At some point on your acting journey, you will inevitably have to perform a Shakespeare monologue. It might be for a drama school audition, or even for a Shakespearean production! However, despite the broad range of possibilities, actors seem to be inevitably drawn towards the same small handful of Shakespeare monologues.
Often through no fault of their own actors choose a monologues that hundreds of other actors have also chosen. A few familiar speeches get regularly paraded at auditions, and the panel starts to yawn. To avoid that becoming your fate, we’ve outlined those most popular Shakespeare monologues for men below. We also give suggestions for what to choose instead, to help you nail your next Shakespeare audition!
Why Choose a Unique Shakespeare Monologue?
There are a number of reasons to choose a unique Shakespeare monologue for your audition. There’s nothing wrong, per se, with selecting a popular piece. However, it can put the actor at a disadvantage.
Firstly, the actor who chooses a well known monologue runs the risk of tiring (or even – yikes!- boring) the panel. Once the actor launches into the first line of a well known monologue, the auditioners can mentally check-out. “We’ve heard this one before!” Their inner voices yell, as their eyelids droop in the hot, dark audition room.
Secondly, doing a well known piece can inevitably lead to comparison. It is not always conscious, but the panel can automatically assign certain expectations or cast their minds back to previous (and potentially, more expertly done) renditions of the same monologue.
How to Choose a Shakespeare Audition Monologue
While doing a familiar piece risks the above, doing an unfamiliar piece offers some attractive advantages! You will inevitably get the panel’s attention as you present them something extremely exciting: a NEW experience. Amidst the long audition days, any actor who comes in the room with something unique to offer is remembered fondly.
However, when it comes to selecting a Shakespeare monologue for an audition, your connection to the piece should trump all. You’ll be spending a lot of time with whatever monologue you choose, and it may even become your new go-to. You could be returning to this monologue for years to come!
Because of this, your audition monologue should be a piece that inspires you. This is the most important thing. Even if that piece happens to be on the list of ‘overdone’ monologues below!
Overdone Shakespeare Audition Monologues for Men
King Lear, Edmund – “Thou, nature, art my goddess”
This piece from Edmund, the illegitimate son of Gloucester, is perhaps one of the most popular Shakespeare audition monologues. Edmund is ready to prove himself, and he has a plan that he is ready to execute. Why, he asks, does being born out of wedlock mean he deserves any less than his brother? While the text is delightful and extremely fun to play, beware before proceeding with this audition piece. You’ll be up against a number of other Edmunds… guaranteed! Full analysis of Edmund Act 1, Scene 2 monologue.
Julius Caesar, Act 3 Scene 2 – Marc Antony, “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears”
Marc Antony’s grand speech is another iconic Shakespeare selection. His speech to the crowd after Caesar’s death is an exercise in rhetorical mastery. In it, Marc Antony must toe the line of political correctness as he attempts to sway the opinion of the bloodthirsty rabble. This is an epic speech, and though it’s often done in auditions, it is tricky to nail the energy and intention in a room that usually only has 2-3 other people in it. Proceed with caution. Full analysis of Marc Antony Act 3, Scene 2 monologue.
Hamlet, Act 1 Scene 2 – Hamlet, “O, that this too too solid flesh would melt”
Another popular monologue is Hamlet’s first soliloquy in the titular play. In this piece, Hamlet is truly in the trenches over his father’s death and his mother’s subsequent marriage to his uncle. Full analysis of Hamlet Act 1, Scene 2 monologue.
Richard III, Act 1 Scene 1 – Richard “Now is the winter of our discontent”
Richard’s opening monologue is famous, and a testament to the bard’s genius. It is also, however, quite frequently done in auditions. Before stepping up to the challenge of inhabiting this timeless Shakespeare villain, consider if this exposition-filled piece is the best way to show off your acting chops. Full analysis of Richard III Act 1, Scene 1 monologue.
Macbeth Act 1, Scene 7 – Macbeth, “If it were done when tis’ done…”
This Macbeth monologue, alongside “Is this a dagger?” and “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,” are three ever popular audition pieces in the Shakespeare canon. The piece sees Macbeth caught in his inner conflict between his desire for the crown and his fear of the consequences that may come if he murders his kinsman for it. He plays out the possible futures, and wavers in his resolve as he confronts the reality of the situation. Full analysis of Macbeth Monologue Act 1, Scene 7.
Romeo & Juliet, Romeo – “But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks”
For younger actors, this piece remains a perennially popular choice. Another often quoted monologue, Romeo’s dangerous lovesick escapade into the Capulet estate to find his Juliet begins to bear fruit here. If you’re looking for an alternate piece, Romeo does have another few great monologues that are worth exploring! Full analysis Romeo & Juliet Act 2, Scene 1 Monologue.
Unique Male Shakespeare Audition Monologues Alternatives
If you’re looking for some Shakespeare hidden gems, check out the list of alternative and less frequently performed male Shakespeare monologues below:
- Macbeth Act 3, Scene 1 Macbeth – “To be thus is nothing; But to be safely thus.”
- The Winter’s Tale Act 1, Scene 2 – Leontes, “Gone already! Inch-thick, knee-deep; o’er head and ears a fork’d one”
- Julius Caesar Act 2, Scene 1 – Brutus, “It must be by his death: and for my part I know no personal cause to spurn at him”
- The Winter’s Tale, Act 3, Scene 2 – Antigonus “Come, poor babe: I have heard, but not believed, the spirits o’ the dead may walk again…”
- Romeo & Juliet, Act 5, Scene 3 – Romeo, “Let me peruse this face. Mercutio’s kinsman, noble County Paris!”
- King Richard, Act 3, Scene 3 – King Richard “We are amazed, and thus long we have stood…”
Final Thoughts
When it comes to your next Shakespeare audition monologue, it’s important to be aware of the pitfalls associated with performing a super popular piece. However, you shouldn’t let that turn you away from a piece you love! After you have considered the information above, make your own call on the best piece for you. Ultimately, the panel want to see you in connection with the text, and bringing the story to life. If that’s one of the commonly performed audition pieces, then so be it.
