Choosing the Perfect Shakespearean Monologue for a Teenage Female Actress: Tips and Insights

As a teenager preparing for an audition, finding a suitable Shakespearean monologue can seem like a daunting task. Many aspiring actors wonder whether they should strictly choose from the monologues written for female characters or if there is flexibility in the selection process. In this article, we will explore some great options, particularly for teenage female actresses, and offer practical advice for preparing for auditions.

Why Restrict Yourself to Female Characters?

It is often suggested that teenage female actors should focus their audition preparation on monologues written specifically for female characters. However, there are compelling reasons to consider male monologues as well. Firstly, as Ophelia points out, there is no inherent restriction on choosing male characters if the monologue is short and well-chosen. This can provide actors with more options and help them showcase a wider range of acting skills.

Short Monologues from Famous Plays

Short monologues can be a mixed blessing, as they require an actor to pack a punch in a limited timeframe. However, this shortness also means that you have more freedom in how much of the monologue you choose to perform. For example, you can begin a monologue after its initial beats or cut it short just before its climax, providing you with room to demonstrate your interpretive and acting abilities.

Example: Extract from 'Macbeth'

One particularly compelling and relatively short passage to consider is Lady Macbeth's reading of Macbeth's letter in Macbeth. This excerpt, though relatively brief, offers a rich opportunity for an actress to demonstrate her range and interpretive skills. Here, you can explore the nuances of Lady Macbeth's character and her psychology as she processes Macbeth's news.

ProTip:

Begin by showing how you recite Macbeth's words. You must convey the emotional and psychological complexity of Lady Macbeth as she reads the letter. Simultaneously, you should act out her reaction, maintaining the necessary distance between Lady Macbeth and the narrative she is reading. Your goal is to make Lady Macbeth seem evil, but in a way that highlights her innocence in her own sin.

Maintaining the Distance

This is more challenging than it might seem. Even as you portray Lady Macbeth's malicious intent, it is crucial to maintain the perception of her innocuousness. This can be achieved by carefully controlling your tone, facial expressions, and body language. You want to make the audience question the morality of the character while not making her seem overtly self-aware of her own evil deeds.

Practical Tips for Preparation

When preparing for your audition, consider the following tips to make your performance memorable:

Understand the text: Delve deep into the meaning and context of the monologue. Understand Lady Macbeth's character arc and her motivations. Act as if the audience is in the moment: Try to find a point in the monologue where the audience is still part of the narrative. This can help maintain the illusion of naturalness. Practice with a director: A director can provide valuable feedback and help you refine your performance. They can also guide you on how to maintain the necessary distance and emotion. Record your performance: Watching yourself can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your performance is polished and professional.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as a teenage female actress, you have more flexibility than you might think when it comes to choosing Shakespearean monologues for auditions. While it is important to hone your skills in playing female characters, do not dismiss the opportunity to explore male monologues if they are well-chosen and of the right length. The key is to be creative, focused, and to maintain the necessary emotional and psychological depth. With the right preparation and a keen understanding of the text, you can deliver a powerful and memorable performance that will stand out in any audition.