Introduction
When you walk into an audition room and hear those magical words – “Make me laugh” – your heart rate spikes. It’s both a chance to shine and a test of your comedic instincts. What do you choose? How do you deliver? And how do you select a monologue that shows off your timing, energy, and personality without overdoing it? In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose and perform a standout comedic monologue for auditions, tips to make an impression, plus a curated list of monologues ideal for “make me laugh” moments.
Why the “Make Me Laugh” Moment Is Critical
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Shows Range: Comedy reveals something different than drama. It tells casting directors you’re not just serious, but you can find humour in everyday life.
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Energy & Timing: Comedy demands rhythm. It shows you can hit beats, react, pause and punchlines with control.
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Memorability: A well-chosen funny monologue can make you memorable long after several serious ones.
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Vulnerability in Humor: Being funny often means being honest or absurd. You allow the audience to see a lighter, more spontaneous side of your personality.
A terrific comedic audition can elevate you above dozens of competitors. But only if it’s done with authenticity, timing, and an understanding of yourself as a performer.
Choosing the Right Monologue
Here are criteria you should consider when selecting a monologue for “Make Me Laugh”:
| Criteria | Why It Matters | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Auditions often limit time. | Aim for 60–90 seconds. Avoid overlong setup. |
| Character Voice | Should match your own age / type or allow you to stretch. | Choose something you can own naturally. |
| Tone | Slapstick? Dry wit? Physical comedy? | Match your instincts and audition room style. |
| Theme | Everyday scenario or quirky situation? | Simple setups tend to read faster and land better. |
| Flexibility | Can you personalize it with small tweaks? | Adjust for accent, gesture, or timing without rewriting. |
Also remember to research the tone of the project (if known), so your comic choice fits rather than clashes.
Great Monologues for “Make Me Laugh”
Below are some suggestions and ideas you might adapt or use as inspiration. Always check rights or whether you can perform them in auditions. Some are public domain or short comedic pieces, others are modern suggestions that you may need permission to use.
| Monologue | Source / Style | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| The Nervous Waiter | Original short comic script | A waiter tries to explain a bizarre customer order. Great for expressive delivery. |
| My Worst First Date | Modern comedic piece (adaptable) | Shows physicality, embarrassment, timing; you can exaggerate small moments. |
| Overprotective Parent | Sketch-style monologue | Allows you to lean on hyperbole, rapid emotional shifts (frustration → pleading → absurd). |
| Deadpan Office Worker Rant | Contemporary comedy | Works with slow delivery, dry humour, with a final punch twist. |
| Physical Comedy Classic | Publicdomain vaudeville-style | Purely physical exaggeration — ideal if you can’t rely on heavy dialogue. |
If you don’t find exactly the one above to your taste, you can browse eclectic audition-style selections to find something that resonates with you.
How to Tailor Your Monologue for Maximum Impact
1. Develop Your “Character Voice”
Even in a funny monologue, it helps to think deeply about who you are:
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What’s your physical presence? Are you loud? Nervous? Sarcastic?
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Could your background or accent inform your rhythm or comedic phrasing?
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Play with small gestures that emphasize a punchline rather than distract.
2. Punchline Placement & Pauses
Timing is everything. A well-placed silence before the punchline can double the impact. Rehearse different pause lengths: half-second, full second, two seconds — notice what feels alive rather than mechanical.
3. Use Subtext & Empathy
Even comedic pieces work best when there’s an underlying emotional truth. Audiences (and casting directors) respond more when the humour is grounded in a genuine emotion — insecurity, frustration, joy, surprise.
4. Adjust for Room Size & Energy
In a small audition room, subtle facial expressions matter. In a larger space or video-call audition, exaggerate slightly more so your energy carries. Test your delivery in different volumes / physicalities before the real audition.
5. Rehearse with an “Audience Buffer”
Record yourself, or invite a friend to watch. See where they laugh, pause, or look puzzled. Adjust phrasing or delivery accordingly.
Sample Comedic Monologue You Could Adapt
Here’s a short, original monologue you could adapt to your style:
(Standing nervously before an imaginary customer)
“Sir, you wanted the salad without lettuce, the dressing on the side, gluten-free croutons, and—and—you asked if the tomatoes could be organic but only from that one farm I can’t pronounce. And you looked at me like I’m the one who invented tomatoes. And then you say, ‘Can you cut them into perfect little cubes, but only from the stems?’ (beat) So I’m thinking: either you’re auditioning me for some top-secret salad competition, or you just hate me. Which is it?”
You can embellish this with gestures: clutching a clipboard, stepping back in horror, or exasperated sighs.
Mistakes to Avoid
While aiming to crack someone up, watch out for these red flags:
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Overacting / Caricature – Losing authenticity by forcing jokes.
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Relying on Props – Unless approved, props can distract or disqualify you.
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Ignoring the Text – Even funny pieces need truthful beats. Don’t rush through setup.
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Using Generic Material – If your monologue feels worn-out or cliché, it’s harder to stand out.
Also, be ready in case the casting director shifts tone: they might ask for a less cartoon-ish read mid-way. Be adaptable.
Preparing for the Audition Day
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Warm-up with vocal and facial warm-ups – Comedy needs looseness.
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Dress Rehearse with Movement – Practice standing, sitting, or pacing to see which physical choice enhances your comedic rhythm.
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Confidence Boost – Remind yourself: they asked you to make them laugh. They want to see your humour. Let that permission fuel your energy.
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Mindset – Treat it like a playful conversation rather than a performance you must nail perfectly. Mistakes can turn hilarious.
Why “Make Me Laugh” Monologues Are a Game-Changer
The ability to shift the energy in the room, to surprise with timing, and to display vulnerability through humour — that’s what makes a comedic piece powerful. It’s not just “jokes.” It’s your personality, your rhythm, and your willingness to play. Casting directors often remember an actor who made them laugh more than one who simply delivered beautifully.
If you’d like more audition-tips, including how to fix audition mistakes, troubleshoot nerves, or build your own custom monologue vault, check out my deeper guides on blogsmix.com.
Final Checklist Before Your Audition
| Do | Check |
|---|---|
| You know your beats and pauses | ✔️ |
| You’ve adapted gestures / physicality | ✔️ |
| You’ve recorded & tested your laugh-moments | ✔️ |
| You’ve practiced under “stress” (timed run-through) | ✔️ |
| You feel connection to the character, even in the comedy | ✔️ |
Walk into that audition room with joy, confidence, and a monologue that feels like you — and you’re already halfway there.
Break a leg! 🎭
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