How to Choose the Right Monologue for Your Drama School Audition
Applying to drama school is an exciting (and often nerve-wracking) step in your acting journey. One of the most important parts of the process is selecting the right monologue. Your choice can show audition panels who you are as a performer, how you interpret text, and what potential you have as a student. But with so many plays and roles out there, how do you make the right decision?
Below are some key tips to guide you through the process.
1. Know the Requirements
Each drama school has its own audition guidelines. Some will ask for one classical and one contemporary monologue, others may specify time limits or exclude overused speeches. Always check the requirements carefully before you start searching—picking the perfect piece won’t help if it doesn’t fit the brief.
2. Choose a Character You Connect With
Panels want to see you, not just a performance. Pick a monologue where you genuinely connect with the character’s emotions or situation. If you can relate to their struggles, humour, or passions, your performance will feel more truthful and engaging.
3. Avoid Overdone Monologues
Certain speeches turn up so often that panels become numb to them (think Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” or pieces from A Midsummer Night’s Dream). Instead, look for lesser-known works from both classical and modern playwrights. A fresh choice shows that you’ve done your research and helps you stand out.
4. Think About Range
If you’re asked to prepare more than one monologue, make sure they contrast. For example, pair a Shakespearean tragedy with a contemporary comedy. This shows versatility and flexibility in your acting, which is exactly what schools are looking for.
5. Pick Something Age-Appropriate
A 17-year-old performing a monologue written for a 50-year-old character rarely rings true. Choose material that matches your age range, or at least feels believable for someone in your stage of life. Authenticity is always more powerful than forcing maturity or experience you don’t yet have.
6. Read the Whole Play
Never perform a monologue in isolation. By reading the entire play, you’ll understand the character’s journey, relationships, and context. This extra knowledge will deepen your interpretation and allow you to answer any questions the panel might ask about the piece.
7. Work With a Coach
Even the strongest monologue choices need fine-tuning. A professional acting coach can help you analyse the text, unlock hidden layers of emotion, and refine your delivery. Having an outside eye ensures your performance is polished, confident, and ready for the audition room.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right monologue is as much about showing you as it is about the text itself. Pick a piece that excites you, challenges you, and feels authentic to who you are as an actor. With the right preparation and guidance, your monologue can become the key that opens the door to your drama school training.
👉 If you’d like personalised help with monologue selection and audition prep, book a coaching session to make sure your audition performance is the very best it can be.
