Why You Need Multiple Cuts of Your College Audition Monologue

If I could give you just one piece of advice about preparing your monologue for college auditions, it would be this: be ready with multiple versions of your monologue. Not just a full-length version, but shorter cuts too. Yes, trimming down a piece you love can feel like cutting off a limb, but trust me — the reward is worth it.

Here’s the tricky truth: every acting program has its own time requirements. Some want a monologue that clocks in just under 90 seconds (think NYU, USC, UNCSA, and Carnegie Mellon). Others, like Juilliard or UC San Diego, want closer to two minutes. And then you have schools like Brown that want both your monologues to stay under two and a half minutes total, but also ask for two additional one-minute pieces.

So, what does this mean for you?

Having multiple monologue cuts:

• Makes applying to multiple schools way less stressful

• Shows you are professional, respectful of direction, and adaptable

• Helps you avoid being potentially disqualified for going overtime

Practicing different lengths also keeps your performance fresh. When you rehearse a monologue endlessly in one format, it can become robotic. But when you switch things up, you stay engaged and connected to the work.

Pro tip:

Think of each version as a different angle on the same scene. Even a 60-second version should still capture the arc and emotion of the piece. Don’t just chop lines — rework it with intention.

Ultimately, versatility is your secret weapon. You never know who you'll be in front of or what curveball might come your way. Having monologue cuts ready means you can adapt on the fly and still crush it.