#theatermajorproblems

So you're in high school and want to audition or be apart of the magic that is collegiate theater.  If you're like me and the theater department at your high school wasn't a big thing then you've probably not done a monologue before.

The definition of a monologue is a length of text that is spoken by one character in stage in front of or to another character.  This can often be confused with a soliloquy, which is a length of text that is spoken when a character is alone on stage.  A length of text that is spoken directly to the audience can be considered either.

The thing about doing your first monologue is that people will sometimes tell you to get a "big book o' monologues" and pick one you like.  While this is good advice for a beginner, don't keep doing it once you get the basics down.  The problem with these books is that for the most part they are just monologues and are not taken from whole plays.  For college and professional monologue work you will definitely want to pick something from a whole work so that you know the context and can dig into the character development.  Also "book monologues" are generally spoken directly to the audience like the actor is telling a story, which is not a normal occurrence in plays.  But for now, to learn the basics of a monologue, these will work as a sort of practice.

Monologues are a challenge for many reasons, but a few things to start with are how they are different from normal text.  There is no one to play off of or help you out if you get lost, just you.  So memorizing that amount of text is something to work on by itself.  Learning how to connect thoughts and have a good flow of speech is essential.  How to engage the audience by yourself is important and is not something that most high schoolers have had the opportunity to do before.  

Plus monologues books are cheap and not having to read plays upon plays will take some pressure off for now.  Not many people enjoy picking monologues because of how complex they can get, so for now just focus on the basics.  

Just a little though.

Just strictly with numbers alone, the more people you know the more opportunities that will come your way.  Usually it will come from people in the business, but sometimes not.  Maybe you're marketing friend has an internship and they are in need of an actor for a commercial.  Maybe your journalism friend needs a model for an article she's writing.  You never know!

The more people that know you are nice, outgoing, funny, smart, hardworking, whatever it may be, the more good word will get around.

Along with this, it's ok to kiss a little ass.  But like I said, just a little.  Don't be fake, but if you genuinely like a director, co-star's, friends work then lay on the compliments baby!

My experience:  There is a local director in town that has harvested a cult following for the 50's horror/sci-fi movies he makes.  I heard about him through another director that I've worked with.  Not only did that director put in a good word, but at the premier of his last movie I impressed him by showing a genuine love of his style and by dressing up in vintage ware. 

So usually I don't like to assume I'll get a callback, not because I think I did poorly, but because I don't want to get my hopes up or start making plans around a show until I know for sure that I'm in it.

However, this has also caused scheduling conflicts for me.  Callbacks are always short notice so they can end up being a pain in the butt.  What I've learned is: unless you were just auditioning for fun and/or have no intention to be in the show, always always have the callback free.  Take off work, get your homework done, don't schedule another audition.  Just don't.  I've seen way too many friends be like "Aww I can't make the callback, I hope that doesn't affect whether I'll get cast!" 

As a theater major, you will be doing a lot of running around and will find yourself in random situations.  So, here is what to bring with you just in case.

An Audition:

A copy of your resume and headshot. Even if you sent it in digitally, it may help for them to have a hard copy too.

"Movement clothes" and shoes.  Yes you want to look your best, but you may get surprised by a little dance workshop or "movement games" or improve.

Your music, or have a song prepared.  Even if it's for a non-musical, they may want to know if you can sing.  Surprise them by being prepared!

If its a dance audition bring both jazz or tennis shoes and character shoes if you have them.

To rehearsal:

A water bottle.

An energy healthy snack.  Bananas, energy bars, nuts.  Keep full until you get to go home.

A pencil and highlight.  Any notes that will help you memorize your lines or figure out your character are good notes!

Your phone.  Keep it on silent, but you may be needing it to call another cast mate, friend, professor, the director.  You never know.

Movement clothes.  While you might think your having a "text day" you never know when that won't work out and you'll start working on your feet.

To tech week and/or rehearsal:

A book or homework: Tech days are long, and if you aren't the lead there will be a lot of down time.  Instead of socializing, get some quiet work done.

Nude underwear.  You never know when your costume will be just a touch tight or see-through.  

Bring in underclothes for the same reason.

Hopefully this isn't just me, but I believe that the best actors have the best life experience. 

While imagination is great and an incredibly important part of acting, realy experience to relate to can be just as, if not more, helpful when trying to really get into a role.

Basically, if there is dancing in your show, do not expect the director to know or be able to teach it to you.

If the choreographer will not be there for the most of the rehearsal period, ask to get the original dance filmed, also see if someone is meant to be the dance captain.

Similarly, if a director is giving you a note on a dance move/sequence (go fast, happier, etc) and demonstrates the dance and it isn't what you learned that does not mean "change the choreography to what I'm doing."  Honestly it just means they want to show what they mean but also don't know the steps.