Appropriate Monologues

College Majors Musical Theater Major
1

<p>Hi-
My first choice school requires two contemporary monologues. It does not specify "age appropriate", but like all audition pieces, I know they should be. I was wondering however, what exactly is age appropriate? Do the characters have to be around the same age? Can you do a monologue written for a slightly older character if the content isn't too mature and could be done by a younger character? Thanks so much!</p>

<pre><code> P.S. Also, one of the monologues I'm considering uses the "f word" once. In my opinion, I think it should be okay, as it isn't used for shock value, and its fitting for the character. Do you think its ok?
</code></pre>

2

<p>As a mother, and a conservative one at that, I say no to the F word. You are looking for "age appropriate" material, and I just don't think it's appropriate for a teenager (or anybody else) to use the F word. Your auditors will most likely be adults, and probably more liberal than I, but I still wouldn't take the chance of offending them. I'm a prude--I know it and I like it. :)</p>

3

<p>Hi Lucie - </p>

<p>I don't work with monologues much at all, but I know the answer to your question from the experiences of my auditioning students and their subsequent feedback once they enter certain schools and become audition monitors. In some places, the "F" word is considered very inappropriate for auditionees, and in others, if it's used organically, as you say, then it's no problem at all. Two places I know of where it's not a problem for sure are CMU and UMich. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

4

<p>Lucie,
With regard to age appropriateness, you want to use material for a role in which you realistically would be cast. The audition is not an acting class, so don't choose material meant to "stretch" your acting skills. It should be material that is right for you at this time in your life. They want to see you deal with material that you could conceivably do on stage. If you choose inappropriate material, you may come across as inexperienced. This doesn't mean you must do a role that is your exact age, but keep to a range that you could realistically depict. Most people have an age range they can play. If you can play ages 16-25, for example, that opens up a range of material for teens and young adults. So, playing a mother, for instance, nope. You may have played roles like that in youth theater, but you should not for an audition. For instance, my daughter played a 102 year old woman in one musical and a grandmother in a play, but she would not in an audition, LOL. But while she is currently 17, she could perform a monologue in an audition where the character is 22 and be OK with it generally speaking.</p>

<p>As far as using profanity, I'd stay away from it to be safe. While it may be fine in some situations, it won't be in others and you won't know for sure which is which. Even at one school, within a panel of auditors, the view on that might differ. So, try to use "good taste" and avoice graphic language. You want them to like you and so you don't want to offend anyone who is judging the audition. Some auditors may have a low tolerance for profanity (particularly the "f" word), especially by a teenager. Once you are in an actual show, that is different. It is part of the piece and whomever is producing the show has chosen to use such material for the audience. You want to make a positive impression with the auditors so this is not a risk you should take in this particular situation. So, use material that the majority will deem is in "good taste."</p>

<p>PS, I do agree that it is within the character and organic and not to shock and I would not have a problem with it but you don't truly know how all auditors will feel and this is not the time to take big risks that way, in my view.</p>

5

<p>I agree with just about everything soozievt said. I coach tons of monologues young actors are doing for college auditions. I am also very liberal person...I've lived in NYC for the past 25 years......that being said.... I can't think of any situation where I think it would be a good idea for a High School student to come in to an audition with a monologue with the "f" word in it. Just the fact that we are all referring to it a the "F word" should give you pause as to why not to do it. There are a whole list of words like that.... </p>

<p>As for shock value....I guarantee you it WILL have shock value in a two minute monologue taken out of context of the play. It is just wise to stay away from it.</p>

<p>Lucie, may I ask you a question? What is the monologue you are thinking about using that has the F word in it? What play is it from, and who wrote it?
I'm just curious.</p>

6

<p>So if the piece is otherwise appropriate, is it permissable to change the offensive word or delete it, or do you just have to abandon the monolouge? My son did a video audition for a summer program in which he felt uncomfortable with one word in the piece. The discomfort was not that he couldn't deliver the line, but that it might not be appropriate for such an audition. So, his drama teacher and he chose another similar but more acceptable word. Would this be out of line for college auditions??</p>

7

<p>It depends on how well-known the piece is - but in general, it's not appropriate to change it, because it disrupts the flow of the playwright's language. This is analogous to changing the lyric of a song - it will be noticed and sound "dissonant" to the minds of the auditors.</p>

<p>But I'll repeat what I said originally - all of this is very specific to the school. Each year, I hear the same kind of debates I am hearing here, and they are a reflection of the increasing competitiveness of MT auditions and the auditionees' admirable desire to do everything "right" for each school. The most important thing to learn from reading this thread is not whether you should swear or not - it's that EACH school has a unique sensibility. As I said, I don't coach monologues myself, but I have a staff of monologue coaches from CMU, Juilliard, and UMich, and they share some opinions and disagree pretty radically on others. Should you choose your material accordingly, trying to "figure out" each school? No - you should choose your material to truly suit you. But will you find disagreement about what is "good" and "appropriate"? Absolutely - just as you will in the NYC casting world! I know these conflicting ideas often confuse students who hear different feedback from representatives of various schools - so get a sense of each school's rules and then choose your material accordingly.</p>

8

<p>I think you can often (usually) delete the word or modify it... </p>

<p>Once in a while, it might be best to choose another monologue altogether....</p>

<p>This is one of those things where you have to use your judgement. I'm not a big proponant of changing the author's words... but for the purpose of performing a two minute monologue in the setting of a college audition, it usually doesn't make that much difference to change or delete one word.</p>

9

<p>Last year when my D auditioned at Marymount Manhattan, she said there was a girl who used a monologue with a ton of "F-bombs" in it. (At Marymount you are broken into groups and you perform your monologue in front of the others in your group.) She said it was kind of shocking to hear at the audition, and she didn't think it was really appropriate. This particular girl also snickered at some of the other kids' monologues, while everyone else seemed very supportive of each others' effort. I'd say she was off base on all counts and would guess she didn't get into the program, but don't know that for a fact.</p>

10

<p>umm...when i was at CMU this summer, the teacher there said it was fine, but limit it to saying it once or twice (ofcourse as said before this is CMU and other schools i guess have their preferences) and typically for me, at first, i had kind of a problem with it and my teacher told me either to go heartout for it, or dont do it atall.....cause the auditors can tell if you dont feel COMPLETLY comfortable and confident with what u are doing...and for me this was a monologue that i had to out-step my boundaries and i loved it because it was giving me a challenge...and actually to practise it, i put on music LOUD and bascially danced around my dorm room singing out the lines....so that it no longer because a piece of writing to me...so that it became ME.....and i ended up LOVING my monologue, and i had sooo much fun doing it in my audition and got alot of laughs from the auditors....so i guess yes it all depends....my monologue had one f word it in 'f-ing', and because of where it is, it was fine to say....but i did have to get used to be comfortable with it...but now i love my monologue...and i guess the reason it stuck most with me, is because im west-indian from the Caribbean and my accent makes it difficult for me to find a proper monologue....and this monologue was written for a black girl and had everything down to the accent (actually not completly down to the accent...lol....but it worked).....so i would say do what you love and feel most comfortable with.....</p>

11

<p>It depends on how well you can play the character who is using the F word. Personally, I think you should go for it if you can kill that monologue. Dont do it just for shock value. Do it if you truely believe in the piece, and you are willing to accept all things about the character you are portraying. It needs to come accross naturally though. But as a 19 year old student, I can certainly admit to dropping the F bomb numerous times (sorry to all the conservative moms!) I would have an acting coach or somebody you respect in the theatre field watch you perform your monologue. If they feel that you can perform it organically and the naughty word is useful in portraying your character, I see no reason not to go with it. Acting is about taking risks. If people at your audition will be THAT offended, maybe it's not the school for you anyway. Of course, thats just my 2 cents... but what do I know ;)</p>

12

<p>MTGeek, acting is indeed about taking risks. I just don't think an audition situation for college admissions is the time to take a risk of this nature. The word in context of a piece would not bother me. However, conventional wisdom, in general, is to not use this language in a college audition. Some schools may be fine with it, but some will not. You won't know for sure which are and which aren't. Why prepare different material for one school than another, unless they have different monologue requirements? The time to take risks are in acting class, not college admissions.</p>

13

<p>I consider mysel a highly moral person who is on the liberal side of the spectrum - I know some people don't think that is possible! </p>

<p>Anyway, I have sat through many auditions and have stated before in these forums that I grow tired of young folks using their monologues to proclaim their sexual preference, flirt, or attempt to shock the panel. In my experience, I don't think using the f-word is going to shock most theatre folks. Having said that, it is over-used. Remember, an audition is actually an interview for a position - without compromising who you are, you need to be aware of how you might be coming across. So here is my advice.</p>

<p>Do not use this monlogue unless it is essential to your audition. it would be essential if you are so totally connected to the role that you can't imagine doing a different monologue - or if you are so comfortable with this piece that using another would make you nervous (more nervous). If you do choose to do the piece - do it as written, do not censor yourself - if you've made an artistically valid, personal choice - then go with it all the way. </p>

<p>One other thought - if this choice is stressful to you - again do not do the piece. That word might possibly loom way too large in your pyche - and throw (and blow) your audition.</p>

14

<p>This has been a really interesting thread. Ive really enjoyed everyone's opinion. I am going to try to make this the last two cents I throw in.</p>

<p>I agree with 90 percent of what MT Dog just wrote. I have already stated I would not feel comfortable, or feel it would be a wise decision, having a student of mine use the F word at an audition. </p>

<p>Generally....I do NOT condone changing the authors words. However.... in the context of a 17 year old doing a two minute college audition.... I STILL believe that altering one word will not make that much difference... For instance if a character says.....</p>

<p>"What the F did you say that for?"</p>

<p>Changing the line to</p>

<p>"What the hell did you say that for?"</p>

<p>is not really compromising the integrity of the play. If that is the only time the word is used in the piece.... why throw the whole monologue out if it is working otherwise?!? </p>

<p>As Tevye would say... on the other hand.... if there is a monologue that absolutely works for an individual student and this student is totally connected to what is happening in the monologue and they use the F word and it works.... then I might change my opinion. I would not totally and utterly rule it out.... That might happen once in a hundred students, but if it is working.....I would have to consider it.</p>

<p>I still think it is interesting that in this post.... a whole slew of wordly and educated people and no one has even written the word here. It's only been the "F" word.</p>

15

<p>Soozievt- why would an audition not be the time and place to take a risk? Students are virtually exposing themselves to these complete strangers in a matter of minutes through artistic expression. If a student has picked a piece where the character is the kind of person who would absolutely use the language, I don’t see a POINT in changing it. Also we need to realize that auditors have probably seen every kind of theatre there is. If Bill Donohoe can get through the “C word” monologue from Vagina Monologues, he can get through my monologue that drops the F bomb. I’m looking at it from an artistic angle. Theatre is a reflection of life. In life, people use the F word, and much worse. I could easily offend someone just as much by using the N word in a monologue if I was portraying someone who was racist… or offend someone by portraying a homosexual… or bother someone by portraying a rape victim. If my character drops the F bomb on a daily basis, I’m not going to change a single word in my 2 minute monologue. The playwright would not have put it there if it didn’t have a purpose. That word has weight, and that’s why it was put there. I would respect the script from word to word.</p>

<p>However monologue selection is a very personal experience and process. If a student absolutely loves a monologue with the exception of the use of the F word, then by all means I think he or she should consider removing it. But it I think it should only be if the STUDENT is uncomfortable. I don’t care about being “safe” in front of auditors. If they are THAT hung up on their morals that they are going to get so wrapped up in my one profanity in my monologue and ignore all of my other attributes as an actor with potential, then those are NOT people I want to deal with on a daily basis for 4 years. Again, its not about being safe. I’m an actor!! We’re CRAZY! Not safe!</p>

<p>On the other hand, no student should be stupid enough to pick a monologue BECAUSE it has profanity. To me, that's just plain stupid and unnecessary. Thats not acting. Thats making a mockery of yourself. An audition panel can tell the difference between students using profanity in a monologue to shock them, and students using monologues that they believe in where the profanity is used with PURPOSE.</p>

<p>As an acting coach recently told me "Auditors are not sitting in moral judgement."</p>

16

<p>Tom, I love the Tevye reference :D .
You've mentioned your observation that nobody here has actually used or typed out the so called "F" word. Well, for good reason. If they did, they would be violating CC's Terms of Service which does not allow for profanity in posts! Alas, CC also has a word filter and if one were to type that word, it would appear like this: ****. I just spelled the word and you can see what the filter did. So, there's that answer! But your observation has another underlying inference that can be drawn. People have been careful on a public forum to not offend those who may not be comfortable with the use of profanity. People are being courteous. And that does relate to the audition situation where one doesn't want to risk offending the auditors. Same thing.</p>

<p>MTGeek....everything you have written I'd agree with when it comes to artistic PERFORMANCES. If the wording is by the playwright and it fits the character, I surely don't mind. If I were watching a teen do a monologue in class with such language, I also wouldn't mind. But I feel the audition situation is different. Just like a teen may perform a character on stage who is not age appropriate (ie., my D was Rose in Bye Bye Birdie at age 10, she was Emma Goldman at age 10, she was Joice Heth in Barnum who is supposed to be 102 years old at age 13, and was a Kit Kat Girl in Cabaret at age 12.....for just a few examples of many like this), but when choosing material for an audition, the general school of thought is to pick age appropriate characters. Likewise, a teen may perform on stage in a role that uses profanity. But in an audition for college, should refrain from such usage. </p>

<p>These are not my PERSONAL opinions whatsoever (for the record, I'm liberal and have no problems with any of these issues or material). But my suggestions stem from all I have read about auditioning from well known books on the subject, as well as auditors who have written about such things. Almost every source addresses the two questions the OP asked....age appropriateness, as well as "good taste" with regard to profanity, graphic language, sexual perversions, graphic descriptions of violence, and so on. You want to make a positive impression and not offend. It has nothing to do with taking risks as an actor. The risks I was referring to were risks to do with auditioning itself for college. For instance, you could wear ratty clothing to your audition....risky choice to get into college! But you could still take risks with acting choices. The audition is not the place to stretch your skills but is the place to demonstrate the skills you have at this time. Use acting class for the big risks. The problem with using such material in a college audition is that you take the risk of offending an auditor and a lot is riding on the line. That is different than performing in class or on stage and you do material YOU are comfortable performing. </p>

<p>College auditioning is an animal, if you will, where it is best to do as many things in your control as to not risk turning off a person who is judging you. Same thing could be said in a college essay if you were to use such language. It might be OK, but it might not for some readers. That's fine when you are writing a book or play, or performing a theater piece on stage, but it when decisions about the next four years of your life are on the line, I would go with the general rules of thumb, not just with regard to language use in an audition but other things such as what to wear, what to sing, etc. For instance, if the advice is not to sing overdone songs and not to do monologues in dialect...you COULD do these things if you want to risk it, but why take that chance? Take such chances in other ways or situations. Read about auditioning and you will find such references are common place. </p>

<p>Best,
Susan</p>

17

<p>To me an audition is an artistic performance as well as a demonstration of your abilities, and should be treated as such. Why NOT take the chance? If the college specifically asks you not to sing songs from Phantom or do pieces from Biloxi Blues, that is one thing. Sticking to pieces you love and believe in is another. Not only is this my opinion, but it is also the opinion of many acting coaches and college professors (CMU, Emerson, UMich, Boco and many others) that I have spoken with or heard from. I'm no stranger to the issue. Teens use that kind of language! So technically it is age appropriate. 17 and 18 teen year olds do worse than swear. They get eachother pregnant for petes sake! Just because it's unsettling doesnt mean it isn't true. And if there's an auditor out there who wont let me into their institution because I dropped an F bomb that a playwright put in his script, then shame on the auditor for not being able to see the piece for what it is. General rule of thumb... go with your gut. If I went around all the time trying to avoid things that offended people, I'd be a boring mess. Also, if I'm doing a monologue portraying the part of a kid who deals crack, he's not going to be the kind of person who says "What the heck" and "Gosh darn it". If I do an awesome job at portraying that crack head, I'm going to do it at my audition and bring every ounce of what I have into it, and use the F word like its my job if it helps portray the character better. Auditors also look for the approach you take to characters. If they were just interested in "you" then they would just do an interview, and to hell with the acting audition.</p>

<p>I don't need to read about auditions. Some people like to read. I like to ask. There's nothing thats in a book that someone who is extremely qualified cannot tell me to my face</p>

18

<p>MTGeek, you need to do what you believe is best in an audition situation. I likened the risk to also not following other rules of thumb for college auditions such as dressing messily or singing inappropriate songs, and so on. Yes you have to believe in the material. But usually one wants to follow the audition guidelines. Yes, teens use that kind of language. But there may be a time and place. Teens also wear bare midriffs on girls and baggy pants that sit very low with underwear showing on boys, but does that mean to wear it at an audition or interview? Up to you. Those clothes may be age appropriate but are not appropriate at an audition. Monologues that you love, but are written for 50 year olds, are not considered a good choice at an audition. So, loving and relating to the material is not always enough or appropriate for THIS situation. An auditor may not mind swearing, but may form an opinion about the appropriateness of the material. I'm not talking the same as choosing material to put on a production.</p>

<p>Following guidelines for a college audition is a wise choice, in my view. There are lots of times one should take risks. The classroom is such a time to grow, stretch and learn. When applying for something, it is often better to stay within suggested guidelines rather than take a chance. </p>

<p>When you say that if you went around all the time trying to avoid things that offend people, you'd be a boring mess.....I don't agree. When performing art on stage, people can choose whether to attend. In certain situations, there is a time and place. Do you use profanity with teachers in conversation? Most may not but they do with their friends. </p>

<p>Again, a lot of what you are saying I totally agree with when it comes to material put on stage. I'm totally cool with material on stage that would offend others. But others choose whether to attend the show. </p>

<p>Auditions are not really a show. One is being SELECTED for something, much like an interview. When I interview for a job, I certainly do think about how I dress and what language I use and what stories I tell. I relax those standards when conversing with friends or if I were to be a performer on stage and so on. Choosing material for the audience is what I am referring to. If I am choosing material for a school show or to entertain young children, I think through which material may be appropriate to the situation. That is all I am saying. I am NOT knocking such material in and of itself for performance purposes. If you recall, I mentioned last spring that I was fine with my child performing in a nude scene in Hair, as well as every single song in that show. I would not suggest she sing certain songs from that show such as Sodomy (if you know those lyrics) or appear nude at her audition to get into college, however. :D</p>

<p>PS, what do you think of the choice of the song, Sodomy, for a college audition? I am curious.</p>

19

<p>Recently, my daughter created and performed a cabaret in a city in our state with two other friends from selective BFA programs. Their cabaret had a theme to it. Their encore song was from Avenue Q...."I Wish I Could go Back to College". Various age people were in the audience and these three on stage were ages 17, 19, and 20. They opted to change the lyric of "F my TA" to "date my TA". They made a decision about "good taste" based on the situation and sensitivity to this audience. In another situation, none of them had any problem using the F word in the song. This really isn't about artistic choices as much as about good taste and sensitivity as to who you are performing for or in the case of an audition, who will be making a decision about your entrance into a program where you have no idea the auditor's stance on such a guideline. What you say, sing, or act in one circumstance, may not be as appropriate in another. Be sensitive as to the situation and who you are performing for and if you are being judged for admittance into a very selective thing. It could work out to take a chance with the general guidelines, but I'd err on not taking such a chance. BFA admissions is difficult enough. Do what you wish and what works for you. My kid did not opt to audition with material that used profanity and she had a positive outcome at quite a few BFA schools. I am not saying it would have been different had she chosen material that had profanity in it, but I just wouldn't want to find out. If she performs such material now in class and in productions, no problem.</p>

20

<p>MT Geek... Let me just say, you sound like a really, really smart guy. You are articulate, and have a lot of insight for someone your age. You are passionate about acting and not afraid to voice your opinion. You are going toe to toe with a bunch of us old foggies and you are holding your own.....I bet you are a really good actor. You may very well be the one student I was talking about who will be able to come in to the audition and play a crack dealer that says the F word, the C word, and the N word in the same sentence and get away with it.</p>

<p>The next 200 hundred people behind you would not be able to pull it off. I think that's what we are saying. </p>

<p>Also... I don't think the auditioners are going to be offended in the way you think they are.... They (probably) use the F word themselves and I guarantee you are not prudes.... we theatre folk are historically bawdy members of society.......(lol....Well.. I will speak for myself).... They are offended in the sense that it is a little cheeky for a 17 year old to come to their auditions and be so presumptuous.</p>

<p>This whole thread reminds me of the following dialogue exchange from </p>

<pre><code> Butterflies are Free
by Leonard Gershe
</code></pre>

<p>To quickly explain....They are talking about an avant guarde play...</p>

<hr>

<p>Mrs Baker: Mr. Austin... I don't intend to pay money to see nudity, obscenity, and degeneracy.</p>

<p>Ralph: Mrs Baker, these things are all a part of life.</p>

<h2>Mrs Baker: I know, Mr. Austin.... so is Diarrhea, but I wouldn't classify it as entertainment.</h2>

<p>Enough said.</p>