short, solo performances that showcase your acting skills to a panel of judges or instructors. They can be sourced from plays, films, or even self-written pieces. The goal is to demonstrate your ability to embody a character, convey emotions, and hold an audience’s attention.

A well-chosen monologue reveals a lot about your range and versatility as an actor. It should highlight your unique talents while also aligning with the requirements of the specific drama school.

Many institutions provide guidelines regarding the length, language, and genre of the monologues they expect. By thoroughly understanding these aspects, you’ll be better equipped to make a lasting impression.

Additionally, these monologues are not just about delivering lines. They are a test of your ability to interpret text, understand character motivations, and connect emotionally with your material. Emphasizing these elements will ensure that your monologue is both engaging and authentic.

Importance of Selecting the Right Monologue

Choosing the right monologue is a pivotal step in your audition preparation. The selection process should be guided by an understanding of your strengths and the expectations of the drama school you’re applying to.

A monologue that fits your age, experience level, and emotional range will allow you to perform more naturally and convincingly.

When selecting a monologue, consider its relevance to you personally. Does the character resonate with your own experiences or emotions? A personal connection can greatly enhance the authenticity of your performance. Additionally, ensure that the piece is appropriate for the type of program you’re auditioning for, whether it’s classical, contemporary, or musical theater.

It’s also essential to avoid overdone monologues. Opt for pieces that are less commonly performed to stand out in the minds of the selectors. This can mean seeking out monologues from plays that aren’t in monologue books or posted online. Unique choices can demonstrate your creativity and your willingness to take risks, both of which are highly valued traits in drama school candidates.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out Perlego. Perlego is an online library which works like a subscription service. For a monthly fee you can read any book on the site. They have tons of monologue collections, as well as plays for you to read, so it is a cost-effective way to go on the hunt for some amazing monologues.

Essential Tips for Preparing Your Monologue

Effective preparation is the cornerstone of a successful audition. Start by thoroughly analyzing your chosen monologue. Understand the context of the piece, the motivations of your character, and the dynamics of the scene. This deep understanding is crucial for delivering a nuanced performance.

Memorization is another critical aspect of preparation. Knowing your lines inside out will free you to explore the emotional and physical aspects of your performance. Use techniques like repetition, writing out your lines, or recording yourself to reinforce your memory. It’s also beneficial to practice in different environments to become comfortable with performing under varied conditions.

Furthermore, consider the physicality of your performance when you prepare your drama school monologues. Think about how your character might move, gesture, or interact with their environment. Physical expressions can add depth to your portrayal, making your character more believable and engaging.

Practicing Your Monologue: Techniques and Exercises

There are tons of ways you can practice acting at home – in fact, exploring that is what we’re all about at the Actor’s Toolkit.

While we have a whole guide on How To Work On A Monologue, here are some top tips to get you started on your drama school preparations.

Read The Play

Read the play. Then read it again. Then read it again. Keep returning to it. This will give you a thorough understanding of the play itself. Plus, there is a good chance the panel will know the play and will want to talk to you about it if you perform a piece from it!

Consider The Similarities And Differences Between You And Your Character

Generally, when selecting a monologue for drama school, your character should be pretty similar to you. They should be roughly the same age, and they should have the same accent as you. You should also be able to relate or connect to the experiences they talk about in their monologue to some degree. However, there are bound to be some differences too, and these will be your roadmap for building the character.

Write one list of similarities between you and your character. This will show you were you can connect, relate and empathise with them, which is one of the most important things when it comes to acting!

Write another list of all the differences between you and your character. This will show you all the ways you can build your performance to reveal the character in your monologue.

Adjust Your Physicality

While you likely don’t want to go super-big, exaggerated physicality in your audition, it is important to adjust your physicality somewhat in order to communicate your character. Try giving certain elements of your body characteristics that suit that character. If they’re very graceful, perhaps they can have slightly floaty hands when they gesture. If they’re calculated, why not give them a slight tilt to the head?

Incorporate Movement

While you don’t want to be all over the stage, strategic use of movement can show that you’ve taken your performance space into account. Perhaps pick one or two places in your monologue where it’s appropriate to move. These should make sense as part of the scene and for your character, and shouldn’t distract from the story.

While using movement can show that you’ve considered staging, it’s actually less important than the place it comes from – stillness. Stillness is where stage presence comes from. It’s how you command people’s attention.

Relax – I don’t mean you should stay stiff as a board. Quite the opposite, in fact! No, make sure your muscles are relaxed but, if you’re standing in one place, then really stand there. Imagine your feet have roots tying them to the floor as you stand. No shifting your weight, no shuffling. Have powerful feet!

Consider Your Breath

One of the classic signs of a beginner actor is sighing/huffing out breath while performing. Deadly sin! It makes your performance deflate like a sad balloon! Hold the panel’s attention by making sure to breathe evenly and that every line of speech is well supported with your breath. Plus, they’ve probably heard a ton of people sigh their way through their monologues that day. This funny little insight can actually really set you apart!

Visualise The Other Character

Images in the mind are one of the most helpful things for a performer. It helps to engage you in the performance and connects your feelings to the work.

Try to picture the character you are speaking to when performing your monologue. Where are they stood? What do they look like? Be specific.

Something that can take your monologue to the next level is actually interacting with that character. See in your mind’s eye how they respond to your monologue. Do they try and butt in? Do they tear up and cry? Do they turn their back on you?

Then, let yourself react to their response in your performance!

This really will help to keep your monologue fresh. Remember, your character’s reactions can change every time you perform it, and so can yours! Experiment with different things and see what works.

Handling Drama School Audition Questions

During your audition, you may be asked questions about your monologue or your interpretation of the character. This portion is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the material and your thought process behind your performance choices.

Preparation is key to handling these questions confidently. Familiarize yourself with the play or text from which your monologue is taken. Understanding the broader context and the character’s journey will enable you to answer questions thoughtfully. Practice articulating your insights and reasoning, perhaps by discussing them with a peer or mentor.

Remember to stay composed and authentic during this phase. Listen carefully to the questions, and take your time to respond. Your answers should reflect your passion for acting and your commitment to honing your craft through drama school.

The Role of Drama School Audition Coaching

Drama school audition coaching can be immensely beneficial in refining your monologue performance. A coach provides expert guidance on everything from monologue selection to performance techniques, helping you polish every aspect of your audition.

Coaches can offer personalized feedback and insights that you might not receive from self-practice alone. They can help identify your strengths and areas for improvement, providing targeted exercises to enhance your skills. This professional input can significantly boost your confidence and readiness for your audition.

If possible, consider enrolling in a workshop or seeking one-on-one sessions with a reputable coach. The investment in professional coaching can make a substantial difference in your audition preparation, increasing your chances of success.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Audition

Avoiding common pitfalls is crucial for a successful audition. One frequent mistake is not preparing adequately. Incomplete memorization or lack of character understanding can undermine your performance. Ensure you’re you fully prepare your drama school monologues by dedicating ample time to practice and study.

Another mistake is overacting or underacting. Striking the right balance is essential to convey authenticity. Overly dramatic gestures or monotone delivery can detract from the emotional impact of your monologue. Aim for a performance that feels natural and genuine.

Finally, don’t try to change yourself to please the panel. Actors are experts in observing human behaviour and identifying falsehoods. Basically, they will be able to tell. Just go in, be yourself, be open, honest, and professional.

Building Confidence for Your Drama School Audition

Confidence is a critical component of any audition. Building it requires a combination of preparation, practice, and mindset. Start by setting realistic goals for your audition journey. Break down your preparation into manageable steps, and celebrate small victories along the way.

Visualization

Visualization techniques can also bolster your confidence. Picture yourself performing successfully in front of the audition panel. This mental rehearsal can reduce anxiety and enhance your self-assurance.

Affirmations

Try using affirmations on the lead up to your audition, not only will these help you build confidence for your audition, but they will also help you build confidence generally. Saying things like “I am enough,” and “I am a good actor,” through your day will really make a difference to your mindset over time.

Meditation

Finally, one of the best things for both confidence and acting is to practice mindful meditation. I know, it can seem daunting if you’ve never done it before, but just give it a go. Being aware of your thoughts can help you to adjust them when engaging in negative self-talk. It can also help you return your attention to your scene if you start getting distracted or nervous during your monologue. This one is 2 for 1, so you might as well try it!

Remember, confidence comes from within. Trust in the effort and dedication you’ve invested in your preparation. Embrace your unique talents, and approach your audition with a positive, open mindset.

Reviewing and Refining Your Performance

The best way to refine your performance is to work with a coach. Remember, though, as Mike Alfreds puts it, your performance should be different every night!

This means that a key part of refining your monologue is keeping it fresh. Try changing and exploring different ways to interpret your monologue, or shifts you can make in your performance each time you do it. Stay curious. This will hugely improve your drama school audition, as it will prevent your monologue from becoming stale.

Check Out Lucy Steward-Adams Audition Advice

Lucy has some amazing videos on her channel discussing all things acting and drama school. Definitely check out her video on how to stand out at your drama school audition to learn some more top tips.

Download The FREE Actor’s Toolkit Schedule And Checklist

At the Actor’s Toolkit, we know just how hard it can be to keep on top of your at-home rehearsal practice, especially under the pressure of figuring out how to prepare your drama school monologues.

The free schedule and checklist will help you to effectively plan your time, keep your acting skills in shape, and make sure you’ve worked on every element of your monologue that should be covered.

The usage guide is also full of top acting tips and techniques that can really help you to improve your performance.

Structuring your drama school monologue preparation with this plan can really help to give you the edge over the competition.

Conclusion: Perfecting Your Drama School Audition Monologues

To prepare your drama school monologues requires dedication, creativity, and a strategic approach. By understanding the nuances of monologue selection, preparation, and performance, you’ll be well-equipped to impress the audition panel. Remember to avoid common pitfalls, build your confidence, and seek guidance when needed.

As you embark on this exciting journey, embrace the process as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Your passion and commitment to your craft will shine through in your performance. Good luck with your drama school auditions, and may your monologues captivate and inspire!