Having been through the Drama School system (way back in the "Fame" era) and watched many hundreds of audition pieces (some sadder than a bag of nails), I have compiled my own list of Do's and Definitely Don't Do's to hopefully give you a better chance of being picked out from the 300 that will be seen that day.
These are based on my experiences of the people who work in Drama Schools,
take the advice or not
Mr D.
Audition pieces
Avoid ..Lady M speech & Hamlet like the plague...It'll be seen at least 30 times that day and they will be betting in the greenroom exactly how many times it will be seen that day!
Avoid ..Extreme confrontational monologues with harsh eye-contact directed at the panel...we don't want them feeling uncomfortable in your presence just yet: now do we?
Avoid ..Stereotypic Accents unless utterly brilliant...one of the panel (and a lot of the students) will really be Irish, Northern etc. If you have to use an accent, learn it from someone who speaks it, you must be able to pinpoint the street of the person that you learnt it from .
Avoid ..Strong political monologues...a major turn-off. Save the Axe-Grinding for the Students Union
Never Ever say "Sorry, can I do that again?". If you make a mistake, be positive and replace it with "that wasn't right" ,breathe, then do it again .
As daft as it may sound: The main reason for you to perform your monologue to the panel is not to show them how good you are: They'll find that out for themselves. The reason should always be to show them how fantastically well written the piece is and how enjoyable it is to get stuck into such a good role. (it's called "theatrical passion" and is the "It" that most of your competitors will never have)
What to wear?
You need to look yourself. Only wear your clothes, the ones you feel good in and are used to moving in; nothing new, extra trendy nor noisy. You need to rehearse your pieces in the clothes that you are going to wear; imagine the embarrassment of your trousers or bracelets making more noise than you do (I've seen it happen!) One last point, never carefully fold jackets.
Don't hide your hair girls, if its long and gorgeous, let it be tied off of your face but still show it off. ( and don't go for extreme hair cuts...bald doesn't get you Juliet, and extremely short hair may get you a season in Blackpool as Peter Pan)
Plain T-shirts or sleeveless tops are ideal (not Black, that's for Techies ), they need to see your shape & size without them being subjected to too much (over sexiness won't work).
Wear facial or tongue piercings and you may as well just save the train fare: or you'll traveling home with the 75 others that said "I've always wanted to be famous ever since I can remember"
Make-up
Strive to look yourself at your own personal level. Go for your own natural look...even it takes hours. Please don't over-tan or, worse, fake tan yourself ; it can show over self indulgence and lethargy.
In conversation
They want someone who will benefit from the school and, more importantly, be of benefit to the school.
Therefore, do your research,
Mention how exciting their course is and why it's right for you, especially the ------ lessons, (as that's one thing you've been trying to find out about for ages).
Ask them something that will allow them show off their School:
e.g.. " Are there many opportunities to see the other students perform?"
"yes? wonderful. I saw your production of ------- last night,...outstanding" etc etc
Having said that, don't over-milk it...after all, it is a school for acting.....but (as you know), to a luvvie a sincere compliment goes a long way .
The members of the panel are human so when you've finished , thank them.
When you've left the room, one of them will say ,"I liked X" and that will smooth the other one's misgivings....
Well would you pick a frightening Goth who has obviously more baggage than Samsonite?
Oh, and start reading "the Stage" and "Contacts". They do.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Ace those singing auditions...
Ace Those Singing Auditions!
Singing Auditions can be scary...
Yes, having to sing to a panel of judges or a select group of audience can cause us to panic or experience performance anxiety.
Especially if we were auditioning for a place in a singing contest or competition, or for a plush role in a musical or concert!
You may even have experienced blacking out during an audition, forgetting lyrics or even forgetting the song that you had to sing.
I've coached many students who have experienced all these symptoms and more...
That is also why I have gathered many useful tips to help you ACE your singing auditions and come out TOPS!!
Here they are, for your personal benefit:
Audition Tip # 1: Be Extremely Well-Prepared!
Yes, I know I've said this before, but it certainly is worth saying it over and over again.
Be EXTREMELY well-prepared.
This means that you have to practice your audition song over and over again, until you are really familiar with it, and know exactly how you are going to sing at every part of your song!
You should also mark out exactly what to do at each part of the song, especially for certain vocal expressions that you may wish to showcase.
Mark out the accents in the song, noting which words need to be sung stronger for effect.
Mark out the breathing points in your song phrases, making sure you know exactly where to breathe.
In other words, leave NOTHING to chance!
Because if you miss out on any preparation at all, the stagefright and performance anxiety will seep in from that loophole and affect your entire performance during your singing auditions!
So be thorough when you practice, and do your homework well for every song you sing!
Audition Tip # 2: Choose a Suitable Song for Auditions, and for Yourself
Choosing an audition song involves two aspects:
Knowing how to choose a song for singing auditions, and knowing how to choose a song to showcase the best side of your voice!
Choosing a song for auditions means that you should choose something that is preferably of a certain level of difficulty, but still within your ability to perform it.
Songs should not be overly easy or simple, but they should also not be so difficult that you make a total mess of it!
You should also reserve your BEST song for later rounds of the competition, if you are confident of doing well in the audition rounds.
This allows you to pace yourself, and not run out of songs towards the more crucial rounds in the competition!
Choose songs that help to showcase your sweetest voice, or the unique quality of your voice.
For example, if you sound really good in the low notes, you should pick songs that highlight that aspect of your voice.
Don't pick songs that require you to sing really high, if you know that your high notes sound terrible.
Please. For the sake of the judges, and for your own sake too. ;-p
In other words, play up your strengths, and hide your weaknesses.
Very important.
Audition Tip # 3: Greet the Judges and Look at Them
The judges are the ones who decide your fate during singing auditions.
So, it makes sense for you to greet them when you enter the audition hall or room.
Also, you should always make sure you make sufficient eye contact with them during your performance.
Singing without looking at the judges often causes them to feel disconnected from your performance, and they will certainly not give you high marks for that!
However, be careful not to stare too often at the judges too, or they may feel threatened or uncomfortable!
Be natural, and be sincere.
Audition Tip # 4: Always Warm Up Your Voice!
This is another one of those tips that are all-important and worth saying again.
ALWAYS do your vocal warmups before you enter the audition premises.
This helps to 'awaken' the full power or beauty of your voice, and showcase your best voice to the judges!
This also helps you to avoid 'cracking' or losing control over your voice during difficult sections of your song.
An extremely useful and simple warmup exercise is the lip trill exercise, which helps to warm up your lips as well as your voice and breath.
Many singers use this warmup exercise, and I am sure you will benefit greatly from it too!
You may also wish to check out some useful vocal training resources to train your voice more, so that you will be ready for your singing auditions both mentally and vocally too!
For those who wish to read up more on some general tips for tackling singing contests or competitions, check out this link now!
Lastly, always have a healthy mindset when going for singing auditions or competitions.
Even if you fail to get through to the next round, it does not necessarily mean that you do not sing well.
It means that you are not what the judges are looking for THIS TIME ROUND.
So, do not give up. Try again and again, and one day, you will succeed!
Singing Auditions can be scary...
Yes, having to sing to a panel of judges or a select group of audience can cause us to panic or experience performance anxiety.
Especially if we were auditioning for a place in a singing contest or competition, or for a plush role in a musical or concert!
You may even have experienced blacking out during an audition, forgetting lyrics or even forgetting the song that you had to sing.
I've coached many students who have experienced all these symptoms and more...
That is also why I have gathered many useful tips to help you ACE your singing auditions and come out TOPS!!
Here they are, for your personal benefit:
Audition Tip # 1: Be Extremely Well-Prepared!
Yes, I know I've said this before, but it certainly is worth saying it over and over again.
Be EXTREMELY well-prepared.
This means that you have to practice your audition song over and over again, until you are really familiar with it, and know exactly how you are going to sing at every part of your song!
You should also mark out exactly what to do at each part of the song, especially for certain vocal expressions that you may wish to showcase.
Mark out the accents in the song, noting which words need to be sung stronger for effect.
Mark out the breathing points in your song phrases, making sure you know exactly where to breathe.
In other words, leave NOTHING to chance!
Because if you miss out on any preparation at all, the stagefright and performance anxiety will seep in from that loophole and affect your entire performance during your singing auditions!
So be thorough when you practice, and do your homework well for every song you sing!
Audition Tip # 2: Choose a Suitable Song for Auditions, and for Yourself
Choosing an audition song involves two aspects:
Knowing how to choose a song for singing auditions, and knowing how to choose a song to showcase the best side of your voice!
Choosing a song for auditions means that you should choose something that is preferably of a certain level of difficulty, but still within your ability to perform it.
Songs should not be overly easy or simple, but they should also not be so difficult that you make a total mess of it!
You should also reserve your BEST song for later rounds of the competition, if you are confident of doing well in the audition rounds.
This allows you to pace yourself, and not run out of songs towards the more crucial rounds in the competition!
Choose songs that help to showcase your sweetest voice, or the unique quality of your voice.
For example, if you sound really good in the low notes, you should pick songs that highlight that aspect of your voice.
Don't pick songs that require you to sing really high, if you know that your high notes sound terrible.
Please. For the sake of the judges, and for your own sake too. ;-p
In other words, play up your strengths, and hide your weaknesses.
Very important.
Audition Tip # 3: Greet the Judges and Look at Them
The judges are the ones who decide your fate during singing auditions.
So, it makes sense for you to greet them when you enter the audition hall or room.
Also, you should always make sure you make sufficient eye contact with them during your performance.
Singing without looking at the judges often causes them to feel disconnected from your performance, and they will certainly not give you high marks for that!
However, be careful not to stare too often at the judges too, or they may feel threatened or uncomfortable!
Be natural, and be sincere.
Audition Tip # 4: Always Warm Up Your Voice!
This is another one of those tips that are all-important and worth saying again.
ALWAYS do your vocal warmups before you enter the audition premises.
This helps to 'awaken' the full power or beauty of your voice, and showcase your best voice to the judges!
This also helps you to avoid 'cracking' or losing control over your voice during difficult sections of your song.
An extremely useful and simple warmup exercise is the lip trill exercise, which helps to warm up your lips as well as your voice and breath.
Many singers use this warmup exercise, and I am sure you will benefit greatly from it too!
You may also wish to check out some useful vocal training resources to train your voice more, so that you will be ready for your singing auditions both mentally and vocally too!
For those who wish to read up more on some general tips for tackling singing contests or competitions, check out this link now!
Lastly, always have a healthy mindset when going for singing auditions or competitions.
Even if you fail to get through to the next round, it does not necessarily mean that you do not sing well.
It means that you are not what the judges are looking for THIS TIME ROUND.
So, do not give up. Try again and again, and one day, you will succeed!
Monday, 25 January 2010
10 top tips to become a music video dancer
If you want to become a music video dancer there are many things you can do that will make people take you seriously and enhance your prospects. Follow these tips and you won't go wrong.
1. Start going to a dance studio. The bigger dance studios will often have the best dance teachers so you should try and go there, if not many times a local dance studio will have some very good teachers.
2. Attend a dance college. Doing a 3 year course at a professional dance college can give you a strong all round training as you'll be dancing all the time. Many jobs will also only accept applicants who have been to an accredited dance school.
3. Seek out the best dance teachers. Whatever styles of dance you choose to specialise in seek out and learn from the best teachers. They can teach you things that a non-expert wouldn't be able to.
4. When you get good start attending dance auditions and castings. This'll give you an idea of the process and the standard you'll have to get to.
5. Speak to other successful dancers who are doing well and ask them for advice. Many times they'll be happy to give you some pointers. Even if you don't ask them for advice, just by talking to them you'll get ideas about how you too can improve your prospects.
6. Get good photos done from a good photographer. Photos that reflect you and your image, and how clients could adapt your image to meet jobs specifications are an essential thing you'll have to send out again and again and can help you get good jobs.
7. Get a dance agent or join a dance agency. You'll have to audition to get in but they can get you many good castings and auditions that you wouldn't normally hear about. A good agent can turn around a dancer's career.
8. Practise. The more you practise the better you'll become. The better you are, the more choreographers that will want to work with you on their next music video project.
9. Go to the dance classes and masterclasses of prominent choreographers in the industry. This can make you a familiar face to them and you can learn the type of current choreography being used in music videos at the moment.
10. Remain optimistic. Whilst not every dancer can be a music video dancer, many people don't make it simply because they just give up. There are many rejections at auditions and whilst one choreographer may not feel you're right for their style of dance, another will think you're something special.
Ryan Heddik has enjoyed a successful dance career dancing on TV numerous times and wrote the groundbreaking e-book Dance In A Pop Video The book teaches aspiring dancers the exact process they can follow to find work in music videos with tried and tested principles that actually work. Find out more about it at the Box Dancer Website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Heddik
1. Start going to a dance studio. The bigger dance studios will often have the best dance teachers so you should try and go there, if not many times a local dance studio will have some very good teachers.
2. Attend a dance college. Doing a 3 year course at a professional dance college can give you a strong all round training as you'll be dancing all the time. Many jobs will also only accept applicants who have been to an accredited dance school.
3. Seek out the best dance teachers. Whatever styles of dance you choose to specialise in seek out and learn from the best teachers. They can teach you things that a non-expert wouldn't be able to.
4. When you get good start attending dance auditions and castings. This'll give you an idea of the process and the standard you'll have to get to.
5. Speak to other successful dancers who are doing well and ask them for advice. Many times they'll be happy to give you some pointers. Even if you don't ask them for advice, just by talking to them you'll get ideas about how you too can improve your prospects.
6. Get good photos done from a good photographer. Photos that reflect you and your image, and how clients could adapt your image to meet jobs specifications are an essential thing you'll have to send out again and again and can help you get good jobs.
7. Get a dance agent or join a dance agency. You'll have to audition to get in but they can get you many good castings and auditions that you wouldn't normally hear about. A good agent can turn around a dancer's career.
8. Practise. The more you practise the better you'll become. The better you are, the more choreographers that will want to work with you on their next music video project.
9. Go to the dance classes and masterclasses of prominent choreographers in the industry. This can make you a familiar face to them and you can learn the type of current choreography being used in music videos at the moment.
10. Remain optimistic. Whilst not every dancer can be a music video dancer, many people don't make it simply because they just give up. There are many rejections at auditions and whilst one choreographer may not feel you're right for their style of dance, another will think you're something special.
Ryan Heddik has enjoyed a successful dance career dancing on TV numerous times and wrote the groundbreaking e-book Dance In A Pop Video The book teaches aspiring dancers the exact process they can follow to find work in music videos with tried and tested principles that actually work. Find out more about it at the Box Dancer Website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Heddik
Friday, 22 January 2010
How to increase your chances of getting a call back by Tracy Hogan
Actors first starting out in the industry often times end up sabotaging there chances of getting a job and don't even realize it. While acting is not quite new to me it is something that I find myself getting more seduced by.
If you are only interested in print modeling there is still a form of auditioning that happens in order for you to get the job and to sell the product or service. You can't just stand in front of a product and smile and look pretty. Showing facial expressions is key and you have to have a range of emotions.
I've gone on my share of auditions and I even auditioned for a reality show. Here are some tips on how to secure a call back.
Make sure you standout
I was recently at a audition and there were so many gorgeous women there from all nationalities. I can honestly only recall a handful of them. The ones I can remember all had distinctive features. There was an older lady with gray hair, another one who was completely bald, and the last woman had an island accent.
Less is best
Weaves and extensions are not new to Hollywood but are too mainstream because they are so acceptable and affordable now. African-American women be careful of the lace front weaves and eyelashes trap. You will not be the only woman in the room sporting that look. You may want to think of another hairstyle. Show your natural beauty. Also blonds may have more fun, but you don't stand out if every Caucasian women there is blond.
Interview Auditions
Give the casting director something different, unique and not cookie-cutter. Always hear the silent "why" that may be missing. If you say you love mexican food be prepared to share why you love it. Remember depending upon what time of day you go to your audition the casting director probably is probably bored out of their mind because they have already seen the same read from another actor. So get creative and show off your range of talents.
Listen
The casting director will tell you what they are looking for or give you a pretty good idea. You are not paying attention if you deliver something totally different and that sends the message that you don't follow direction.
Wardrobe
Make sure you get yourself into character and look the part. If it calls for after five attire don't show up wearing business casual. If you are unsure wear layers and bring some accessories so you can take away or add to your look. It's better to have too much stuff than not enough.
Punctuality
If you show or late for your audition, chances are you will show up late if you get the job. So guess what? You will not even be considered.
For more information about this and how to successfully get into modeling and get the honest answers to all of your questions, visit http://modelmagic.wordpress.com/ today. Make sure you sign up to receive instant notification of new posts. Now available, set up your own modeling profile at http://modelmagic.ning.com Thank you.
Tracy Hogan is a professional model and educator with over 15 years experience in the modeling industry. She has taught modeling classes at a national modeling school. She specializes in print, commercial, hair, promotional, runway, and free-lance modeling. Think of her as your agent without the agency fees.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracy_Hogan
If you are only interested in print modeling there is still a form of auditioning that happens in order for you to get the job and to sell the product or service. You can't just stand in front of a product and smile and look pretty. Showing facial expressions is key and you have to have a range of emotions.
I've gone on my share of auditions and I even auditioned for a reality show. Here are some tips on how to secure a call back.
Make sure you standout
I was recently at a audition and there were so many gorgeous women there from all nationalities. I can honestly only recall a handful of them. The ones I can remember all had distinctive features. There was an older lady with gray hair, another one who was completely bald, and the last woman had an island accent.
Less is best
Weaves and extensions are not new to Hollywood but are too mainstream because they are so acceptable and affordable now. African-American women be careful of the lace front weaves and eyelashes trap. You will not be the only woman in the room sporting that look. You may want to think of another hairstyle. Show your natural beauty. Also blonds may have more fun, but you don't stand out if every Caucasian women there is blond.
Interview Auditions
Give the casting director something different, unique and not cookie-cutter. Always hear the silent "why" that may be missing. If you say you love mexican food be prepared to share why you love it. Remember depending upon what time of day you go to your audition the casting director probably is probably bored out of their mind because they have already seen the same read from another actor. So get creative and show off your range of talents.
Listen
The casting director will tell you what they are looking for or give you a pretty good idea. You are not paying attention if you deliver something totally different and that sends the message that you don't follow direction.
Wardrobe
Make sure you get yourself into character and look the part. If it calls for after five attire don't show up wearing business casual. If you are unsure wear layers and bring some accessories so you can take away or add to your look. It's better to have too much stuff than not enough.
Punctuality
If you show or late for your audition, chances are you will show up late if you get the job. So guess what? You will not even be considered.
For more information about this and how to successfully get into modeling and get the honest answers to all of your questions, visit http://modelmagic.wordpress.com/ today. Make sure you sign up to receive instant notification of new posts. Now available, set up your own modeling profile at http://modelmagic.ning.com Thank you.
Tracy Hogan is a professional model and educator with over 15 years experience in the modeling industry. She has taught modeling classes at a national modeling school. She specializes in print, commercial, hair, promotional, runway, and free-lance modeling. Think of her as your agent without the agency fees.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracy_Hogan
Monday, 18 January 2010
Audition tips by Wade Bradford
A queasy feeling settles into your stomach. You are surrounded by a group of gossiping men and women who sip cafe mochas while complimenting each other's headshots. Suddenly, the casting director calls your number. "What monologue will you be reading for us today?" she asks.
"Oh, sorry," you reply. "I didn't know I was supposed to bring one." Her annoyed expression tells you everything. You won't be getting a callback.
This scenario can easily avoided by following these simple audition tips:
Read the Audition Notice Carefully
Actors should arrive at auditions fully prepared, not just ready to perform, but also to present any requested material. Examine the audition notice. Should you prepare one monologue? Two? Make certain you match the material to the play. For example, if you are auditioning for Oedipus Rex, prepare a scene from Greek drama, not The Odd Couple.
Finally, based upon the audition notice, make certain you are trying out for an appropriate part. If the casting director is looking for a tall, bald man in his 60s, don’t show up hoping that they will change the script for your short, frizzy-haired, thirty-year-old self. Follow whatever guidelines are offered to ensure that you arrive at the audition as organized as possible.
.
"Oh, sorry," you reply. "I didn't know I was supposed to bring one." Her annoyed expression tells you everything. You won't be getting a callback.
This scenario can easily avoided by following these simple audition tips:
Read the Audition Notice Carefully
Actors should arrive at auditions fully prepared, not just ready to perform, but also to present any requested material. Examine the audition notice. Should you prepare one monologue? Two? Make certain you match the material to the play. For example, if you are auditioning for Oedipus Rex, prepare a scene from Greek drama, not The Odd Couple.
Finally, based upon the audition notice, make certain you are trying out for an appropriate part. If the casting director is looking for a tall, bald man in his 60s, don’t show up hoping that they will change the script for your short, frizzy-haired, thirty-year-old self. Follow whatever guidelines are offered to ensure that you arrive at the audition as organized as possible.
.
Friday, 15 January 2010
Top 10 tips for getting a monologue by Mark Westbrook
Top Ten Tips for Getting The Monologue
This is the question I am asked by friends, strangers, students, former students and the cleaning lady on a regular basis. Can I recommend a good monologue? Yes, To Be or Not To Be from Hamlet. It's a really good monologue What the question really is, is a slightly desperate request for direction on choosing THE monologue, THE one that will gain you admittance to whatever club (drama school or the cast of a show) that you're trying to join. I don't say this to be rude or controversial, there's no doubt that I appreciate your distress at trying to find the right monologue but rather than letting me choose that one for you, and therefore shouldering some of the blame if you don't get into your club of choice, let me help you find a good monologue.
ONE: There is not one monologue written that will help you any more than any other. The panel want to see your skills, not your literary capacity. Any monologue, any piece of writing can be delivered beautifully, powerfully, movingly and indicate to the panel that you're good.
TWO: There are a lot of dreadful monologues on the Internet, don't use them. They're on the Internet for a reason. On the other hand, there are some good monologues online too, but you've got to know which ones are good.
THREE: Go to a Library or a Bookshop. Sit and read some monologues from the plays there. If you can't be bothered to do this, you're not going to be much of an actor anyway.
FOUR: Stick to what they ask for. Whether it's Drama School or A Job, and they ask you to prepare a monologue, that's what they want! Don't choose a bit from a novel or a poem, they are written non-dramatically and thinking you can substitute either for a monologue, well, you're wrong and they will be dire. If they ask for a contemporary monologue choose a contemporary monologue.
FIVE: Contemporary doesn't mean 1950s anymore; it's means the 1970's to today. But my advice is choose something written in the last 10 years.
SIX: Choose something that suits your age, gender and appearance. Make it easier for them to see you as the role. Acting is no longer about the incredible capacity for actors to transform themselves into someone 50 years older; you're wasting your time.
SEVEN: Want to know my best advice? ANY monologue is good. I really mean that. BUT make sure that you understand it and make sure you've read the play. Don't try to cheat, you'll only end up getting found out.
EIGHT: Look to the Monologue Books for Ideas, but if you choose one from there, beware, cos they've probably sold hundreds of thousands of copies of those books, so.... You'll be choosing the same as at least 50,000 other actors. If you choose one from those books, make sure you READ it!
NINE: Do not write your own. Yes, you will be tempted, but don't do it. The panel will not appreciate it. They don't want to see your capacity for creativity; they want to know if you can deliver a monologue effectively
TEN: There is no perfect monologue. You will learn to love a monologue based on your understanding of it, based on discovering all the subtleties of it. By understanding it's heartbeat, the desire of the character and what they are doing to get what they want, you'll learn to develop a Good Monologue. So my final piece of advice is simple, there aren't any good monologues; you make them into good monologues by fully understanding them and doing them well.
Mark Westbrook won't tell you what monologue to do, but you can read his daily advice on acting at http://www.acting-blog.com
This is the question I am asked by friends, strangers, students, former students and the cleaning lady on a regular basis. Can I recommend a good monologue? Yes, To Be or Not To Be from Hamlet. It's a really good monologue What the question really is, is a slightly desperate request for direction on choosing THE monologue, THE one that will gain you admittance to whatever club (drama school or the cast of a show) that you're trying to join. I don't say this to be rude or controversial, there's no doubt that I appreciate your distress at trying to find the right monologue but rather than letting me choose that one for you, and therefore shouldering some of the blame if you don't get into your club of choice, let me help you find a good monologue.
ONE: There is not one monologue written that will help you any more than any other. The panel want to see your skills, not your literary capacity. Any monologue, any piece of writing can be delivered beautifully, powerfully, movingly and indicate to the panel that you're good.
TWO: There are a lot of dreadful monologues on the Internet, don't use them. They're on the Internet for a reason. On the other hand, there are some good monologues online too, but you've got to know which ones are good.
THREE: Go to a Library or a Bookshop. Sit and read some monologues from the plays there. If you can't be bothered to do this, you're not going to be much of an actor anyway.
FOUR: Stick to what they ask for. Whether it's Drama School or A Job, and they ask you to prepare a monologue, that's what they want! Don't choose a bit from a novel or a poem, they are written non-dramatically and thinking you can substitute either for a monologue, well, you're wrong and they will be dire. If they ask for a contemporary monologue choose a contemporary monologue.
FIVE: Contemporary doesn't mean 1950s anymore; it's means the 1970's to today. But my advice is choose something written in the last 10 years.
SIX: Choose something that suits your age, gender and appearance. Make it easier for them to see you as the role. Acting is no longer about the incredible capacity for actors to transform themselves into someone 50 years older; you're wasting your time.
SEVEN: Want to know my best advice? ANY monologue is good. I really mean that. BUT make sure that you understand it and make sure you've read the play. Don't try to cheat, you'll only end up getting found out.
EIGHT: Look to the Monologue Books for Ideas, but if you choose one from there, beware, cos they've probably sold hundreds of thousands of copies of those books, so.... You'll be choosing the same as at least 50,000 other actors. If you choose one from those books, make sure you READ it!
NINE: Do not write your own. Yes, you will be tempted, but don't do it. The panel will not appreciate it. They don't want to see your capacity for creativity; they want to know if you can deliver a monologue effectively
TEN: There is no perfect monologue. You will learn to love a monologue based on your understanding of it, based on discovering all the subtleties of it. By understanding it's heartbeat, the desire of the character and what they are doing to get what they want, you'll learn to develop a Good Monologue. So my final piece of advice is simple, there aren't any good monologues; you make them into good monologues by fully understanding them and doing them well.
Mark Westbrook won't tell you what monologue to do, but you can read his daily advice on acting at http://www.acting-blog.com
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