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Most auditions ask you to prepare a monologue. However, many people make the mistake of having one monologue and using it for every audition. Although using the same monologue over and over might seem to save time, it may cost you roles if your monologue does not suit the show. Your audition monologue should not only be chosen for its suitability to your age range and personality, but also for its suitability for the show you are auditioning for.

Many performers will also make the mistake of trying to prepare a monologue that is suitable for each audition as it is announced, but often this does not leave you with enough time to present a well-rehearsed monologue. A well rounded performer should have at least one audition monologue prepared in each of these categories in order to be ready for auditions on short notice. Some auditioners may spontaneously ask you for a second monologue if they would like to see more of you, so having a range of pieces ready is important.

Suggestions for monologues that are meant for children and teens are located on our Age-Appropriate Material list.

1. Contemporary Audition Monologues (written in the last 10-15 years or so)

• The Actor's Book of Contemporary Stage Monologues
• The Actor's Scenebook : Scenes and Monologues from Contemporary Plays
• The Actor's Book of Scenes from New Plays
• 100 Monologues : An Audition Sourcebook from New Dramatists
• The Best Women's Stage Monologues of 1997
• The Contemporary Monologue: Women
• The Contemporary Monologue: Men

2. Classical Audition Monologue (a piece chosen from a "classic" play)

• Monologues from Classic Plays: 468 BC to 1960
• 100 Great Monologues from the Renaissance Theatre (Monologue Audition Series)
• The Classical Monologue: Men

3. Comedic Audition Monologue (funny)

• 50 Great Monologs for Student Actors : A Workbook of Comedy Characterizations for Students

4. Dramatic Audition Monologue (serious)

•  The Dramatic Monologue

5. Shakespearean Audition Monologue (both comedic & tragic/serious)

• Speak the Speech!: Shakespeare's Monologues
• Tragic Monologues From Shakespeare's First Folio
• Historic Monologues From Shakespeare's First Folio
• Soliloquy! The Shakespeare Monologues - Women
• Alternative Shakespeare Auditions for Women
• Alternative Shakespeare Auditions for Men
• Speak the Speech!: Shakespeare's Monologues Illuminated

6. Musical Audition Monologue (piece adapted from a scene from a musical, which can be followed immediately by a song or not)

•  Monologues From Musicals

7. Patriotic Audition Monologue (piece from a play written by someone from your country or local area)

• Contemporary American Monologues for Men
• American Theatre Book of Monologues for Women

8. Movie Audition Monologue (for film auditions only!)

• The Actor's Book of Movie Monologues

9. Top Pick Audition Monologue (audition monologue for an audition with few requirements)

• Ovation! The Best Monologues For Women
• 222 Monologues 2 minutes and under:The Ultimate Audition Book
• The Book of Monologues for Aspiring Actors
• Call Back! : Monologues for Men & Women
• Great Scenes and Monologues for Actors
• Power Pieces for Women

10. Non-Traditional Audition Monologue (some auditions will ask you to perform something that is NOT from a film or play)

• The Actor's Book of Monologues for Women : From Non-Dramatic Sources

Tips For Preparing Your Audition Monologue:

• The Perfect Monologue How to Find and Perform the Monologue That Will Get You the Part