Lesson 4: FINAL PREPARATIONS.
Stylistic Choices.
Section 3. Romance, Musical Theatre, Comedy.
If you are single, think of the last three individuals you dated (if married, dredge back through the cobwebs of your mind to your single days). Did you act the same with each of them? Probably not. If the individual had a great sense of humor, you may have found a surprising sense of fun inside yourself; if the person was serious, out of respect you may have become more subdued.
Before I married my wonderful husband, I dated some quiet guys and I dated some zany guys. I noticed that I tended to respond in kind - not because I was trying to be different, but because each individual seemed to draw certain characteristics out of me.
Theater is the same. There are different approaches for different kinds of theater. And Mr. Shurtleff does an excellent job analyzing those different nuances. So just what are the different stylistic choices when approaching romance, comedy, musical theater, etc.? Let's figure it out.
Romance
Turn to Chapter 7 entitled Romance and begin reading. When you are finished, meet me back here.
Finished? Which part struck you the most? Write your response in your notebook.
To me, one of the most important parts the author draws out is found in the statement: “For the basis of the scene is struggle between romance and reality . . .” What do you think he means by this? Why does he emphasize this? How does this pertain to you and your future auditions? Record your responses in your notebook
Musical Theatre
Now read Chapter 8 entitled Musical Theatre.
In this chapter, the author lists an amazingly concise assessment of how musical theatre differs from the rest of theatrical productions. Not knowing whether you plan to audition for a musical or not, I can only lead you to this chapter for greater understanding. Of course, auditioning for musicals generally implies the abilities to dance, sing (at times), etc. (But then, I know you knew that.)
Now that you have read Chapter 8, which part struck you as most pertinent for you? Write down your thoughts.
Comedy
Now turn to Chapter 9. Read the chapter. According to Mr. Shurtleff, what are the 18 points to comedy? Write them down. Remember, I am not asking you to record these thoughts for me. I don't really lose sleep at night over this, but you might if you don't.
If you fail to write your thoughts and musings down, you may fail to incorporate the concept deeper into your psyche. Without truly assimilating and making these techniques your own, you may stumble along the way. We don't want this. You and I both want you to arrive at the point of success at auditions. Thus, write down your thoughts, they will become a greater part of your awareness.
Summary
There are, of course, other forms of theatre. But these chapters give important highlights for three broad forms. Of these forms, which are you most comfortable with? Have you ever considered auditioning for a new form? Try it. You may be surprised at the latent talent(s) which lay deep inside you. They will never be discovered until you try. You discover new things as you attempt new things.
Next up -- preparing the monologue!
