Is this monologue inappropriate for a community theater audition?

Question

I'm auditioning for a showcase at a community theater on Tuesday.

Actors were asked to come prepared with a monologue, so I called and asked for details. The monologue is just to show range and energy, they'll use it to place you in a scene.

I was told to do something that I know well that shows off my range. I'm planning on doing a piece from "the Cover of Life". It's an audition piece that I've consistently received good critiques with and one that really resonates with me.

It contains the lines "around here it seems like on the day you're born they take a look at your privates. They can see a man.. you know his thing.. it's just right there and everyone pays attention. But a woman? Her stuff's all inside, and you can't see it so they just figure that we ain't got nothing."

I've consistently been warned against auditioning with "shock value" or vulgar monologues. Is a monologue with that content innapropriate for a community theater audition? Does it fall under either of those catagories or is it an acceptable audition piece?

Answer 1

  It's a bit edgy for anything, no offense, but you say it's worked in the past. Obviously some of the issue regards what you use it for when auditioning, and the genre You might actually follow it up with, especially in a variety show.

  Personally I wouldn't want it on my resume, but we all have different opinions. The mono is a good one, valid, pointed, but I disagree that theater people or audiences expect or want edgy.

  I wish you well.

S.W.

Answer 2

depends on the theater....really

Answer 3

I don't think the piece is offensive. If you do it well, go for it.

Answer 4

I would say no.  The fact is, you have no idea who you are auditioning for and what kind of a person or theatre you are meeting for the first time.  I don't find it offensive, you don't find it offensive, but the person sitting behind the casting desk just might, and their opinion is the one that leads to the job.  First impressions are very important for this experience, so why bother risking it?  If you have another monologue, I would go for it.  

Also, I would find out the genre of the play and try to pick a monologue suitable to the play's style, as well as the character you would like to be going for.

I realize you may not have other monologues that you feel as confident with, and perhaps not ones from different genres to pick from...if this is the case, use the monologue, but work on finding some other ones to open up your options.  It's a lot of work at first, but pays off in the long run.  Especially if a casting director asks you what else you have to show them.