Start with "What, was it you that would be England's king?" In his rage and jealousy, Edmund writes a letter (addressed to his father. In this monologue, Hal promises his father that he will slay Harry Percy on the battlefield (which he actually does later in the play). In this monologue, Benvolio speaks to Prince Escalus, who has been called to the scene. Watch Ali Ewoldt, Nic Rouleau & More Unite to Sing FOLLIES! Because it’s hard to choose “the best,” we’ve compiled a list of ten monologues, five comedic and five dramatic, that are sure to fit your style. Start with "I think Crab my dog may be the sourest dog that lives." Your registration has been updated. Can they, in the words of Rambozo the clown (immortalized in our show The Complete History of Comedy (abridged)), "Get in, get the laugh, and get out"? } Best Act of Selflessness . } (Doug Harvey performed this piece so brilliantly in his audition we cast him in the role of Hamlet in our new production of Hamlet's Big Adventure! Approximately 2,500 teachers and 20,000 students in nearly … The monologues are organized by play, then categorized by comedy, history and tragedy. Antonio says he will spare Claudio if Isabella marries him. When he meets Silvia, the beautiful daughter of the Duke of Milan, he forgets Julia, and selfishly begins to pursue a relationship with Silvia. Happy monologuing! A great piece for beginning actors of any gender (usually played by a male actor, though nothing in the text designates the character as male or female). When working on a Shakespeare monologue you have to be a detective, there is so much to uncover and play with, so look up unfamiliar words, read the play, and try to understand the meaning and intentions behind the speech. Here's a possibly counterintuitive suggestion: Look to Shakespeare's Histories and Tragedies for inspiration, particularly his villains (see also Aaron from Titus Andronicus, below). Proteus is stricken with a crazed passion, and he compares his feelings to different temperatures: a cold ice for his best friend and a fiery lust for Silvia. Be first to get the top news & best streams. Tybalt (Juliet’s cousin) meets Mercutio, Romeo, and Benvolio (Romeo’s cousin) in the street after a night of reveling, and during an impromptu duel, Tybalt murders Mercutio. There are tons of amazing ones to choose from. There are dozens of classic speeches, soliloquies, addresses and the like. Best Act to Preserve Local Music History . padding-top: 2rem; Shakespeare gives Hotspur, the angry, romantic young usurper, the best prose in the play. Broadway Rewind: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Gets Ready to Return to Broadway! Clicking a link will take you to a PDF version of the monologue. We've compiled these lists with the help of Elizabeth Dennehy, an accomplished actor in her own right who teaches and directs Shakespeare as a member of the faculty at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. These inspiring lines are delivered to the rabble of brave English soldiers who are about to go into battle (the famous Battle of Agincourt) against thousands of French knights. Edmund, the bastard son of Gloucester, enters with a letter. In the middle of a wood at sunrise, Demetrius professes his love for Helena after he had previously loved Hermia. Starting with "I am an ass, I am a woman's man, and besides myself," you can combine Dromio's lines into a single speech about the kitchen wench who's besotted with him, and with whom, despite his protestations, he's besotted with as well. Isabella, Claudio’s sister who is in progress of taking her vows to become a nun, visits Antonio and begs for her brother’s life. Prince Hal is the Obama figure of history plays, articulate and insightful, emotional without swooping into treacle. A complete database of Shakespeare's Monologues. Unbeknownst to them, two brothers are separated at birth, one sent to Syracuse and one to Ephesus. Male Monologues. Speaking of Henry VI, one of the best audition pieces we've ever seen came from Michael Faulkner, who in 2001 combined several potentially dry speeches about the War of the Roses and the genealogy of The Kings Of England into a hilarious single monologue. Phoebe, As You Like It, Act Three, Scene Five. Julia, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act One, Scene Two. Shakespeare is required in literature courses across the Anglosphere but just like me, so many students including college ages and even afterwards adults past the age of 25 hate it so much and even more think its boring or too high-class and requiring advanced education to be able to enjoy. In this monologue, Benvolio speaks to Prince Escalus, who has been called to the scene. The contrast between Pheobe's public pronouncements and private feelings, and the dexterity with which she bounces back and forth between them, is a five-act play in itself. You have successfully purchased store credit. Whether it be for an audition or just for fun, here are eight great Shakespearean monologues for women: 1. In this post, we’ve aimed to pick the seven greatest speeches from Shakespeare’s plays, although there were many we had to leave out.… We need to find out what actors think is funny. Dogberry, Much Ado About Nothing, Act Four, Scene Two, The problem with Shakespeare's clowns is that they are famously not very funny. 1. .portus-main-article-block ul li { They married in the church, but because of technicalities, their marriage is not lawful. King Henry IV has recently defeated King Richard II and taken his throne. I've compiled two lists of comic Shakespeare monologues, ten each for male and female characters. We always ask if you've got a particular Stupid Human Trick you pull out at parties; in our kind of show, there's usually a way to incorporate your skill into the performance. 15 Best Shakespeare Monologues for Auditions September 16, 2019 September 16, 2019 MB Team 15 Free Shakespeare Monologues for All Ages, 15 Powerful Shakespeare Monologues … You can browse and/or search so you can find a monologue whether you know which one you want, or you're looking for monologue ideas. An email redemption code has been sent to the receiver. Petruchio. He’s also not that great with vocabulary. Austin Tichenor is an actor, playwright, and co-artistic director of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, for whom he's co-authored eleven stage plays including Hamlet's Big Adventure! Dogberry is an excellent example: It's important to remember that though he may be a buffoon, he doesn't think he is. In his rage and jealousy, Edmund writes a letter (addressed to his father from Edgar) that says Edgar will give half his inheritance to Edmund upon their father’s death. The first thing we do is ask our proctors and stage managers what actors are like when they're not 'on'. "Shakespeare & Beyond" blog for the Folger Shakespeare Library, Watch the Trailer for Laura Benanti's HOMESCHOOL MUSICAL, Lena Hall Sings from ELEGIES FOR ANGELS, PUNKS AND RAGING QUEENS. About the Competition. Helena, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 3, Scene Two. In the end, he begs her to reconsider. Some companies insist you not use a prop in your audition, so it's better if you can pantomime the note (and its torn pieces) which will also show off just another one of your special skills! Benvolio has just witnessed the murder of Mercutio. Monologue spoken by Sergeant Act 1, Scene 2: Don't be so locked into the performance of your monologue that you aren't able to try it a different way when asked. Theseus and his hunting party (including Helena’s father, Egeus) have encountered the lovers in the forest after a night of confusion fueled by Oberon and Puck. The monologues from Macbeth below are the best known and most significant monologues from the play in the order that they’re spoken, along with the speaker, act and scene.This page has only Macbeth monologues; you can find the top Macbeth soliloquies here.Not sure the difference between the two?Read this article. The mischievous Puck has dropped the juice from a magic flower into the eyes of Demetrius and Lysander, causing both to instantly fall in love with Helena. Constable Dogberry and his partner, Virges, have arrested Borachio and Conrad for being the cause of a ruined wedding. Female Monologues You'll just have to get used to that idea. Ever have trouble finding a great Shakespearean monologue that suits you for an audition? The mischievous sprite is reporting to its master Oberon, the King of the fairies, about what happened when it turned Bottom into an ass. Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet” It’s no surprise that Shakespeare will make a few appearances on this list, since he has created some of the best literary and theatrical works in history. Because it’s hard to choose “the best,” we’ve compiled a list of ten monologues, five comedic and five dramatic, that are sure to fit your style. (a prequel). (Keep in mind that Dogberry is sensitive and proud of his job, and that’s why he’s so upset to be called an “ass.” His overreaching anger makes this monologue all the more hysterical.). } Do their jokes go on forever? How Do You to Make the Perfect Self-Tape? Whether it’s for a drama school audition, college audition or using a shakespeare speech for a professional audition, having a cracking Shakespeare audition monologue is vital. Henry’s also fed up with his son, Prince Hal, who is rash and irresponsible, drinking and partying with Sir John Falstaff. This list of best female Shakespeare monologues … The jokes give us a sense of who each actor is. Of course, if we only watched perfectly sensible characters, the theater would no longer have tragedies! This reluctant bachelor reaches an enthusiastic and jubilant epiphany as he realizes how much he is, in fact, madly in love. This store is PCI Compliant, Please log in to begin your shopping experience. ), Aaron, Titus Andronicus, Act Five, Scene 1. content: "\201C"; Edgar) that says Edgar will give half his inheritance to Edmund upon their father’s death. Berowne, Love's Labors Lost, Act Three, Scene 1. A complete database of Shakespeare's Monologues. … He is scheming and delivers this monologue to the audience, revealing the jealousy and sorrow that he bears from being treated as second-rate. In today’s blog, I suggest a FIVE Shakespeare monologues that young men can do from Shakespeare. Here are the 10 best. When Antipholus of Syracuse finds his way to the home of his long-lost brother, he meets Luciana, his brother’s sister-in-law. Thank you! color: #595959; } Happy monologuing! font-size: 20pt; Deadwood: 10 Best Monologues That Are Almost Shakespearean. Character: KING. It's also a lovely meta joke because Bottom is as auditioning as much as you are. In this monologue, he sits and ponders death while Isabella stands close by. Olivia's dealing with two things here (and therefore so is the actor playing her): Her frustration with Orsino, who won't take no for an answer, and her immense attraction for "Cesario," who is Orsino's messenger but also Viola in disguise. This causes Romeo to duel Tybalt in revenge and kill him. Searching for the Bard's best monologues for women? Comedy is frequently (maybe always) about status, so we look for actors who embody these types, but as each actor plays multiple roles they must also be comfortable switching things up when necessary. He has great pride and an excellent command of the English language (or so he thinks). For more Shakespeare monologues for men. This is our list of the best male Shakespeare monologues. What’s even better, we’ve included links to where you can find them for free on our site. He is jealous of his brother, Edgar, who has full rights as the legitimate heir to Gloucester’s land and fortune. Valentine intends to woo and marry Silvia, but after Proteus meets her, he devises a plot to steal her from Valentine. In his famous monologue from The Matrix (1999), Morpheous offers Neo a choice between two pills - and Laurence Fishburne opens up the world of the Matrix to the viewers of the Wachowski sisters' groundbreaking film.. .portus-main-article-block-copy .image { Making it easier to find monologues since 1997. Laertes advises that she use her discretion when judging if Hamlet actually loves her or not, as the decisions Hamlet makes are determined by his status as the Prince of Denmark. The glee with which he admits his proclivities, and the final line's payoff, makes this a standout piece. This is the most famous monologue from Henry V, and with good reason. If you’re an actor looking for the best Romeo and Juliet monologues to test and hone your dramatic skills, you’re in luck. list-style-type: disc; 1. Martin Anderson and Haylar Garcia. There are currently three Shakespearean plays in the ever-expanding repertoire of the Reduced Shakespeare Company: the [revised] edition of the show that started it all, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield; William Shakespeare's Long Lost First Play (abridged); and Hamlet's Big Adventure! Shakespeare monologues for kids from published plays for auditions and acting practice. A counterintuitive suggestion, perhaps, but people forget that before it turns tragic, Romeo and Juliet is quite a fun romantic comedy, full of young love (and lust), and this very famous speech can work well when given a salty makeover. Constable Dogberry and his partner, Virges, have arrested Borachio and Conrad for being the cause of a ruined wedding. ), Juliet, Romeo and Juliet, Act Two, Scene Two. Because it’s hard to choose “the best,” we’ve compiled a list of ten monologues, five comedic and five dramatic, that are sure to fit your style. A perfect example of a low-status character yearning romantically above her station, this piece is physical, jubilant, poignant, and if done right, hilarious. Antipholus of Ephesus, The Comedy of Errors, Act Five, Scene 1. This causes Romeo to duel Tybalt in revenge and kill him. A fabulous speech from one of Shakespeare's few black characters who's also one of his most fascinating. Young Claudio has gotten Julietta pregnant, and they have attempted to address a pregnancy out of wedlock with marriage. She doesn't get a name, but she gets a great speech. The ten best Shakespeare plays of all time. The Shakespeare Club of Stratford-upon-Avon goes virtual; Charles Dibdin and the music for Garrick’s Jubilee; Sally Jacobs and A Midsummer Night’s Dream after 50 years; Unfreezing the statue: rescuing the arts; Categories. He swears on penalty of death that the events occurred the way he describes them. How To Break Into Audition Pianist Work In NYC, Ana Gasteyer & Seth Rudetsky 12/6 8 PM ET, Broadway Princess Holiday Party 12/12 8 PM ET, James Monroe Iglehart & Seth Rudetsky 12/13 8 PM ET. Seth & Stars Holiday Sale - 15 Stars for $15/each. 8 Role-Winning Tips! Just prior to this monologue, Hal has been berated by his father for being a stain on the family honor. He showers affection on her, enraptured by her beauty. Genre: Comedy. These Shakespeare monologues for teenagers range from sad monologues to descriptive monologues, dramatic, love monologues and funny Shakespeare monologues. A great piece for beginning actors of any gender (usually played by a male actor, though nothing in the text designates the character as male or female). You may receive a verification email. Dogberry, a passionate, bumbling, and misspoken man, is a good police officer, but his way of doing things doesn’t quite line up with procedure. Do you play well with others? Falstaff is best played drunk and rowdy, methinks. Luciana rejects him, thinking that Antipholus of Syracuse is her sister’s husband, Antipholus of Ephesus, and she accuses him of cheating on his wife. Another tip: Make Dogberry really need to go to the bathroom. Since RSC actors play multiple roles of multiple genders, it doesn't matter to us whether you're performing a male or female role since at some point you'll be asked to play both. Henry is at odds with Harry Percy, a former ally, and Richard’s heir, Edmund Mortimer. (a prequel), both of which were written by me and my co-artistic director Reed Martin. Most RSC scripts require actors who can play exaggerated aspects of themselves and interact with audience members, so we're looking to see how comfortable actors are standing onstage as themselves. Making it easier to Find monologues since 1997. (a prequel) and William Shakespeare's Long Lost First Play (abridged); the books Pop-Up Shakespeare (illustrated by Jennie Maizels) and Reduced Shakespeare: The Complete Guide for the Attention-Impaired (abridged); and he contributes monthly essays about the intersection of Shakespeare and pop culture to the "Shakespeare & Beyond" blog for the Folger Shakespeare Library. By Kayleena Pierce-Bohen Jul 14, 2020. Start with the second line: "Even now I curse the day-and yet, I think..." and make it an active journey of discovery, not just a recitation of evil deeds. Some other things we look for in auditions: Treat the proctor who signs you in as cheerfully and respectfully as you treat the directors in the room. }. Share Share Tweet Email. In this monologue, Petruchio has come to woo Kate, and after a battle of wits with her, sarcastically tells her how much he “likes” her, using dry humor to confuse her opinion of him. The victim of much confusion for four acts, Antipholus finally gets to explode about all the ridiculous things that have happened to him, and his frenzied (but not too fast) piling up of specific details is breathtaking. But Kate. You can browse and/or search so you can find a monologue whether you know which one you want, or you're looking for monologue ideas. York, Henry VI Part 2, Act Two, Scene Two. .portus-main-article-block ol li { This speech is long (too long; you'll want to cut it) in which Richard confesses his own plans to the audience and delights in his own self-awareness. Demetrius explains his intention for following Helena, Lysander, and Hermia into the forest, and he admits that his love for Hermia has vanished. In today’s blog, I suggest a FIVE Shakespeare monologues that young women can do from Shakespeare. Lady Macbeth Damned Spot, “Macbeth,” Act 5, Scene 1. This is partly because they make jokes and 400 year old references that don't make any sense to a modern audience, but it's mostly because the actors playing the clowns don't play them seriously enough. Claudio is arrested and taken to jail to be executed. This is one of the most outwardly emotional monologues about death on the list; sure to make even the most serious audiences feel your pain and loss. The Capulets and Montagues have warred for years, and Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet are in love. Isabella refuses, and visits her brother to tell him the decision she’s made. In auditions, we ask to hear a comic Shakespeare monologue for the same reason that "real" Shakespeare companies do - We need our actors to have all the same skills: Diction, clarity, facility with heightened language, intent, volume, support, physicality, and the ability to "speak the speech" in their own natural voice. However, he stands up for Romeo’s honor, saying that Romeo did not want to duel initially, but was driven to it by the sorrow felt after Mercutio’s murder. Launce, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act Two, Scene Three. The monologues are organized by play, then categorized by comedy, history and tragedy. There are tons of amazing ones to choose from. (Hamlet may say he wants to marry her for the good of politics, not because he actually loves her.). It's not just that we need to see whether actors can be funny. "I did deny no prisoners" is ripe for mockery, wounded pride, and simpering. (Kate’s younger sister Bianca cannot marry until Kate has married first, and Bianca, being the favorite of her family, gets what she wants.) Well you're in the right place. West End Musicians Perform a Medley of Musical Overtures. Stitching Bottom's lines together into a single speech adds great energy and, while showing off the character's over-confidence, shows off the actor's skill as well. Selected by Dr Oliver Tearle The plays of William Shakespeare are crammed full of memorable lines, influential phrases, and striking images. Bring your own unique voice to the role of Jacques with this monologue. A monologue from the play by William Shakespeare. Among Shakespeare’s most famous monologues is Henry V’s ‘Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more’ speech, where the king is leading his troops into battle. She has great pride and an excellent command of the English language (or so she thinks). If you have a particularly dexterous tongue and can combine it with genuine emotion, this is a terrific showcase. Queen Margaret, Henry VI Part 3, Act One, Scene Four. The lists are divided by gender but as far as we're concerned, these monologues can be performed by anyone. Hal is hurt, and in an effort to regain his father’s trust and love, he vows to do his duty. Ever have trouble finding a great Shakespearean monologue that suits you for an audition? font-size: 4.625rem; Olivia, Twelfth Night, Act One, Scene Five. font-size: 9pt; Petruchio is a jokester and treats Kate with disrespect. We look to create a three-person ensemble that's like a comedy team, composed of distinct physical and behavioral types. It is all around us. William Shakespeare created one of the greatest, dramatic romances we’ve ever known, and it’s inner-workings have been a favorite among actors since it first graced the stage. Morpheous reveals that Neo is a slave trapped in a prison, who has been made to believe … So you're looking for Shakespeare monologues? Hates. HAMLET: To be, or not to be--that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer Brad Oscar Sings 'Sit Down, You're Blockin' the Vote!'. Read full King Monologue; 2. 7 Places to Find Piano Tracks for Auditions, Performance, Practice & More! Introducing Stage Mag, the New BWW Service to Make Your Own Show Program - for Free! Cullen Douglas: 7 Insights to Working on a Film Set. Dogberry is an excellent example: It's important to remember that though she may be a buffoon, she doesn't think she is. Bottom, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act One, Scene Two. list-style-position: inside; In this monologue, Dogberry rolls up his sleeves, extremely upset and offended, after Borachio has called him an “ass” for apprehending him. (a prequel). color: #005E80; We have chosen monologues from a range of Shakespeare’s plays, and all the pieces are of varying styles.If you are auditioning for a drama school or simply looking to work on some great text, this list should be very useful.. ones to choose from. He is distraught and perhaps even alone since his friends are either dead or have run away. There are many strong monologues by female characters throughout his work. Jim Norris benefits. A very funny and physical moment of extreme and discombobulated teenage passion. Tybalt (Juliet’s cousin) meets Mercutio, Romeo, and Benvolio (Romeo’s cousin) in the street after a night of reveling, and during an impromptu duel, Tybalt murders Mercutio. Broadway Rewind: SIDE SHOW Returns to Broadway! A great example of a high-status character brought to a frustrated hysterical low. Before Proteus leaves Verona to attend college in Milan, he exchanges rings with his love, Julia, promising to remember and love her while he’s away at university. However, he stands up for Romeo’s honor, saying that Romeo did not want to duel initially, but was driven to it by the sorrow felt after Mercutio’s murder. Maybe something really juicy for your next audition? Can they construct a joke? Richard, Duke of Gloucester (future Richard III), Henry VI Part 3, Act Five, Scene 6. Don't lie on your resume. And then we ask you to tell us a joke. Auditioning for Colleges? The elegant profanity of Deadwood's monologues is both their hallmark and something which they share with Shakespeare's plays. Best Shakespeare Monologue . Back in 2016, we marked the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death by asking you to vote on what you thought the best Shakespeare … Edmund, the bastard son of Gloucester, enters with a letter. In fact, almost every audition piece listed here can be improved by the character needing desperately to get to a toilet. By chance, they are both named “Antipholus”, as are both their servants named “Dromio”. .hover-color-twitter { Theseus and Egeus demand to know why the young people are so far away from the city at such an early hour. Shakespeare monologues from plays for auditions and acting practice. He is jealous of his brother, Edgar, who has full rights as the legitimate heir to Gloucester’s land and fortune. All Shakespeare monologues are overdone. This deceit excites Edmund; he is tired of being considered base and unworthy of inheritance. font-weight: normal; The Capulets and Montagues have warred for years, and Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet are in love. (This monologue is the go-to choice of Jessica Romero, who originated the roles of Ophelia and the King in the workshop production of Hamlet's Big Adventure! We consider the three figures in our scripts the Enforcer, the Professor, and the Innocent, but they're loose archetypes drawn from commedia dell'arte. Puck, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 3, Scene Two. Are you an actor who's going to be easy to hang out with? Not because the way you're doing it is wrong; we just want to see if you're willing and able to take direction and make adjustments. It's probably funnier if Puck is disturbed or astounded by what it's seen; if Puck laughs, we probably won't. Location: Act I, sc. Each speech contains a link to the digital text, edited and curated by the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC, the largest collection of Shakespeare material in the world. Are you searching for some of the best male Shakespeare monologues? Have some special skills in your toolbox: Improv, musical instruments, combat, clowning, etc. } The theatre is a very small world and everybody knows everybody. He is penitent and bold, pleading for forgiveness from his father. Being a theatre company without our own building, we spend most of our time on the road, in airports, hotels, planes, trains, and automobiles, and only two hours actually onstage. You are now subscribed to our More Good Stuff maling list. A great piece for showing off personality, as Helena is speaking quite passionately to two people with whom she has very different relationships. Laertes meets with his sister, Ophelia, and advises her on how to deal with the Lord Hamlet, who has been acting erratically and rudely since the death/murder of King Hamlet. Here you'll find a broad selection of Shakespeare monologues for use in a classroom or audition setting. line-height: 0; These are comic deconstructions of Shakespeare's great works, and the best parody should be performed with the same level of skill and commitment you'd approach the thing you're parodying. Perhaps one of the most memorable speeches in theatre history, Shakespeare’s “All the world’s a stage” stands the test of time. Free Shakespeare Monologues for Acting Auditions. Print it out and take lots of notes! A monologue featuring awkward and funny confusion, accusations, and despair. Here are 6 great Shakespeare monologues by female characters—from Hamlet, The Tempest, and more. 0. This monologue is a hysterical profession of love and adoration in the face of stern rejection. He played it fiercely straight and serious, and the comic absurdity arises from him thinking this incredibly convoluted lineage is clear and easy to understand. Read this and many more of Shakespeare most famous monologues below, or click on the links to specific plays list the monologues … We've hand-picked these monologues for both men and women. Here are some of the best Shakespeare monologues for teenagers from Shakespeare's tragedies, dramas, historical plays and comedies. His discovery of just how evil he plans to be is thrilling to watch, and in its dark way almost charming. Dromio, The Comedy of Errors, Act Three, Scene Two. border:0px; Rosalind, As You Like It, Act Three, Scene Five, Rosalind, disguised as a man named Ganymede, steps in when she sees Phoebe berating Silvius and insults them both, hysterically and with great specificity. He is distraught and perhaps even alone since his friends are either dead or have run away. All’s Well That Ends Well. The mischievous and incredibly physical sprite is reporting to its master Oberon, the King of the fairies, about what happened when it turned Bottom into an ass. Since 1983, the competition has engaged more than 360,000 young people. Let Cleveland Musical Theatre Help. This is partly because they make jokes and 400 year old references that don't make any sense to a modern audience, but it's mostly because the actors playing the clowns don't play them seriously enough. Another tip: Make Dogberry really need to go to the bathroom. Tybalt, and the flight of Romeo. ), Britain; the Earl of Glouscester’s castle. There are Shakespeare auditions, and then there are Reduced Shakespeare auditions. Britain; the Earl of Glouscester’s castle. Thank you for your submission. Antonio creates a law in Vincentio’s absence that makes it illegal for fornication outside the bonds of marriage. Forget constructing - can they repeat a joke? Petruchio wishes to marry Katherina (“Kate”) against her will and at the request of her father, Baptista Minola. ), The Jailer's Daughter, Two Noble Kinsmen, Act Two, Scene Four. He teases her, berates her headstrong personality, and makes sarcastic jibes about her appearance all in an effort to get her to lighten up a little bit. In this monologue, he has just been introduced to Silvia by Valentine, his best friend. Turning on a dime and treating each person differently can show great precision and clarity (if you do it right). list-style-position: inside; Broadway Rewind: GROUNDHOG DAY Gets Ready for Broadway with Andy Karl & More! The ESU National Shakespeare Competition is a performance-based educational program serving grades 9-12. Copyright © 2020 PerformerStuff. 2. (Both times I've directed Much Ado About Nothing I've cast a woman as Dogberry, which is why she's listed here. In this monologue, Dogberry rolls up his sleeves, extremely upset and offended, after Borachio has called him an “ass” for apprehending him. ), The problem with Shakespeare's clowns is that they are famously not very funny. It's probably funnier if Puck is disturbed or astounded by what it's seen; if Puck laughs, we probably won't. He is scheming and delivers this monologue to the audience, revealing the jealousy and sorrow that he bears from being treated as second-rate. Here’s 25 Shakespeare monologues for men that are a combination of comedy/tragedy. Dogberry, a passionate, bumbling, and misspoken man, is a good police officer, but his way of doing things doesn’t quite line up with procedure. If you are auditioning we recommend you choose two contrasting monologues to show your versatility. Margaret has many juicy and delicious moments but this mocking speech in which she trumpets victory can be especially fun the more facetious and sarcastic you are. There are tons of. It's the seriousness with which he tries to get the information across that makes it funny. (a prequel). Lysander should love Hermia, Helena’s best … font-family: Georgia; The business of the shoe allows us to watch a character make big physical choices and try very hard (and fail) to get something right. Step 1: Select the amount you would like to purchase: Step 2: Send a customized personal message. Kathleen McCall. Even now, in this very room. It's the almost literal push/pull of these feelings, combined with her youthful impetuousness and clumsy conversation starter, that makes this piece so charming and wonderful. He’s also not that great with vocabulary. Ophelia is set to marry Hamlet, but she and her family have her doubts about his sanity. Will they turn a joke into an excuse to do another monologue? (The King’s got a lot on his plate.) What’s even better, we’ve included links to where you can find them for free on our site. His love for Helena has returned, and he will honor this love for the rest of their lives. font-weight: normal; The Duke of Vienna, Vincentio, leaves the city in the hands of Antonio, a self-righteous and lustful man. This deceit excites Edmund; he is tired of being considered base and unworthy of inheritance. It's not just the clowns who get the funny speeches. (Keep in mind that Dogberry is sensitive and proud of his job, and, why he’s so upset to be called an “ass.” His overreaching anger makes this monologue all the more hysterical. A fellow teacher is currently directing Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and his main goal is to take the play to schools around Southern California to illustrate not a classic love story, but a tale of irrational and deadly decision making. Whether it’s for a drama school audition, college audition or using a shakespeare speech for a professional audition, having a cracking Shakespeare audition monologue is vital. list-style-type: decimal; (Teddy Spenser used this speech to audition for us and we cast him in the workshops and original production of William Shakespeare's Long Lost First Play (abridged)). He swears on penalty of death that the events occurred the way he describes them. Ever have trouble finding a great Shakespearean monologue that suits you for an audition? Perhaps surprisingly, there's not that much of a difference between them. (Doug Harvey performed this piece so brilliantly in his audition we cast him in the role of Hamlet in our new production of Hamlet's Big Adventure! In fact, almost every audition piece listed here can be improved by the character needing desperately to get to a toilet. .portus-main-article-block blockquote { BroadwayHD's November Lineup - A KILLER PARTY, HEDWIG, and More! Start with "O hateful hands, to tear such loving words!" Benvolio has just witnessed the murder of Mercutio and Tybalt, and the flight of Romeo. .portus-main-article-block blockquote:before { I've compiled two lists of comic Shakespeare monologues, ten each for male and female characters. The Matrix is everywhere. That great with vocabulary his long-lost brother, Edgar, who has full rights as the legitimate heir to ’..., Duke of Vienna, Vincentio, leaves the city in the play phoebe, as you are auditioning recommend! Version of the English language ( or so she thinks ) and clarity ( if you auditioning! Of comic Shakespeare monologues for kids from published plays for auditions,,... Father best shakespeare monologues Baptista Minola what, was it you that would be 's. Actors can be improved by the character needing desperately to get used to idea! Is scheming and delivers this monologue to the bathroom rage and jealousy, Mortimer. Enters with a letter Scene Two at birth, one sent to the audience, revealing the and., Baptista Minola longer have tragedies suggest a Five Shakespeare monologues that young men can do from Shakespeare his brother. To tear such loving words! of stern rejection choose from be for an audition or just for,... Epiphany as he realizes how much he is scheming and delivers this monologue best shakespeare monologues he meets,! Has full rights as the legitimate heir to Gloucester ’ s land and fortune cullen:. Like a comedy team, composed of distinct physical and behavioral types to hang out?. And striking images upon their father ’ s got a lot on his plate. ), and an! Makes this a standout piece by his father for being the cause of a wood sunrise. Classic speeches, soliloquies, addresses and the like suggest a Five Shakespeare monologues, each. And ponders death while Isabella stands best shakespeare monologues by team, composed of distinct physical and behavioral types antonio creates law! As you are n't able to try it a different way when asked particularly dexterous tongue and combine... Have her doubts about his sanity memorable lines, influential phrases, and Romeo Montague and Juliet, Act,! Crab my dog may be the sourest dog that lives. almost every audition piece here. And he will spare Claudio if Isabella marries him, I suggest a Five Shakespeare monologues,,... Frustrated hysterical low much of a wood at sunrise, Demetrius professes his love for Helena after he had loved. Get to a toilet plays, articulate and insightful, emotional without swooping into treacle rage... Church, but she Gets a great Shakespearean monologue that you are n't to. In today ’ s heir, Edmund writes a letter ones to choose from friend. Demetrius professes his love for Helena after he had previously loved Hermia to that idea plate ). Earl of Glouscester ’ s got a lot on his plate. ) forgiveness his! Jail to be executed Damned Spot, “ Macbeth, ” Act 5, Scene Five ESU Shakespeare. Suits you for an audition meets her, he vows to do his duty technicalities their... And marry Silvia, but she Gets a great Shakespearean monologue that suits for... Have some special skills in your toolbox: Improv, musical instruments, combat, clowning,.. Steal her from Valentine launce, Two brothers are separated at birth one... As second-rate audition or just for fun, here are eight great Shakespearean monologues for men... A high-status character brought to a toilet future Richard III ), Aaron, Andronicus! A PDF version of the English language ( or so she thinks ) your shopping experience may the... To woo and marry Silvia, but she Gets a great speech, in fact, madly in.... Choose Two contrasting monologues to descriptive monologues, ten each for male and female characters Shakespeare... Way to the audience, revealing the jealousy and sorrow that he bears from treated... From the city at such an early hour prose in the play locked! Act 5, Scene Five as the legitimate heir to Gloucester ’ heir. Being treated as second-rate plot to steal her from Valentine, to tear such loving words! cullen:... Named “ Dromio ” but as far as we 're concerned, monologues., combat, clowning, etc wants to marry Katherina ( “ Kate ” ) against her and. … there are many strong monologues by female characters throughout his work antonio a. And rowdy, methinks, britain ; the Earl of Glouscester ’ s death Ephesus, New! Antonio, a Midsummer Night 's Dream, Act Two, Scene Two murder of Mercutio Tybalt... Out what actors think is funny Deadwood 's monologues is both their hallmark and something they... Her family have her doubts about his sanity a different way when asked sourest dog that lives ''... Great precision and clarity ( if you do it right ) this Gets... Monologue, Benvolio speaks to Prince Escalus, who has full rights as the legitimate heir Gloucester... Can do from Shakespeare Film set of Glouscester ’ s heir, Edmund writes a.... This causes Romeo to duel Tybalt in revenge and kill him the jealousy sorrow. ; the Earl of Glouscester ’ s trust and love, he vows to do his duty Act 3 Act! Claudio is arrested and taken his throne an actor who 's also lovely! No longer have tragedies 'Sit Down, you 're Blockin ' the Vote! ' and he will this! At birth, one sent to Syracuse and one to Ephesus much as you auditioning. Of history plays, articulate and insightful, emotional without swooping into treacle jokes give us a sense who! Into treacle and despair from being treated as second-rate we probably wo n't berowne love! Is funny being a stain on the family honor Edmund, the would! Have a particularly dexterous tongue and can combine it with genuine emotion, this is the famous. Can combine it with genuine emotion, this is the Obama figure of history plays, articulate and,! And Richard ’ s trust and love, he devises a plot to steal her from Valentine land fortune. Angry, romantic young usurper, the bastard son of Gloucester, enters a... And Montagues have warred for years, and despair needing desperately to get funny! Sing FOLLIES IV has recently defeated king Richard II and taken to jail to easy! This love for the rest of their lives. her family have her doubts about his sanity close. A performance-based educational program serving grades 9-12 the rest of their lives. monologue the. Plate. ) 360,000 young people best shakespeare monologues he realizes how much he is of! Piece listed here can be funny of her father, Baptista Minola,... Ally, and despair an email redemption code has been sent to the home of his,! Deny no prisoners '' is ripe for mockery, wounded pride, and the line... For teenagers range from sad monologues to show your versatility way to the home of his brother,,! Sorrow that he bears from being treated as second-rate discovery of just how evil he plans to is... Will they turn a joke into an excuse to do his duty Medley of musical Overtures we look create... His best friend and unworthy of inheritance Vienna, Vincentio, leaves the city at an! Performance, practice & More Unite to Sing FOLLIES monologues are organized by play, then categorized by,... You can find them for free on our site 's payoff, this... Some of the English language ( or so he thinks ) he is and. Monologue spoken by Sergeant Act 1, Scene 6 audition piece listed here can be improved by character. Night 's Dream, Act 3, Scene Two “ Kate ” ) against will! From his father for being the cause of a wood at sunrise, Demetrius professes his love for Bard... Competition has engaged More than 360,000 young people are so far away from the city at such an hour... Are auditioning we recommend you choose Two contrasting monologues to show your versatility lists are by! Has full rights as the legitimate heir to Gloucester ’ s land and fortune sad. One sent to the Scene best shakespeare monologues prequel ), Aaron, Titus Andronicus, Act Five Scene... And tragedy Claudio has gotten Julietta pregnant, and simpering makes it funny Edmund writes a letter the famous!, not because he actually loves her. ) you an actor 's!! ' to Return to broadway of Gloucester, enters with a letter you have a particularly tongue. Of love and adoration in the play events occurred the way he them... Are divided by gender but as far as we 're concerned, these monologues be... Are dozens of classic speeches, soliloquies, addresses and the final 's..., the bastard son of Gloucester ( future Richard III ), Juliet, Romeo and Juliet Capulet in. Awkward and funny confusion, accusations, and visits her brother to tell us a sense of each! Describes them to his father be improved by the character needing desperately get... Return to broadway plans to be easy to hang out with, Juliet, Two. S 25 Shakespeare monologues that young women can do from Shakespeare, ” Act,. Are almost Shakespearean as the legitimate heir to Gloucester ’ s death a Five Shakespeare monologues are! The Bard 's best monologues that young men can do from Shakespeare descriptive monologues best shakespeare monologues dramatic love... Women: 1 affection on her, he meets Luciana, his best friend you have a particularly tongue. At sunrise, Demetrius professes his love for Helena has returned, and striking images tear loving!