Monologue for audition

[almightygirl]

My ds2 (10) has been invited to audition for a show and he needs to read a monologue. I’ve been googling and came across this - Disney Danger which is appropriate for his age but is it appropriate for an audition?
kidzkonnectionct.org/monologue-suggestions/

If anyone has any other ideas or tips we’d be very grateful!

Tia

[almightygirl]

Bump

[TheatreTaxi]

Finding a good audition monologue can be really tricky. I think the one you link to is OK but not great.

My first thought on reading it is that it is very American. Which would be fine if auditioning for an American character, but could come across as quite grating otherwise.

I also think it's quite long-winded without ever getting very funny or very dramatic. A good tip with monologues is to choose one that gives an opportunity to show some comedy or dramatic range early on, rather than being fairly flat until a dramatic climax or punchline right at the end - because it's not uncommon for a casting director to stop a monologue before the end due to time constraints.

Personally, I'd suggest looking for an alternative monologue that is shorter, has a bit more impact (either dramatic or comic depending on the show your DS is auditioning for) and has more scope for demonstrating acting skills from the beginning. It's hard to give recommendations because different monologues suit different children, but there are a number of websites with free monologues. If a funny poem would suit your DS, the poet Kenn Nesbitt has a website with lots of comic poems that make great monologues. Another option is to adapt a speech by a book character.

You mention that your DS has to read a monologue. It's almost always better to have learned a monologue by heart and perform it rather than reading it from a sheet of paper.

[AlexanderHamilton]

Totally agree that its too American unless your son is American/auditioning for an American character.

My go to for that age group is generally Roald Dahl or Lion Witch & the Wardrobe/Railway Children

[almightygirl]

Thank you @theatretaxi and @alexanderhamilton. He’s never had to read a monologue before, it’s always been the script from the play, so your tips are very helpful.

He’s chosen one of the Kenn Nesbitt poems which gives him the chance to show a bit of acting, plus it is easier to memorise.

Just need to keep our fingers crossed now - thanks again

[elfonshelf]

Ken Nesbitt is really good - we use his a lot and you can do them in either a UK or US accent.

DD does a lot of auditions and has almost never got to the end of either a song or a poem so always have good parts near the beginning in both.

I’ve a fairly good idea what your DS is being seen for in which case, short and very American is the way to go. They are seeing a LOT of kids in the early rounds.

[almightygirl]

Thanks @elfonshelf. He’s a lot happier with the poem we’ve picked. I think you’ve guessed it! Tbh, this is his first big audition so he’s not expecting to get through but wants to try anyway!

[elfonshelf]

Huge good luck to him - DD is up for the same one, but too young to get anything more than a 'see you in 6 months' email so not too stressful for us.

They try to make it as fun as possible and if your DS can enjoy the process then that makes it easier.

Early rounds are pretty brutal - they will get everyone to sing and do their poem/monologue (do not worry about being cut short - it's not a bad sign) and will then call out the names of those they want to recall. Normally this is between 2-5 out of the 20 or so they have in a group)

First recall round is more of the same - but with a group of 20 who have made it past first cut. They then make another cut - generally those who are too young/too small are let go at this point and some will get a thanks, but no thanks email, and others will get a 'see you next season' email.

Those that are through will do a workshop session - and then there will be another cut.

These processes are very long - the most we have done so far is 7 rounds for one role, but I know people who have done 18 recalls!

Luckily DD loves the audition process - I just feel icky, especially if you get into final round territory.

Been on the merry-go-round for a couple of years now, so feel free to PM if you need any advice - lots of kind people held my hand and showed me the ropes when I was very green!

[elfonshelf]

Oh and you definitely need to be off book with monologue/poem, and don't do any actions to either that or the song.

They want them stood pretty much completely still, and all acting and expression needs to be in the voice, face and eyes.

Early rounds they are looking to see: can they sing in tune and with a pleasant tone and enough volume; and do they have a nice speaking voice without any major issues.

Actual acting ability, movement etc is tested in later rounds, so don't worry about that at this stage - plus, they will direct them in the room.