\n<\/p>\n
StageMilk<\/a> \/ Shakespeare<\/a> \/ Avoid These Overdone Male Shakespeare Audition Monologues<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n At some point on your acting journey, you will inevitably have to perform a Shakespeare monologue. It might be for a drama school audition, or even for a Shakespearean production! However, despite the broad range of possibilities, actors seem to be inevitably drawn towards the same small handful of Shakespeare monologues.<\/p>\n Often through no fault of their own actors choose a monologues that hundreds of other actors have also chosen. A few familiar speeches get regularly paraded at auditions, and the panel starts to yawn. To avoid that becoming your fate, we\u2019ve outlined those most popular Shakespeare monologues for men below. We also give suggestions for what to choose instead, to help you nail your next Shakespeare audition!<\/p>\n There are a number of reasons to choose a unique Shakespeare monologue for your audition. There\u2019s nothing wrong, per se, with selecting a popular piece. However, it can put the actor at a disadvantage.<\/p>\n Firstly, the actor who chooses a well known monologue runs the risk of tiring (or even \u2013 yikes!-\u00a0 boring) the panel. Once the actor launches into the first line of a well known monologue, the auditioners can mentally check-out. \u201cWe\u2019ve heard this one before!<\/em>\u201d Their inner voices yell, as their eyelids droop in the hot, dark audition room.<\/p>\n Secondly, doing a well known piece can inevitably lead to comparison. It is not always conscious, but the panel can automatically assign certain expectations or cast their minds back to previous (and potentially, more expertly done) renditions of the same monologue.<\/p>\n While doing a familiar piece risks the above, doing an unfamiliar piece offers some attractive advantages! You will inevitably get the panel\u2019s attention as you present them something extremely exciting: a NEW experience. Amidst the long audition days, any actor who comes in the room with something unique to offer is remembered fondly.<\/p>\n However, when it comes to selecting a Shakespeare monologue for an audition, your connection to the piece should trump all. You\u2019ll be spending a lot of time with whatever monologue you choose, and it may even become your new go-to. You could be returning to this monologue for years to come!<\/p>\n Because of this, your audition monologue should be a piece that inspires you. This is the most important thing. Even if that piece happens to be on the list of \u2018overdone\u2019 monologues below!<\/p>\n This piece from Edmund, the illegitimate son of Gloucester, is perhaps one of the most popular Shakespeare audition monologues. Edmund is ready to prove himself, and he has a plan that he is ready to execute. Why, he asks, does being born out of wedlock mean he deserves any less than his brother? While the text is delightful and extremely fun to play, beware before proceeding with this audition piece. You\u2019ll be up against a number of other Edmunds\u2026\u00a0 guaranteed! Full analysis of Edmund Act 1, Scene 2 monologue.<\/a><\/p>\n Marc Antony\u2019s grand speech is another iconic Shakespeare selection. His speech to the crowd after Caesar\u2019s death is an exercise in rhetorical mastery. In it, Marc Antony must toe the line of political correctness as he attempts to sway the opinion of the bloodthirsty rabble. This is an epic speech, and though it\u2019s often done in auditions, it is tricky to nail the energy and intention in a room that usually only has 2-3 other people in it. Proceed with caution. Full analysis of Marc Antony Act 3, Scene 2 monologue.<\/a><\/p>\nWhy Choose a Unique Shakespeare Monologue?<\/h2>\n
How to Choose a Shakespeare Audition Monologue<\/h2>\n
Overdone Shakespeare Audition Monologues for Men<\/h2>\n
King Lear, Edmund \u2013 \u201cThou, nature, art my goddess\u201d<\/h3>\n
Julius Caesar, Act 3 Scene 2\u00a0 \u2013 Marc Antony, \u201cFriends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears\u201d<\/h3>\n