Why You Shouldn’t Use Monologues on Casting Profiles

When it comes to casting profiles, many parents believe that including a polished monologue is the perfect way to showcase their child’s acting skills. But let me tell you a little secret from the world of film and TV: monologues often miss the mark. They can actually hurt your child’s chances instead of helping them. Before you rush to upload that well-rehearsed piece, let’s dive into why monologues might not be the best choice for your kid’s casting profile.

The Overused and Outdated Monologue Trap

Most monologues parents choose come from stage plays or classic pieces that have been circulating in acting classes for decades. While these pieces may have historical value, they don’t reflect the current tone and style of TV and film acting. When casting directors are looking for fresh talent, the last thing they want to see is a performance that feels like it’s from a high school play or a Broadway audition.

TV and film casting directors are searching for actors who can embody modern, authentic characters—characters you’d see on today’s Netflix shows or in the latest blockbuster. A monologue from Death of a Salesman isn’t going to capture that. It’s like showing up to a sneaker commercial audition in dress shoes—just not the right fit.

The Problem With Monologues: Over-Coached and Performative

Another issue with monologues is that they often feel over-coached and overly polished. When your child performs the same piece repeatedly in front of acting coaches, they may lose the natural spontaneity that makes their performance stand out. The result? A stiff, robotic delivery that can come across as performative rather than authentic.

Casting directors don’t want to see an over-rehearsed speech; they want to see how your child reacts in real situations, engages with other actors, and brings freshness to every take. Monologues, by their very nature, tend to emphasize delivery over listening and reacting, which are essential skills in screen acting.

Monologues Don’t Hook Attention Quickly Enough

When casting directors are reviewing submissions, they’re looking for something that grabs them right away. TV and film auditions are fast-paced, and the attention span for casting teams is short. Monologues often take time to build up—there’s an introduction, emotional development, and a slow crescendo to the “big moment.” But in the world of TV and film, casting directors typically know if a kid is right for the part within the first 10-20 seconds of watching them. Monologues simply take too long to get to the point, and by then, you may have lost their interest.

Monologues Lack Interaction: Scene Work Shows More

In TV and film, acting isn’t just about delivering lines—it’s about interaction. Casting directors want to see how your child listens, reacts, and responds to other characters. That’s the magic of on-camera acting: it’s a two-way street. Monologues, by contrast, are one-sided. They don’t showcase how your child processes what another actor is saying, which is crucial in film work.

Scene work, on the other hand, gives casting teams a better look at the whole picture. It shows how your child works toward a goal in the scene, how they connect with others, and how they adjust their performance based on what they’re given by the other actor. It’s much more reflective of the kind of work they’ll be doing on set.

What Casting Directors Really Want to See

If monologues aren’t the answer, what should you include in your child’s casting profile? The simple answer is scene work—short, current scenes that reflect the type of acting your child would do on TV or in film. Whether it’s a self-taped scene with a reader or a clip from a student film, casting directors want to see how your child interacts with the material and their scene partners.

Here’s why scene work stands out:

•	It’s dynamic and shows emotional range.
•	It demonstrates the actor’s ability to listen, react, and adjust to the moment.
•	It allows casting to see how your child achieves a goal in the scene.
•	It shows real-time problem solving and adaptability—qualities that casting loves.

Ready to Get the Perfect Scene for Your Child’s Casting Profile?

If you’re looking for professional help to get your child’s scene work just right, check out my Two Scenes Program! This online Zoom course offers original and reimagined scenes, perfect for getting your child ready for casting profiles.

Here’s How It Works:

1.	Select Scene: Custom scenes that matches your child’s strengths are written for them.
2.	Coach & Perfect: We’ll coach your child through the scene to polish and perfect it.
3.	Self Tape & Review: Your child self-tapes the scene, and we review it together.
4.	Repeat: We’ll coach and perfect one more scene, ensuring your child has a dynamic range to show.
5. Upload to Profiles: Get your scenes ready to shine on casting profiles.

All of this for just $299, including four 30-minute coaching sessions.

FAQs About Monologues in Casting Profiles

Q: Aren’t monologues a good way to show my child’s emotional range?

A: While monologues can show range, they often feel outdated and don’t reflect the style of modern TV and film acting. Scene work is a much better way to showcase range while also demonstrating listening and reacting skills.

Q: Can I use a monologue if it’s from a current TV show or movie?

A: It’s still better to use a scene from a current show or movie rather than a monologue. Even if the material is fresh, casting directors want to see how your child works with others, not just how they perform solo.

Q: What kind of scene should I choose for my child’s profile?

A: Choose a scene that’s short and snappy—something that captures attention quickly and shows your child’s personality. It should reflect the type of roles they’re aiming for (comedy, drama, etc.) and feel like it belongs in the world of today’s TV and film.

Q: My child has been coached on a monologue for months. Should we abandon it entirely?

A: Don’t abandon the work, but maybe consider using it for a different purpose, like acting classes or theater auditions. For casting profiles, focus on material that will make your child stand out in the world of TV and film.

In conclusion, monologues might have their place on stage, but for TV and film casting, they don’t cut it. Instead, opt for scene work that showcases your child’s ability to connect, react, and bring authenticity to a performance. Casting directors will be far more impressed with a strong, modern scene than an overly polished monologue from a dated play. Remember, the goal is to get noticed quickly, and nothing does that better than dynamic, relatable, and reactive acting.

Now, it’s your turn! What’s been your experience with monologues in casting profiles? Share in the comments, or feel free to reach out if you need help choosing the right material for your child’s casting profile. Let’s get your little star shining on the right path!