[Tenalto]

I'm contemplating auditioning for my university's production of Midsummer Night's Dream. And I need some help. I need a comedic Shakespearean monologue of no more than four minutes that would suit Helena or Titania (not one for both, necessarily!). I haven't had a chance to research this thoroughly because I've been working at a Girl Scout camp all summer, and it's been killing me. Also, they may be wanting 16 bars of a song; they're turning it into a forties musical. This scares me slightly (Branagh's Love's Labours Lost, anybody?), but I'll do whatever they want.

I'm aiming for either Helena or Titania. I'm an contralto with a range of E-flat below middle C to D/E an octave above middle C, with a belt to the B-flat above middle C. I don't know what songs they're going to use, apart from forties-style, so I'm leaning towards singing 16 bars of "Why Can't You Behave" from Kiss Me, Kate. I feel that parts of it get across Helena's yearning for Demetrius to focus on her and let her love him and whatnot. As for monologues, I'm completely stumped.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and seriously considered.

[Singer]

I think that "Why Can't You Behave?" sounds good! I don't speak from experience, but it seems to fit well with what you're going for. As for monologues, I would suggest you looking into the wonderful website: actorpoint.com
You could also look into this:
http://www.theatrehistory.com/plays/monologues.html
That's a lot of monologues, you might find the one you need! Good luck!

[JIJane]

All of Shakespeare's monologues can be found here:

http://www.shakespeare-monologues.org/

[JIJane]

Songs - I love your Kiss me Kate idea. Also maybe have a look at "The lady is a tramp" from Babes in Arms?? Also "The gentleman is a dope" from Allegro.

[MaryMag]

Yeah I think you've really got some spot on ideas so far! I agree with Why Can't You Behave. Just wanna add that though it is said to be overdone, I never hear it. Nobody appreciates the classics!

I don't know if Porter is 40's or not, forgive me, but he has so many great comedic alto songs for women. Nymph Errant and 50 Million Frenchmen have a TON!