Stop doing the same monologues as everyone else! | Alternative DRAMATIC Shakespeare monologues

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

Hey actor! I have bad news. Just reading SparkNotes or LitCharts isn’t enough when it comes to nailing your Shakespeare monologue. The good news is that I created a new resource to help you feel super duper clear about what everything means, even if you’re a complete beginner. Go here: shakespearewithsarah.com/translate/

[@374c3]

You're incredible and literally the most helpful channel I have found !!!

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

Never get tired of hearing that! 😂 Thank you, glad it was helpful! ❤️

[@vicsbmoz]

Very helpful, thank you. 😊

[@OztheDM]

I'd also add that when it comes to Shakespeare, you can branch out into male monologues to give yourself a few more options that might not be as overdone since, unfortunately, the number of strong audition monologues for women in Shakespeare is significantly less than for men. I personally really like pulling pieces from Cymbelline and Comedy of Errors. The Boy from Henry V also has a really juicy monologue that you rarely see performed.

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

Yes, honestly I think if I were to do this video again I would just say, "Go look at the men's monologues"! Agreed about Comedy of Errors and Henry V.

[@BerniceWonderdog]

I was just this VERY day thinking about branching out into men's monologues.

[@bhawaninagarsanfortschools2660]

Thanks ✨

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

Right, friends! All the links are in the description for you. But don't choose one just to be "different"... always prioritise the joy and connection when you choose your monologues. Which one makes you feel excited to perform it?? Watch this video for tips on choosing the right monologue for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHXUlohth9ueo8k

[@sophieb.8852]

Hello! Thanks so much for this useful video. I have an audition for a Shakespeare program in RADA, and they have asked for no work from the Jacobean period. Do you have tips/advice on good monologues for this?

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

They’ve asked you NOT to do Jacobean?

[@sophieb.8852]

@@ShakespearewithSarah Hi Sarah! Thanks for your reply. I just asked and luckily they said I can do Jacobean + Elizabethan (phew). Do you know of any good monologues that highlight vulnerable female characters? And which combinations do you suggest are the best ? Comedic/dramatic?

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

@@sophieb.8852 Sorry for the slow reply! For vulnerability, I love Imogen in Cymbeline. Her "I, false" monologue is a good one. In terms of combinations, I think if you are looking at vulnerable characters, a good way to think about contrast is soft/sharp (the vulnerable character being the "soft"). Sometimes it doesn't have to be an obvious funny/serious contrast, but just making sure there's a difference between the characters you choose and really highlighting that difference. Even someone like Emilia from Othello could contrast with Imogen because it's a sort of innocent (Imogen)/worldly (Emilia) contrast. Or you could pair Imogen with someone like Phebe from As You Like It to create eloquent(Imogen)/brash(Phebe) kind of contrast. Hope that makes sense. Good luck for your audition!

[@poetry2024]

I wish I could hear you - the 'background' music upstages you. sadly.

[@rouladimaduos1665]

The music is louder than you. Could not concentrate on what you were saying

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

Thanks for the feedback. I edit my videos myself and I'm certainly not a pro when it comes to audio. I tried to keep the sound low but it does sometimes depend on the device you're listening on.