GUIDELINES FOR CHOOSING A MONOLOGUE 1. Should be a character within the limitations of your age and type. 2, The character must be addressing one other person in the scene. Ask yourself, “What does my character want/need from the other person in the scene?” No direct addresses to the audience, long talks on the telephone, to oneself, God or groups of people. 3. Avoid any scene that focuses to much on the retelling of events. (storytelling) 4, Avoid material that requires a dialect, stuttering or any other special vocal skills. 5. Avoid material that requires any special physical skills like limping, drunkenness, wild experiences with drugs, extreme sleepiness, etc. 6. The selection should have a clear beginning, middle and end. 7. The selection should be able to stand on its own. a, What do I want? b. What is in my way? 8. Pick something that you like- that speaks to you. 9. Avoid responding to lines the audience can’t hear. 10, Make sure to read the play your monologue is from if you possibly can. It will add so much to know the background of the character. Note: Eventually you should have a small catalogue of pieces that are right for you.