Monologues can feel exciting, vulnerable, intimidating, and deeply personal — often all at once.
At The Barrow Group, we believe strong monologue work is not about trying to impress an audience or “perform” emotion. The strongest monologues often feel spontaneous, truthful, connected, and deeply human.
Our monologue classes and coaching in NYC help actors develop practical tools for preparing audition monologues for theater, film, television, conservatory auditions, and professional showcases.
Choosing the Right Monologue
Selecting a monologue is not simply about finding material that feels dramatic or emotionally intense.
A strong audition monologue should:
- feel connected to you
- support truthful storytelling
- allow flexibility and spontaneity
- reflect your strengths without forcing performance
- feel active, personal, and alive
At The Barrow Group, we encourage actors to avoid material chosen purely to “show range” or manufacture emotion.
The goal is not to create an audition persona. The goal is to bring more of yourself into the work.
A Different Approach to Monologue Work
Many actors approach monologues as presentations to perfect.
At The Barrow Group, we approach monologues as living scenes rooted in relationship, circumstance, and moment-to-moment responsiveness.
Our monologue work emphasizes:
- script analysis
- storytelling
- spontaneity
- imagination
- relaxation
- truthful behavior
- emotional availability
- invisible technique
As we often say: the best technique is invisible.
Rather than forcing emotional results, actors develop tools that help them become more responsive, grounded, and connected.
Preparing Audition Monologues
Audition preparation often includes:
- selecting appropriate material
- clarifying storytelling objectives
- understanding context and circumstances
- identifying active behavior
- strengthening transitions and shifts
- developing comfort with adjustments
- managing nerves and self-consciousness
Actors frequently become overly focused on “getting it right.” But auditions often become more compelling when actors feel relaxed enough to remain flexible and present.
At The Barrow Group, monologue preparation is designed to help actors feel more free rather than more controlled.
Classical & Contemporary Monologues
Actors may prepare a range of audition material depending on the project or training program.
Students often work on:
- contemporary dramatic monologues
- contemporary comedic monologues
- classical text
- Shakespeare
- film and television material
- conservatory audition monologues
- showcase material
Rather than approaching all monologues with the same performance style, we encourage actors to remain responsive to the unique demands of each piece.
Monologues for Theater, Film & Television
Monologue work supports both stage and on-camera acting.
Actors preparing for film and television auditions often focus on:
- subtle behavior on camera
- listening and responsiveness
- emotional specificity
- relaxation and presence
- truthful conversational behavior
For theater auditions, actors may additionally explore:
- vocal freedom
- storytelling clarity
- physical presence
- relationship to space and audience
Across all forms, our focus remains on truthful storytelling and human behavior rather than performance tricks.
Monologue Classes & Coaching at The Barrow Group
The Barrow Group offers monologue workshops, acting classes, audition training, scene study, and professional actor training programs in New York City.
Our monologue classes are designed to help actors:
- develop audition-ready material
- strengthen storytelling tools
- deepen spontaneity
- build confidence rooted in presence
- become more relaxed and responsive in performance
Students often leave with a repertoire of contemporary and classical monologues appropriate for auditions, showcases, and professional opportunities.
Monologue Training Rooted in Humanity & Storytelling
The Barrow Group is an award-winning NYC theater company and performing arts training center dedicated to spontaneity, authenticity, collaboration, and creative freedom.
We believe monologue work becomes most compelling when actors stop trying to “perform” and instead become fully engaged in truthful human behavior under imaginary circumstances.
Explore monologue workshops, audition training, scene study, and acting classes at The Barrow Group.