How to perform a monologue
A monologue is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as a 'long speech by one actor in a play or film, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast programme'. It has its roots in the Greek 'monologos', which means 'speaking alone'.
The world of theatre is rich with the monologue, and it's likely you'll be required to perform one at some point in your career, perhaps for an audition, to meet entrance requirements to drama school or during your first real-world production.
On the stage, monologues can be everything: funny, poignant, dark, manic. But they should always be memorable. If you’re preparing to deliver a monologue for the first time, here are some things to think about.
Pick one that speaks to you
Shakespeare's canon is packed with beautiful monologues, but don't just reach for the first one you see. Nor should you necessarily Google 'theatre monologues' and see what comes up. Is there something you've read that really speaks to you? Why not go with that – you're bound to deliver it with meaning.
Know where the monologue sits in the context of the play
If you simply rip a monologue out of a play without reading the rest of it, you won't gain a full appreciation of its meaning.
Make sure you immerse yourself in the full text of the play, understanding the monologue within the overarching narrative. This will help you pick out nuances you would otherwise have missed.
Think about other voices
A monologue involves speaking alone but, as the quote at the top of this piece shows, it always involves other voices too. Ask yourself:
- Who am I speaking to?
- How will what I am about to say make them feel?
- How will this affect me during the rest of the play?
Monologue examples from our students
Familiarising yourself with performing a monologue is a vital part of being an actor; you'll need to prepare them for most auditions, including to get into drama school.
Take a look at these monologues by our third year actors to get a sense of how far they have come in three years of training - you may even pick up some tips for your own audition!
Viewer discretion advised: Some videos contain strong language and adult themes.
Mara Huf
Mara is a dual American and German citizen living in London. She graduated from the BRIT School of performing arts before completing her training at RBC. After graduating Mara signed to Jewell Wright Ltd in the UK, and Nicolosi & Co in New York. She has recently played the role of Mekeda in educational series 'Berlin Beats' for BBC Bitesize and is now based in New York, where she will be auditioning during pilot season.
Nicole Miners
Originally from Hong Kong, Nicole is signed with Simon & How Associates. She has recently starred in fellow graduate Eric Mok's original play British Born Chinese, which was part of the John Thaw Initiative Graduate Season 2019 at the Actor's Centre.
Sam Claridge
During his training, Sam represented RBC at the Sam Wanamaker Festival at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. It was there that he got noticed and signed by Actorum agency, and his first professional contract since graduation was touring with BlackBox Theatre Company in a First World War play called Bully Beef & Whizzbangs. In 2019 Sam toured in a production of Romeo and Juliet with the Young Shakespeare Company.