<p>I cannot remember the thread where this was discussed but I thought I would throw in this information for those who are auditioning...</p>
<p>My son has friends who have actually gotten callbacks this year as well as were accepted last year, all as seniors in HS. Each of these kids did a Shakespeare monologue for their initial audition. They are incredibly talented and it was the talent that got them in, not that they did or did not do a Shakespeare piece. So please, if your child/you are comfortable doing Shakespeare, then do it, Julliard's numbers are so hard to overcome, you will not jeopardize your chances because of this issue. They are incredibly hard to get a callback from, no matter which monologues you choose.</p>
<p>Break legs to all and dress warmly!!!</p>
<p>I never got the fear of Shakespeare. The language is different, sure, but you can look up the words you don’t know and understand what the monologues are about. It’s so fun to “crack” Shakespeare and use the poetic Elizabethan language to translate thoughts and emotions that are still very much contemporary. Also, because of that, I find it way easier to memorize than other speeches.</p>
<p>Shakespeare’s speeches are really overdone, but, as my teacher would say “They wouldn’t be overdone if they weren’t great”. It’s just hard to get over the fact that you somehow have to honor Shakespeare. You don’t. He wrote for the “common” people, not for someone with an astonishing IQ. I guess watching “Richard III” at the Globe made me realize that it is very accessible and can be 100% understood if done well. So, if anyone is freaking out about doing Shakespeare, don’t worry, it’s not rocket science.</p>
<p>From Julliard’s website on Actor Training Audition Requirements (aka Shakespeare is a requirement at Julliard’s audition):</p>
<p>Four memorized monologues (two classical and two contemporary), each approximately two minutes in length. One of the classical selections must be from a play by Shakespeare. In the initial audition, we will ask each auditioner to present two monologues one classical and one contemporary of contrasting natures. The remaining two monologues are in reserve, in the event we need to see additional material. Please note: Do not select monologues from monologue books and please be prepared to answer questions about the entire play from which your selection is chosen.</p>
<p>Classical material must be in verse or blank verse NOT PROSE. Possible classical selections include: Greek plays in verse translation, Lope de Vega, William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, John Webster, John Ford, Racine in verse translation, William Congreve, and Richard Brinsley Sheridan.</p>
<p>Contemporary selections may be from Anton Chekhov to present day.</p>
<p>AdaQuince…that is why I was baffled by the post about NOT doing Shakespeare!!! I would think if they request is specifically, then you should do it!</p>
<p>AdaQuince, thank you. Everyone - that description of monologues is what we are all saying is the standard you all should prepare. In addition, it is usually best if the monologues are contrasting in content (i.e. comedic vs. dramatic) although those lines are blurry. Just don’t have all of your characters demonstrating the same mood or emotion. Also - while Juilliard doesn’t say this, almost all other undergrad programs want you to play your age group (15-30) and your own gender. They also frown on accents of any kind.</p>
<p>We talk about this endlessly, but it’s an endless subject. Yes, have one Shakespeare - it never hurts. Have another classical because there are other great classical playwrights. Watch your time periods. Some schools start “contemporary” as late as 1960, so Chekhov would be inappropriate.</p>
<p>Remember that CC is anonymous and you have no idea of the accuracy of postings, the poster’s expertise, or even their reasons for posting.</p>
<p>I made my son ask his friends very explicitly to make sure I am giving accurate information…and my son will be doing a Shakespeare monologue.</p>
<p>I am the strongest “don’t do Shakespeare” fellow here, but I always say DO do Shakespeare when, like Juiliard, they specifically ask for Shakespeare. Following the schools instructions must ALWAYS take priority over any other advice.</p>
<p>Shakespeare has always been my favorite playwright, I am not telling folks to stay away from him because I don’t like him, or something. I’m not telling people to stay away from “difficult” monologues–I think people who CAN do difficult monologues SHOULD. The ONLY reason I suggest staying away from Shakespeare–and then ONLY if the school doesn’t require Shakespeare–is simply because he is so overdone at auditions, particularly the monologues for young actors. (and yes, the reason he is overdone, like any overdone playwright, is because he is such a great playwright).</p>
<p>If you haven’t been through this process yet, you probably can’t imagine what it is like to show up for an audition and discover a few of the other auditioners are doing the exact same monologue you are.</p>
<p>If you love the Elizabethan-Jacobean language, there are MANY other English playwrights of the period, people who were drinking buddies with Shakespeare.</p>
<p>I don’t think it would HURT anyone to at least LOOK at some other classical playwrights besides Shakespeare, if the school you are auditioning for doesn’t require Shakespeare for the classical. Learning a little bit about theatre history isn’t going to hurt your chances of acceptance either, expecially if the only thing you know about theatre history is “Shakespeare”.</p>
<p>And I always realize that EVERYTHING I say is just GUIDELINES, not rules. They have each been broken succesfully by the right people. Maybe your kids are the ones who are talented enough to get away with breaking these guidelines. I don’t know, because I haven’t seen their auditions. But I am afraid there will be folks who have an exagerrated idea of their (or their kids’) talent, and who really shouldn’t be breaking these guidelines I am suggesting.</p>
<p>KEVP</p>
<p>KEVP, thank you. I really appreciate and value your advice, you tend to think as I do and I read your answers carefully. My son is going to do Shakespeare, it is his love, he has won awards for it and they ask for it! I am a rules player and think you should do what the school asks for…</p>
<p>I agree, ALWAYS do what the school asks for, no matter what contrary advice I or anyone else says. If you don’t do what the school asks for, you look like someone who can’t follow instructions.</p>