1. If you can then choose one you really like.
If you need a short monologue for an audition or performance and can choose it yourself, then pick one that you really enjoy reading. You’ll be more eager to work on it and practice if you love the piece you’re performing.
Don’t worry about how good it sounds; just focus on enjoying the experience. Try out different ways of delivering it. Practice reading it aloud to friends and family members so they can give you feedback. If you’re not happy with them, then just keep working until you find something that works for you.
2. Break down the monologue.
Monologues can feel daunting because they're a huge chunk of text. But breaking them down into smaller chunks (called beats) helps you remember the lines and really get inside the characters' heads. Write down the themes or topics of each beat, then rewrite or type out the monologues in those beats to help memorization. You'll find yourself learning the lines faster and better because you're focusing on specific smaller ideas instead of just reading a whole bunch of text.
3. Get memorization out of the way early.
Memorizing lines is only the beginning. It’s better if you can learn them accurately as soon as possible. This will allow you to relax during performance and concentrate on your character and movement instead of worrying about remembering the next line.
There are lots of ways to memorize monologues. Try reading aloud, recording your voice and listening back, typing it out, or handwriting it. Try different methods to find one that suits you best.
4. Record yourself performing the monologue, then watch it back.
As part of your rehearsals, use a smartphone or camera to record yourself performing the scene. Then watch the recording while taking notes. It can be difficult to watch yourself perform, but it’s an incredibly useful process.
You’ll be able to see exactly what you’re doing well, and what you can improve on. You might notice that you have great body language while performing - excellent. Keep that! You might notice that you have a nervous habit you didn’t know about, such as leaning or swaying too much, or looking around without a focus. Write down everything you did well and what you can improve on. Then, try again! And be sure to upload your best monologues to Soliliquio for feedback from fellow actors and to be seen in the right circles.
5. Focus on your character and block everything else out.
The most important part of your monologue preparation should be to create a strong three-dimensional character. Think about your character and what they want. Make sure you keep that goal or desire in your head at all times, that way you’ll stay focused on delivering the best possible performance.
Now get out there and show them what you're made of!
