<p>I'm auditioning for a summer program that is putting on A Midsummer Night's Dream. I think it's pretty competitive (i'm pretty sure I never done anything on this caliber). So, my predicament is, we have to do a monologue. Currently, I've got 2. One I did last year for another Shakespeare program (except, since it was residential and people came from all over the country, there were auditions on the first day, but everyone got in, so it was different in the fact that we were competing to get good parts, not to get cast at all-does this make sense?) but anyway, I got cast as Olivia in 12th Night, which is pretty stellar, so it must have been decent/good. </p>
<p>The Issue: The monologue that I'm best at is from the play that they're casting for. I'm afraid that if I do it, I'll have a better chance of being cut because they'll already have a preconcived notion of what they want. I really really want this and any advice/tips will be gratefully appreciated.</p>
<p>Princessbell, was the program you did last year the one at American Shakespeare Center? I ask because my D did that one, too, only she was there during the session where they did Henry IV (parts 1 and 2) and Merry Wives.</p>
<p>Princessbell - You mentioned that you were cast as Olivia in 12th night last summer. She has a monologue in I:V that is not overdone.. and since you have worked on the role, it may be a good choice for you. It starts with "What is your parentage..." If you cut Malvolio's two lines you can piece it together to the end of the scene and create a quite substantial piece. If they are looking for a shorter piece for the audition, you could cut it at "What ho, Malvolio".</p>
<p>I would also prepaer the monologues you also know.. that are mentioned above. That way if they ask you do do a second piece you be prepared and confident with something to offer. </p>
<p>Richard and Joan Bell have published a book that takes every Shakespearean monologue or potential monologue (by editing out lines) and categorizing them by gender, age, length, comedy/tragedy/history, etc.</p>
<p>I think it might be out of print, but you may find it in your local library.</p>
<p>NotMamaRose: Yeah, it was at ASC! Wow, I didn't know how infamous the Blackfriars was! (I'm in DC, and with the Shakespeare festival in its glory, I've been hearing ASC left and right!) I did first session though. Because I'm also doing a volunteer job that requires me to be availiable every week, I won't be going back to Staunton...:( that's the only thing stopping me! This program is in MD and is during the day, so it fits better.</p>
<p>KatMT: Um, my play was cut, so I only remember the "What is your parentage" as being 8 or so lines :( but I have the full version, so I'll take a look! That was one of my best scenes (got a huge laugh) so I'll see! Thanks!</p>
<p>I used the monologue KatMT suggested, although the auditioneer (what do you call them? :)) cut me off like 7 lines in! I was taking a dramatic pause, but I guess she thought I was done! </p>
<p>i'm ecstatic right now! thanks! will post results later.</p>
<p>Congrats! You weren't necessarily cut off because she thought you were done. You'd be surprised how quickly you can tell if you want to call someone back. She probably had seen all she needed to see.</p>
<p>40 or so tried out (monologues), 20ish got called back (some from last year, so really only like 15 or less new people), and 11 (10 plus me!) made the final cut.</p>
<p>It was def. the oddest call back ever. I though we were just warming with those theatre games, so i'm not really too focused and am messing around without much thought, and then it clicks: THE GAMES ARE THE AUDITION! Luckily we were only halfway through, so I had time to straighten up :) I didn't think much of the competition (some must have really good monos because they didn't have much else going for them) but later on I felt I had underestimated them and overestimated myself. I messed up in every single game during the first half of the audition! But I guess I did fine!</p>
<p>I'm gonna be a sta-ar! I can't wait to see what part(s) I get.</p>
<p>Thanks soooo much everyone for your support!</p>