By Karen Kohlhaas
This article was revised in August 2006

Material
√    You have the type and length of material needed
√    You have material that you think is well-written and that you enjoy

Entrance
√    You have a confident, positive entrance & introduction and seem happy to be there
√    You have a clean transition from your introduction to beginning the piece

Directing Choices
√    You have identified a clear beginning, middle, climax, and end
√    You have clear staging that tells your story
√    You consistently perform your monologue at a comfortable distance from your auditors
√    Your monologue is physically specific and fun to perform
√    There is variety - the monologue doesn't stay on the same mood/tone

Acting Choices
√    You know exactly what your character wants from those he is speaking to
√    You have a simple, clear acting objective that you believe in and care about

Performance
√    You know your monologue and staging so well that you are free to play
√    Your voice is supported and expressive throughout
√    Every word is clearly articulated and easy to understand
√    You are easily seen throughout the monologue
√    You know your lines and staging cold - you can do them no matter what
√    It is clear what you want from the person/people you are talking to
√    You are pursuing your acting objective fully throughout the monologue
√    Your whole body is engaged in your performance
√    You have a strong, clear ending to your monologue
√    You have a clean transition to your 'thank you'

Exit
√    You have a confident, positive exit from your audition, OR
√    You are prepared to stay and chat if your auditors ask you to

Karen Kohlhaas is a New York based theater director, a founding member of the Atlantic Theater Company, and a senior teacher at the Atlantic Acting School . She teaches private monologue classes in New York and internationally, is the author of “The Monologue Audition: A Practical Guide for Actors,” and is the director/writer/producer of THE MONOLOGUE AUDITION VIDEO, a 120-minute instructional dvd for actors or anyone who wants to present themselves well, available on her website www.monologueaudition.com.

Copyright 2006 by Karen Kohlhaas
Individuals have permission to duplicate or distribute this article if done so in its entirety.