Instead of interviews over tables explaining your strengths and weaknesses to potential bosses, the acting audition is the monologue. Even with so much noise surrounding how to pick the perfect piece or how to write the monologue that’s sure to land you a role, it’s important to be able to look past this at the truths that never change no matter what generation of theater it is.

The Mini Play

Above all else, you need to find a monologue that tells a story from start to finish. Think of it as a miniature play that you’re the star of. It needs at least three beats where the last beat clearly shows a change your character has undergone since the start of the piece. Remember this if you choose to write your own as well. You need a solid beginning, a solid middle and a stellar end.

The Perfect You

As for age appropriateness or same gender, don’t worry too hard. Instead, focus on monologues that bring out your best. This could come from a character that is your exact opposite in every way – it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re able to tap into your emotions and bring to life a character better than anyone else that auditioned before you.

The Subject

Shock pieces are not great choices. The judges judge you based on what subject matter you decide to share with them. If it’s offensive or full of graphic violence and sex, you’ll more than likely put off your interviewers more so than welcome them into a story you’re telling on stage. Anyone can grab attention with crude material. Only masters can sell the mundane as fantastical.