<p>1 minute seems like an awfully short amount of time.
Now that I'm timing them...is there any fudge room? Or does it depend on the schools? My acting coach keeps telling me its fine, but I figured I'd get a consensus.</p>
<p>I don't think most schools with a one minute time limit will hold you to it <em>precisely,</em> but you should know that at least one school for which my daughter auditioned had an auditor sitting there with a stop watch. He didn't use it, but it was there. </p>
<p>What that means, I would say, is that you should keep your monologue (when required) as close to one minute as you can. That doesn't mean exactly 60 seconds, but it also doesn't mean a minute and a half or two or three. It means around one minute.</p>
<p>I think many schools are much more observant of the 1 minute monologue than they are of the 16/32 cuts as discussed elsewhere. I know of at least 3 who time them, and will cut you off if you go past a minute -- do you really want to take that chance? My suggestion - find a sentence or two that can be cut if they exceed the time.</p>
<p>Considering that some people may see 60 or more students in an audition day, even a little bit extra adds up over the length of the day.</p>
<p>Thank you so much.</p>
<p>You serve yourself best if you do what is asked. If your asked to do a one minute monologue - then, do yourself a favor, do a one minute monologue. It is not an unusual parameter. The very best thing to do is find out, from the school, not a board like this, what each school requires and deliver that which is asked.</p>
<p>That way pretty much my kid's take: if they say one minute, they MEAN one minute. So allowing for a few seconds more or less, try your best to stick to that boundary when asked. It shows the school's auditors that you can follow instructions and are respectful of their rules.</p>
<p>I would reiterate the advice of the above 2 posts:keep within the time limits. Just as songs get cut to required lengths, so can and should monologues. By doing the cut yourself, you get to control your material rather than have the panel stop you just as you are getting to those couple of lines that you thought were the heart of your delivery.</p>
<p>And keep in mind that if necessary, you can cut from the MIDDLE of the monologue, rather than just the beginning or end.</p>
<p>That's exactly what my daughter did with some of her monologues. In terms of content and flow, it made sense.</p>
<p>my acting coach keeps saying that 1:25 is not considered going over a minute, she send lots of kids to auditions. Thats why I'm confused!</p>
<p>Check each school carefully. I know in music they might state, "a strict 16 bars" which is just that...no more. Some say 1 to 2 minutes or a combined total time. I don't think I would risk losing the end of a monologue by going over almost 50% of what is requested.</p>
<p>xoxtinysingerxox:</p>
<p>There are a lot of experienced parents and coaches on here. Many have been through this BFA admissions process already. I agree with those that say to adhere to the guidelines. Schools would not have guidelines and limits if they didn't care about them. </p>
<p>I don't think many schools would time you and cut you, but they would if you truly were not in the ballpark of the requirement. So, that means if a 1 minute monologue is required, you need to prepare a one minute version of your monologue for that school. Since variations may happen with each delivery, it is not a huge problem usually to go over slightly, such as 6 seconds over a minute. But you should be preparing material that is meant to last one minute. If it appears you are still going on and not at the end, you could be cut off. With so much at stake, why would you take a chance? It is like Pohsmom says with songs....if they ask for 16 bars, prepare 16 bars. I imagine if someone sings 17 or 18 bars, it is not going to be the kiss of death. But that is not like going to 24 bars, which would be a no no. Same with the monologue. Prepare one that is the length they ask for and if by chance you go over a few seconds, that likely will not cause a problem but extending it to 25% or even more (your example is extending it 50% more) IS a problem at most schools. It reminds me of the essays. Stay in the ballpark of the word limit. You can go over slightly but not significantly. </p>
<p>Some schools want monos that are one minute, some 1 1/2 min. and some 2 minute. Once you gather all your requirements, it is not like you prepare a monologue of one length and use it everywhere. Rather, you need a one minute version, a 1 1/2 min. version, and a 2 min. version (this is just an example) if you have schools with those various requirements in sum. In other words, don't average the requriements and just prepare one length. Prepare exactly what each school wants. It may mean you could use a particular monologue with two versions of it in length for different schools, and not necessarily two different monos for two different length requirements. But each of your materials must meet each school's requirements. </p>
<p>This is a competitive process. I would not take a chance by not following directions. Has anyone been admitted who did not follow directions? I am sure they have. It reminds me that some may have been admitted who did not dress appropriately. But I would err on the side of doing what gives you the greatest chance of succcess. Follow guidelines.</p>
<p>Thank you all so much</p>
<p>The auditor my D had for her Ithaca audition (who was the head of the department) had a stop watch on the table in front of him. Don't tempt fate.</p>
<p>By staying within the time limits, it also shows the level of professionalism you adhere to. The audition panel will know that you can be given instructions and guidelines and handle them. Sure, no one in the audition room is going to shoot you down if you go a few seconds over, but why risk making a less than stellar impression because of that?</p>
<p>I would agree that it is a good idea to stay within the time limits that a school asks for. A one minute monologue is not unusual. It is also good preparation for auditions you will attend later. For example, if you attend setc you have one minute to do a monologue only audition and 90 seconds for a monologue and a song. There you are timed. One minute is longer than you think. Quality, not quantity is key. Good luck!</p>
<p>If they want to hear more than 1 minute then they'll ask you to do more. If your acting coach thinks 1:25 is not going over a minute, time to reconsider your choice in acting coaches. Make it an awesome minute we're all pulling for you!</p>
<p>Thanks all. I got them down to 1:05. and my 1st audition is still one month away!!</p>
<p>Yay, way to go xoxtinysinger, we will be rooting for you!</p>
<p>NMR my D told me of many places where they had stop watches. It's frustrating when you pick a great monologue and want them to see it all but you do have to make the different versions.</p>