🎭Acting for the Stage Unit 12 – Monologue Prep and Performance

What's a Monologue?

• A monologue is a long speech performed by a single actor on stage
• Monologues allow the character to express their inner thoughts, feelings, and motivations directly to the audience
• Can be delivered in various forms such as a soliloquy (character alone on stage), an aside (character speaks to audience while other characters are present), or a direct address (character speaks directly to the audience)
• Monologues serve to reveal important information about the character's background, personality, and goals (Hamlet's "To be or not to be" soliloquy)
• Effective monologues showcase the actor's ability to engage the audience and convey complex emotions (Nina's monologue from The Seagull)
• Monologues are often used in auditions to demonstrate an actor's range and skill
• Can be comedic or dramatic in nature, depending on the context and the character's journey

Choosing Your Piece

• Select a monologue that showcases your strengths as an actor and aligns with your casting type
• Consider the age, gender, and background of the character to ensure a good fit
• Look for a piece that challenges you and allows for growth as a performer
• Analyze the context of the monologue within the larger play to understand the character's circumstances and objectives
• Choose a monologue that resonates with you emotionally and intellectually
  • This genuine connection will help you deliver a more authentic performance
• Avoid overdone or cliché monologues to stand out from other actors (Romeo and Juliet's balcony scene)
• Consider the length of the monologue, ensuring it falls within the given time constraints (usually 1-2 minutes)

Breaking Down the Text

• Read the entire play to understand the context and the character's journey
• Identify the character's objectives, obstacles, and tactics within the monologue
  • Objectives are what the character wants to achieve
  • Obstacles are the challenges preventing the character from achieving their objectives
  • Tactics are the strategies the character employs to overcome obstacles and achieve objectives
• Analyze the language and structure of the monologue, including punctuation, repetition, and imagery
• Identify key words and phrases that reveal the character's emotional state and intentions
• Break down the monologue into smaller beats or units of action
  • Each beat represents a shift in the character's thoughts, feelings, or tactics
• Explore the subtext beneath the words to uncover the character's unspoken thoughts and motivations
• Identify the character's relationship with the implied listener and how it influences the delivery of the monologue

Character Analysis

• Conduct thorough research on the character's background, including their age, occupation, social status, and relationships
• Identify the character's primary goal or desire that drives their actions throughout the play
• Analyze the character's emotional journey within the monologue, noting any shifts or changes
• Explore the character's personality traits, habits, and quirks to create a fully-realized portrayal
• Consider the character's past experiences and how they shape their current beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors
• Identify the character's strengths and weaknesses, and how they influence their decision-making process
• Examine the character's relationships with other characters in the play and how those dynamics impact their monologue
• Develop a clear understanding of the character's arc or transformation throughout the play, and how the monologue fits into that journey

Memorization Techniques

• Break the monologue down into smaller, manageable chunks to make memorization easier
• Use mnemonic devices, such as acronyms or rhymes, to help remember specific lines or phrases
• Associate lines with physical actions or gestures to create a muscle memory connection
• Visualize the scene and the character's surroundings to help internalize the text
• Record yourself speaking the monologue and listen to it repeatedly to reinforce memorization
  • Vary the speed, tone, and emphasis of your delivery to explore different interpretations
• Engage in active memorization by writing out the monologue or typing it from memory
• Practice the monologue in various settings and while performing everyday tasks to test your recall
• Enlist the help of a friend or family member to run lines and provide feedback

Vocal and Physical Preparation

• Develop a consistent warm-up routine to prepare your voice and body for performance
• Practice proper breathing techniques to support your voice and maintain control throughout the monologue
  • Engage in diaphragmatic breathing exercises to improve breath support and capacity
• Explore vocal variety by experimenting with pitch, pace, volume, and tone to convey the character's emotions and intentions
• Use articulation exercises to improve clarity and diction, ensuring the audience can understand every word
• Incorporate physical exercises to release tension, increase flexibility, and enhance body awareness
• Develop a physicality that aligns with the character's age, background, and emotional state
  • Consider the character's posture, gait, and mannerisms
• Use gestures and facial expressions to complement the text and convey the character's inner thoughts and feelings
• Practice the monologue in the performance space to adjust your vocal and physical choices based on the acoustics and layout

Rehearsal Strategies

• Begin with table work, analyzing the script and discussing character choices with a director or acting partner
• Block the monologue, determining the character's movements and positioning on stage
• Explore various acting techniques, such as method acting or Meisner technique, to deepen your connection to the character
• Experiment with different interpretations and line deliveries to find the most effective approach
• Use improvisation exercises to explore the character's backstory and develop a more organic performance
• Incorporate props and costumes into rehearsals to become comfortable with their use and integrate them into the performance
• Seek feedback from directors, acting coaches, and peers to identify areas for improvement and refine your choices
• Record your rehearsals and watch them back to self-evaluate and make necessary adjustments

Performance Tips and Tricks

• Arrive at the performance venue early to warm up, focus, and get into character
• Perform a physical and vocal warm-up routine to prepare your instrument for the stage
• Review your character's objectives, tactics, and emotional journey before taking the stage
• Trust your preparation and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment
• Engage with the implied listener, maintaining a clear and specific point of focus
• Use the performance space to your advantage, exploring levels, depth, and proximity to the audience
• Embrace any mistakes or unexpected moments, using them as opportunities to showcase your improvisational skills
• Maintain your character's emotional journey and arc throughout the monologue
• Project your voice and use clear diction to ensure the audience can hear and understand every word
• Take a moment after the monologue to let the character's emotions settle before breaking character