Independent audition guide
NYU Tisch Audition Monologues
BFA Drama: acting artistic review
Prepare two contrasting contemporary monologues from published plays, each under 90 seconds. Contemporary means written from around 1900 to today.
What to prepare
- Two contrasting contemporary monologues, each under 90 seconds, performed in English.
- From published plays only: no musicals, film or TV scripts, or original material. Choose a speech written as a monologue, not dialogue edited together.
- Regular Decision applicants first send a video of one contemporary monologue of one minute; Early Decision and transfer applicants prepare the two pieces under 90 seconds.
- No props or costumes.
Official guidance checked. Reviewed 2026-10-16. Check the official brief for your course, entry year and audition stage before settling on material.
Build your audition shortlist
Start with play monologues under 90 sec. These filters help you explore, but do not verify a prescribed speech list, writing date or verse form. Check the original text and time your performance.
Save your shortlist for free, then open a scene to read and rehearse it. Full premium scripts require access.
Prepare the piece
Read the whole play. Know who you are speaking to, what you want, and what changes during the speech. Time the cut aloud with room for thought, then rehearse it without rushing.
How to choose and prepare contrasting monologuesHelping someone prepare? Give them a year of Pro: every scene in full, Director’s Notes and an AI scene partner to rehearse with.