MONOLOGUES

THE RECIPE TO PICKING AND

PERFORMING THE BEST MONOLOGUE
HOW SHOULD I
PICK A
MONOLOGUE?
PICKING A
MONOLOGUE
Research The Addams Family
and pick monologue for
similar characters/tone
PICKING A
MONOLOGUE
Go beyond the internet. The best
monologues come from shows.

SU Library Drama Specialist:
Patrick Williams
jpwill03@syr.edu



PICKING A
MONOLOGUE
Time is less important than
quality. You can cut it down.

PICKING A
MONOLOGUE
Play to your strengths.

I feel like every time I walk into the audition room,
they can tell if youre faking it and if your hearts
really not with it. So I try to keep it as real as
possible.

-Jennifer Damiano, Next to Normal
NOW THAT MY
MONOLOGUE IS
CHOSEN, HOW SHOULD
I PREPARE IT?
PREPARING THE
MONOLOGUE
Start preparing far in advance

PREPARING
Read the monologue at least
twice.

PREPARING
Find a professional
performance (YouTube) and
watch it only once.
What choices did you like/dislike

PREPARING
Start memorizing!
Copy the monologue onto another piece
of paper
Walk and talk
Monotone
PREPARING
Context is key
Where in the script are you?
Who are you?
Who are you talking to?
PREPARING
Objectives!
Look at worksheet
Always ask why?!
Specificity
Tactics

PREPARING
Divide the monologue
At least 3 parts (beats)
This will help you structure the
emotional arc of the monologue
PREPARING
Review everything youve
done
PREPARING
Start blocking
Get the monologue on its feet!
PREPARING
Practice, revise and repeat
Try it out in front of friends
Make new choices
TIME TO PERFORM!
PERFORMANCE
Slate
Name
Title
Writer
Give context (optional)
Personality
PERFORMANCE
Pick a spot


PERFORMANCE
Take 10 seconds to get into
character
Context
Character
PERFORMANCE
Be conscience of movement
PERFORMANCE
Take your time with the ending
Relax and have fun!
Youre gonna kill it!