RCS Audition Monologues

Portia laments the frustration of her situation, where her deceased father's will dictates her marriage prospects, preventing her from choosing her own husband.

Lewis the Dauphin furiously refuses to halt his invasion of England after Cardinal Pandulph announces a peace treaty between King John and the Pope. He argues that having been incited to war by the Church, he will not now be used as a mere instrument or puppet of Rome.

Prince Hamlet contemplates the nature of existence and the finality of death while weighing the pain of life against the fear of the unknown afterlife. He explores the psychological paralysis caused by over-thinking, which prevents him from taking action against his circumstances.

Lord Clifford delivers a powerful, patriotic appeal to a mob of rebels, shaming them for following the pretender Jack Cade and urging them to turn their aggression toward France instead of their own country.

Sir John Hume reveals his double-dealing nature, explaining how he is being paid by both the Duchess of Gloucester to find a witch and by her enemies to lead her into a trap.

Shylock confronts Antonio about his past mistreatment and hypocrisy, questioning why he should lend money to a man who has consistently insulted and degraded him.

Duke Vincentio explains his decision to temporarily hand over power to the strict Lord Angelo. He seeks to disguise himself as a friar to observe how Angelo handles authority and whether his rigid morality holds up under pressure.

Ventidius reflects on the political dangers of a soldier outshining his superior. He explains to Silius why he chooses not to pursue further military conquest, fearing that his success would provoke Antony's jealousy and ruin his career.

King Richard II asserts his divine right to the throne, comparing his majesty to the rising sun that exposes the treachery of Bolingbroke. He declares that no earthly force can depose a king anointed by God.

King Philip of France addresses the citizens of Angiers, demanding they recognize young Arthur's rightful claim to the English throne over King John. He offers a peaceful resolution if they submit, but threatens a violent siege if they refuse.

Henry Bolingbroke returns from exile to confront his uncle, the Duke of York, arguing that he has come to reclaim his rightful inheritance as the Duke of Lancaster after the King seized his father's lands.

The Fool delivers a satirical and paradoxical prophecy about the state of Britain (Albion) amidst a raging storm, mocking the social and moral hypocrisies of the era.

Mark Antony realizes his fleet has surrendered to Caesar and believes Cleopatra has betrayed him. In a fit of rage and despair, he laments the loss of his power and the perceived treachery of the woman he loved.

Edmund, the illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester, rejects the societal laws that brand him as inferior due to his birth. He vows to overthrow his legitimate brother Edgar and seize his inheritance through a cunning deception, appealing to nature to favor his ambition.

Shylock stands before the Duke of Venice, refusing to accept a financial settlement in exchange for dropping his legal claim to a pound of Antonio's flesh. He argues that his desire for the forfeit is a matter of personal 'humour' and deep-seated loathing, for which he owes no further explanation.

The Prince of Morocco attempts to woo Portia by boasting of his courage and military prowess, while acknowledging that the lottery of the caskets is a matter of blind luck rather than merit.

Imprisoned and tormented, the Duchess expresses her profound despair and nihilism, choosing to curse her enemies rather than pray for mercy.

Rosalind, still disguised as the youth Ganymede, promises Orlando that she can use magic to ensure he marries his true love, Rosalind, the following day.

Petruchio addresses Katherine, insisting that they travel to her father's house in their plain, poor clothing. He argues that true worth comes from the mind and character rather than outward appearances and expensive garments.

The Countess of Rousillon expresses her deep grief and conflict after learning of her son Bertram's rejection of Helena. She instructs her steward to write a sharp letter to Bertram, hoping that news of Helena's departure will spur his return.

The Bastard reflects on the death of young Arthur, symbolizing the collapse of England's moral and political stability as civil war looms.

Biron, who has sworn an oath of asceticism, confesses to himself that he has fallen hopelessly in love with Rosaline. He mocks his own hypocrisy and the absurdity of his romantic feelings before hiding to observe his fellow oath-breakers.

Octavius Caesar reprimands his sister Octavia for arriving in Rome without the pomp and circumstance befitting her status as both his sister and Mark Antony's wife. He argues that her humble arrival prevents him from publicly demonstrating his love and respect.

Touchstone, the court fool, reflects on the necessity of marriage and the inevitability of cuckoldry (represented by 'horns') while waiting for a country vicar to perform a quick wedding ceremony in the forest.