Zaryo - Actors MONOLOGUES

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Monologues

Posted by Katriona on 01-11-2011

A monologue may be dramatic or comical, classical or modern, taken from a play, a script or even a short story.

The first step to working on a monologue is to choose one that is suitable for you, get a monologue that enables you to best show your acting talents. We recommend that you don't only use the monologue that you've been practicing since high school, rather do a thorough search for a play that holds a monologue of a suitable length and that you can relate to. Take all parameters into consideration such as: Age, gender and physical appearance. Remember that good acting is first of all about good casting.

Now that you've chosen your monologue; learn it by off heart. As you progress, it is most likely that your end result will be deserving and impressive. There is nothing more unprofessional than appearing at an audition and mumbling through a monologue.

How do you learn a monologue by heart? There are many ways. Some people seem to be able to remember just by reading through a number of times, others record themselves and listen to the CD over and over. You can write the monologue in long-hand, a number of times. The most important tip is to understand and relate to what you are saying and what was meant by the author. This will make remembering the monologue easy. Also, read the entire play, story, or script. The next step is, and this could occur at the same time that you're learning the monologue, to analyze short parts of the text for ideas and changes. Each short part of a text is called a 'bit'. Separate the bits by marking on your copy at each point that you think there is a change of idea, rhythm or flow. You can also write out the bits on a separate page.

Character: When you study the text, make sure you understand the character delivering the monologue. A personality trait can be: Manipulative, naïve, emotional, have a sense of humor, overbearing, revengeful etc. Make a list of at least twenty of these traits and you should try to do the same for the rest of the play or script. Go over the list of personality traits you've written down: which of those traits do you possess? Which are in direct contrast to you? The character that you portray in your monologue will, at the end, be a combination of your character and you yourself. That's why it is recommended that you recognize and focus on an accent and the personality traits that you have in common.

Situation: Probably the most important element of the monologue is to present the situation that the character is at that very moment. The most important question here is: Who is the character talking to? In the audition room, find that person in the audience and talk to him. A relationship with imaginary characters is not easy, but the success of your monologue depends on it. If you're speaking to more than one person in your monologue, make the same decisions. In your mind, identify them and place them.

By the way, all of your imaginary partners should be standing or sitting somewhere in the audience; they're not with you on the stage because that would really make you look as if you're having a conversation with an imaginary friend. Remember, the audition begins when you start your monologue and ends when you reach the end. No one will ever disturb you, for when you present a monologue as you are the only actor on board!

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