Since you don’t have the luxury of time to live with the character of a last minute monologue, tap into your five senses to help create a bubble of reality you can step into for your audition.
Smell:
What is the character smelling during this monologue? If they are outside, does it smell like exhaust (city) or dirt and leaves (country). Does it smell like food (home) or sterilizing cleaner (hospital)? Write down your answer in the margin of your monologue.
Taste:
Our smell and taste senses are tightly interwoven. What does the character taste? Maybe the smell informs this, or maybe the emotions of the scene do. For example, maybe they are extremely angry and there is a slight metallic aftertaste in their mouth. Write your answer down.
Sight:
What does your character see – really see? A couch? Okay, what color? New or worn? Are there throw pillows or blankets on it? Dog hair? Does the character like the couch? What color is the wall behind the couch. What kind of light is in the room? Get very detailed. If you are so inclined, draw a picture or write a brief description on the back of your monologue. (You made an enlarged copy of it, right?)
Hear:
What noises are in the scene with the character? This will be informed by time of day, for one. Consider the sound of your own home at night versus in the morning, for example. Are there sounds from outside? Overhead? Down the street? Nearby? Fill the soundscape of your scene. Jot down a few notes to help you remember your decisions.
Touch:
What is the feel on the character’s skin? Is it humid? Raining? Cold? Hot? Are the character’s clothes smooth? Scratchy? Does the character grasp for something? If so, what does it feel like? Again, jot down a few notes to remind you later.
By taking just ten minutes to get really clear on your character’s five senses, you can create a vivid performance – whether you are preparing at the last minute or not.
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