<p>What's the general consensus here on cursing in monologues? One of my monologues I'm using for college auditions builds up to this one moment where the character curses out her dad (specifically, saying "f*** you" a few times) for not being there for her when her mom died. I CAN end the monologue right before the climax--it's still good--but when the character breaks down and curses at her dad, it's incredibly beautiful and really adds a lot to the piece. What do you guys think....should I keep it in and risk shocking the auditioners? Take it out? Change the words (maybe to "go to hell")!?!?!?</p>
<p>Don't change anything!! The author wrote it that way for a reason. I believe most college theater faculty members would not be at all shocked -- unless you are auditioning for a Christian or other very conservative school. However, if YOU are uncomfortable with the language, you might consider choosing another monologue.</p>
<p>I'm applying ED to Tisch, so that's where I'm auditioning first...it's definitely not very conservative. :)</p>
<p>You don't think cursing would be used against me at all?</p>
<p>Mermaid, I think <em>you</em> need to be comfortable with cursing in this situation, and it sounds to me as if you might not be. If you can fully commit to it and it feels real to you, go for it. But if you search your gut and find you feel tentative and unsure about it, then find something else. There is a plethora of great dramatic material out there; it's the comic stuff that's tough to find! Good luck!</p>
<p>Are you doing Helen of Troy? I was thinking about doing something from that show but the cursing is pretty prevalent, and the play is very controversial. However, it would be a great contrast with "Our Town", the other monologue I'm doing :)
I've heard some people say don't curse (of course this includes my slightly inept drama teacher), and others say it's fine as long as it's appropriate in context. Hm...</p>
<p>I had my audition already, and it WAS from Helen of Troy, though I think it has a new title now. I think it's Everything Will Be Different...I ended up preparing the monologue with the cursing but when I walked into the audition room I decided not to curse because my auditioner was a conservative looking old man and I didn't want any heart attacks :)</p>