Choosing a Shakespeare audition piece can be tricky. Whether it’s for a specific production, a theatre company general audition, or drama school, you’ll want to choose a monologue that showcases your acting talent. However, audition panels can get tired of seeing the same Shakespeare monologues done one after another. So, what do you do when you want to stand out and deliver a memorable audition? Our advice about finding the right audition monologue stands. But it’s also important to discover the bard’s most popular audition monologues, to help you make an informed decision about whether to go for an iconic monologue or to dig a little deeper and go against the grain!
How to Choose a Shakespeare Audition Monologue
When preparing to audition with a Shakespeare piece, you’ll want to consider a couple of factors. Firstly, what is the audition for? The piece you choose will be different based on whether you’re auditioning for drama school or auditioning for a specific production. Generally speaking, you want to choose an audition monologue that satisfies the below criteria.
Character Circumstances You Connect With
The first thing to consider when selecting your monologue is to choose a piece you connect with. Before you make your choice, think about your casting and the character archetypes that suit you. It is not essential that you match the age or gender of the character. In fact, there is a long history of men playing female characters and women playing male characters in Shakespeare! However, keep in mind that the pieces you connect most with will likely be the ones where the character is in some way similar to you or to your life experience.
For example, if you’re a relatively soft spoken 19 year old boy, you might struggle to connect with the epic King Lear when he defies the maelstrom in his monologue beginning: “Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks!” When selecting your piece, take the time to find one you can truly relate to.
Active Monologues Rather than Passive Monologues
Next, look for monologues where the character is pursuing an active goal rather than merely reflecting on a situation or lost in imagery.
Active pieces will often have the character undergoing some kind of transformation or actively pursuing a desired outcome. For example, the character might be coming to a realisation, resolve to take action, or be actively attempting to change another character.
Example monologue: Richard III, Act 1, Scene 2.
“I do mistake my person all this while!
Upon my life, she finds, although I cannot,
Myself to be a marv’lous proper man.”
In this monologue, Richard comes to the realisation that perhaps he has been wrong about his capacity for charm and persuasion, despite his physical deformities. It is a turning point for him in the play, and a cracking monologue.
Frequently Overdone Shakespeare Audition Monologues for Women
There are a number of female Shakespeare monologues that are overdone as audition pieces. Think twice before approaching the below pieces in your audition, as the panel will have no doubt seen them hundreds of times!
Twelfth Night – Viola, “I left no ring with her…”
Viola’s famous speech is perhaps one of the most overdone audition pieces of Shakespeare. It comes after steward Malvolio delivers a ring that he claims Viola left behind when attending the court of Olivia. Viola, who was dressed as a man and going by ‘Cesario’ at the time, realises that Olivia must be have caught feelings for the false identity. Full analysis of Viola’s Act 2, Scene 2 monologue.
The Merchant of Venice – Portia, “The quality of mercy is not strained”
Portia’s appeal to Shylock and the court in Merchant of Venice is another highly popular audition monologue. The clever Portia, dressed as a man to make an appeal in the high court where her lover’s best friend is on trial for an unpaid debt, must convince the court to be merciful. Full analysis of Portia’s Act 4, Scene 1 Monologue.
As You Like It – Phoebe, “Think not I love him, though I ask for him”
Phoebe is the object of poor shepherd Silvius’ unrequited love. She callously spurns his affections, but falls madly in love with Rosalind’s male disguise, Ganymede. In this frequently performed piece, she denies the attraction but backpedals immediately after each rejection. Full analysis of Phoebe’s Act 3, Scene 5 Monologue
Midsummer Night’s Dream – Helena, “How happy some o’er other some can be,”
Helena’s lament at her misfortune of unrequited love is another common choice. A favourite, especially among young drama school auditionees, it can be tricky for some to hit the right tone of the piece. Some young actors accidentally come across as whiny, or petulant. Proceed with caution! Full analysis of Helena’s Act 1, Scene 1 monologue.
Romeo & Juliet, Juliet – “Gallop apace…”
Rounding out the most popular female Shakespeare monologues, is this classic Juliet monologue. Surprisingly more common than ‘Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo’, this piece sees Juliet hurrying the sun along so the night can fall and she can see her love. Full analysis of Act 3, Scene 2 monologue.
Other popular choices for female Shakespeare audition monologues include:
- The Winter’s Tale – Hermione “Sir, spare your threats, the bug which you would fright me with I seek”
- Two Gentlemen of Verona – Julia “O hateful hands, to tear such loving words”
- Much Ado About Nothing – Beatrice “Kill Claudio! You kill me to deny it. Farewell. I am gone, though I am“
- Henry IV Part Two – Lady Percy “O yet, for God’s sake go not to these wars“
- Othello – Emilia “But I do think it is their husbands’ fault if wives do fall“
Final Thoughts
Before you settle on your chosen audition piece, make sure you consider whether you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage by choosing one of these commonly performed monologue. By selecting one of the above monologues, you do risk blending into a sea of auditioning actors who have also done the same piece.
However, don’t let their popularity dissuade you if you truly love the piece and know you can nail it. These pieces are popular for a reason, and seeing them done well is a delight. Whatever you decide, be confident in your choice and enjoy giving it your all. Ultimately, the panel want to watch you doing what you love!
