Choosing Your Monologues

Shakespeare: Choose a published speech from our approved list, performed in your native accent. Characters should ideally be close to your own age, and about something that you’re able to be passionate about, to ensure authenticity. Some options include:

• Measure for Measure – Isabella, Act 2, Scene 4
• Macbeth – Macbeth, Act 3, Scene 1
• Romeo & Juliet – Juliet, Act 2, Scene 5
• Othello – Emilia, Act 4, Scene 3
• Much Ado About Nothing – Benedick, Act 2, Scene 3
• King Lear – Goneril, Act 1 Scene 3
• King Lear – Edgar, Act 2 Scene 3

Contemporary: Select a modern play (1970–present) and ensure your piece is no longer than 1 minute and 30 seconds. This should highlight your emotional range and connection to character, as well as your understanding of the text.

Your choice for your modern speech is down to you, we just ask that it is a published play and not an excerpt from a film, TV show or poem. Try to find a piece that requires you to be actively speaking with another person, to achieve something specific (if it’s the audience, consider your relationship with them). Monologues that are focussed too much on the story telling of a past event without an objective in the ‘here and now’, or that require you to inhabit multiple characters throughout – should be avoided. 

Here are some plays the illustrate what makes a good monologue for audition. This list is obviously not exhaustive but will help give you an idea of what to look for in other plays, 

• 7 Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner
• Buckets
• Eigengrau
• Love & Money
• Love Steals Us from Loneliness
• Freak
• Villain

How to Choose Your Monologue

Selecting the best monologues for drama school is just as important as your performance.

Look for a character and moment that genuinely resonates with you, one that excites you and sparks your imagination. Consider your strengths: if you excel at comedic timing, a witty or ironic speech may suit you; if emotional depth is your forte, a dramatic monologue might be better. Make sure the material allows you (your character) to have a full journey from beginning to end – it doesn’t have to showcase all the emotions in the world, instead focus on the imagined set of circumstances, clear objectives, and a strong connection to your character.

Also, think practically: pick a speech that fits the audition time limit and can be performed comfortably in a self-tape or live setting. Read several options aloud before deciding and ask yourself which one feels natural while still challenging you. Choosing a piece, you connect with and that will help your authenticity shine through, making your audition memorable for the panel.

Self-Tape Submission Tips

When preparing your self-tape:

• Combine all elements into a single video for submission.
• Wear fitted rehearsal clothing that supports your movement and characterisation.
• Include clear identification at the start of your video: name, and the programme you are applying for.
• Check lighting, camera angle, and sound quality. Clear visuals and audio make a strong professional impression.

Check your audition pack to make sure you include any additional tasks, e/g/ the brief chat to camera answering questions from the audition pack. These allow the panel to see other elements that may be needed and get a sense of your personality, presence, and creativity beyond your monologues.

Recall Auditions

Successful first-round applicants may be invited to a recall audition, online or in-person. Recalls can include:

• Duologue or partner work
• Improvisation, movement, voice, and singing workshops
• Speeches and redirection exercises
• Interviews with faculty

You are encouraged to continue using your initial monologues, but additional speeches can be offered to the panel to further demonstrate versatility.

Want more Guidance?

For guidance on monologue selection, submission instructions, and detailed audition requirements, check our Audition Ready days, where you will work on your acting speeches in a workshop setting.

Following these tips will help you prepare audition-safe material that highlights your unique abilities and aligns with Italia Conti’s rigorous standards.