<p>So I know it is a BIG no-no to audition using an accent. But what do you do if the play you are using would normally require one? For instance, Translations is all about Ireland, and if someone used a monologue from it they would certainly be talking about Ireland and Irish culture. So do you just ignore the fact that it would require an accent and speak normally?</p>
<p>Yes. They do not want you to use British accents for Shakespeare, nor any regional American accents, even if the play suggests it. My D did a Beth Henley play last year, and while it is integral to the play that her characters are Southern, it would have been inappropriate and distracting for my D to have used any kind of Southern accent. </p>
<p>The diction and language will give enough flavor, and the characters will come through nonetheless, don’t worry.</p>
<p>The only school we visited that did not advise against using dialects in the audition was CCPA (Chicago Conservatory of Performing Arts) at Roosevelt University.</p>
<p>Look at the requirements carefully on your audition list. All of my D’s auditioned schools discouraged the use of accents. I can’t claim one way or the other as a general rule; I’m just saying that if they say not to use them, don’t use them, but go ahead and use a monologue that you like even if you have to drop an accent.</p>
<p>I agree with everyone above. If you love the monologue, go ahead and do it without the accent. However, if you don’t feel as connected to it or it doesn’t feel right without the accent, then I would suggest you pick another monologue.</p>
<p>Unless your accent is impeccable, it puts you at a disadvantage to do a monologue that requires a dialect whether you choose to do it with or without the dialect. If you do it with, auditors may focus on the accuracy of your sound changes. Without, the details of your context are incorrect. College auditions are the time to do pieces that are right in your sweet spot–close to your age experiences that you can relate to–just make sure that the writing is strong and that you are really well prepared. Break a leg!</p>