Just a little question...

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 9:46pm

When choosing a monologue for a college audition (or, I guess any kind of audition to be accepted into a program...), is it better to choose a monologue that is very close to you--a monologue in which the character is saying something you may believe in? Or is it better to choose something that's extremely challenging and far from yourself so you show your versatility?

I ask because I often hear colleges want to learn about you from the audition, but I happened to find a wonderful piece that is a far cry from my real-life self.

Opinions?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 9:49pm

If it's a multiple-part audition, it probably wouldn't be a problem -- so, if you're singing, you could do things that are pretty different.

Also, assuming that you have to fill out regular applications for the colleges in addition to going on the audition, it may be okay to do something that proves acting ability rather than something that'll show these people who you are. They'll get a good sense of you from reading your application materials, and even from the way you present yourself at the audition, I think. As far as being accepted into a program, I'd think you should do something that would show your ability. Granted that even then, they won't really know enough about you to deduce much about how far this character might be from your true self, depending on how extreme it might be, if that makes sense.

Updated On: 12/14/05 at 09:49 PM

[gumbo2]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 9:53pm

I think colleges tell you they want to see YOU, so if that means your ability to do characters and such, go with that. I think you should do whatever makes you most comfortable at the audition. Just my opinion

[rose&lark]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 9:53pm

Granted, I've never done auditions for colleges with monologues, I'd say go for the "challenging, versatility showing" monologue. Emcee's right, the people at your audition will get a sense of you from your applications and the way you carry and handle yourself from the time you step into the space to when you leave, more than your audition material.

If you're singing, and have to do more than one piece, do things that are different and show different aspects of your talent. This would make sense for monologues as well.

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 10:03pm

Thanks, everyone.

I suppose I should add that the character is very lost. And crude. And obscene. And...lacking morals.

So my fear comes from possibly giving the wrong impression by performing a monologue by such a character when I'm very much not like that. But I do like what the play is saying.

[gumbo2]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 10:23pm

If you're playing a character that extreme, they will know that that is not who you are as a person, especially if you give an introduction, just saying your name and your piece. If you try not to swear during the intro, I think you'll be alright.

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 10:28pm

Thanks, gumbo. I just get paranoid with these sorts of things.

[gumbo2]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 10:32pm

Me too, I am auditioning for colleges very soon. But I think you will be fine, especially if you are doing another monologue and/or songs that can show your acting range, like everyone else said. Good luck at auditions, break a leg!

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 12/14/05 at 10:37pm

Thanks. You too. :)