Seriously I know this question seems totally whacky to be asking since we are all told about having monologues but RECENTLY on an Imdb pro message board, I was struck by the comment made by someone in the inustry that said, rarely do Agents or Casting Directors ever ask to hear a monologue. Unless it's an amateur theatre company or student filmmakers do they request monologues. If it's a professional production sides are provided because the people in charge of casting don't want to hear some there material that the actor has memorized but are more interested in hearing the words from the character they are casting for.
So I'm curious from those who have agents and book professional paying gigs, do you find yourself being asked to perform a monologue from Agents or Casting directors? I do find lately I have been given sides but have wondered what do Agents really expect when you go to meet them?

The conventional wisdom is yes in NYC, no in LA. This said, I've had both an agent and a manager ask me for monologues.

Bear in mind too that a lot of film work is very monologue-like - that is, you address the camera and endow it with your partner's presence (even for brief lines). So learning to summon up the richness of a relationship without actually having the person in front of you is still an important skill.

(Full disclosure: in case you haven't been to my site, I have free monologues there and two books of them out, and am working on a third - so I'm not COMPLETELY neutral. )

The other consideration is trying to give agents and CD's what they want. Many will ask if you have a reel - but just try getting them to watch it if you send it. Still, you want to piece one together.

If you're concerned about the one thing to bring to these folks, it's flexibility and confidence as an actor. Working on monologues is one way to build that, as is doing improv, scene study, etc. I would think of it as one tool a rounded actor should have, but more because you want to be a rounded actor than out of concern for what CD's and agents want. Other than strong, professional actors, I don't know that they know themselves. Until they see it.

ive been asked to use monologues for agents.

as for CDs, of course!! just the week before christmas, i went on 5 theater auditions that required monologues.

i've had to bring monologues to major theatrical appointments (not just EPAs) and have even had to do monologues on tape for films, but it's rare. sometimes i'm asked to do my mon. then do the sides...

being in NY, if you do any theater, you should have at least 5 monologues, depending on your type. what i do is also work on my monologues so that they transfer from stage to camera. no need to learn more pieces.

dont know if that helps, but i have used them in all situations, though they are mostly requested at all theatre auditions.