<p>So, I know questions about Shakespeare monologues are always popping up, but I've got another one. Would it be worth picking through his History plays in search of a monologue for a guy to use? I know its always worth reading Shakespeare, but I want to know if it should have a higher place on my priority list than it does now. I also was thinking about poking through Othello for one of Iago's many monologues...but I'm a little nervous due to the fact that Iago is such an intense and incredible character...any words of wisdom? And the final part to this long winded question- I know that when it comes to classical monologues, most schools prefer it be Shakespearean, but I've got a good base of knowledge on Marlowe, Goethe, Sophocles, and Moliere plays, so should I maybe "gamble" and use something from one of their pieces? The only Shakespeare monologues I had ready to use were Puck, Ariel (from the tempest), Benedick (Much Ado)...</p>
<p>First rule: ALWAYS follow the instructions and advice of the school you are auditioning for. If they require Shakespeare, you MUST do Shakespeare. If they say they “prefer” Shakespeare, then you almost certainly should do Shakespeare.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if they say the would NOT like Shakespeare, then you should NOT do Shakespeare! This may mean that you end up preparing different monologues for different schools.</p>
<p>Note that if a school requires that all your monologues be “contemporary” or “modern” then Shakespeare is RIGHT OUT!</p>
<p>Okay, so, what if a school just asks for a “classical” monologue, without saying anything for or against Shakespeare? For many reasons, especially the fact that it’s a good idea to avoid overused monologues, I would suggest NOT using Shakespeare for your classical monologue. (All of Shakespeare’s monologues for young actors have all been overused.) So this is the time to bring out your Marlowe. It will impress the auditors that you even know another classical playwright than Shakespeare. I would avoid doing a translated monologue from a playwright who originally wrote in a language other than English–because often the translation turns the “classical” language of the playwright into “contemporary” English, so it is no longer a classical monologue.</p>
<p>So if you are applying to a school that SPECIFICALLY says they require or prefer Shakespeare, it is indeed worth looking at ALL of the plays of Shakespeare, comedies, tragedies, and histories. Puck, Ariel, and Benedick are all okay (I’m a little worried about Puck and Ariel, some of their lines are in a “singsong” verse form, you might want to avoid this. It’s better to go with something written in either prose or iambic pentameter). If you are intimidated by how intense and incredible Iago is, than this is probably not a good choice for you. Find a character you are comfortable with. Keep looking, keep reading. The histories are all very good plays, with the possible exception of the three parts of Henry VI, which most scholars believe was Shakespeare’s “apprenticeship” when he was learning how to write.</p>
<p>KEVP</p>
<p>I think that overuse of Shakespearean monologues is a greater problem for girls than boys, because Shakespeare has fewer good female roles, and more girls audition. I’ve heard several auditors groan about how much they dread yet another Helena or Viola. My son used Edmond’s “■■■■■■■” speech from “King Lear.” He wasn’t accepted, or even called back, at some of the auditions (DePaul only asks for a classical monologue in the call-backs), but he earned a talent scholarship where he was accepted. Find something you like, that you feel fits you, without pigeonholing you excessively. Edmond’s speech worked for my son, because it is ironic, with an element of black humor, and the character’s intelligence and complexity are intriguing. Richard, Duke of Gloucester (future Richard III), delivers a deliciously evil speech near the end of Henry VI, Part III, if you want a variation on a familiar villain. Shakespeare is very casual about actual dates and ages, but Richard is quite young at the time his brother ascends the throne.</p>
<p>There are plenty of good speeches in Shakespeare’s histories. St. Crispin’s Day, Mark Antony’s “I am no orator”, etc. Personally, I used one of Jaques’ lesser known monologues (“Why, who cries out on pride…?” II.vii) from “As You Like It” as a go-to classical monologue, and it was generally well-received. As stagemum and KevP say, choose one that fits YOU and demonstrates your talents.</p>