Lesson 4: FINAL PREPARATIONS.
Monologues.
Section 4. Preparing the Monologue
In this section we get to explore the ever important monologue and how to prepare it. Turn to Chapter 5 on page 187 of Michael Shurtleff’s book, Audition. You will have fun reading his words as he explores monologues, soliloquies, and an actor’s style.
After reading this, what struck you as new or different from what you’ve done in the past? Record your response.
What will you now do differently as a result? Write your response, being as honest as you dare. Remember, no one need read this notebook of yours unless you allow them. The more candor you share with yourself here, the sooner you will achieve success on a stage “out there” somewhere. Go ahead and write your honest thoughts.
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Congratulations! Why? Because you are now ready to open your third texbook, The Ultimate Scene and Monologue Sourcebook: An Actor’s Guide to over 1000 Monologues and Scenes from More Than 300 Contemporary Plays, written by Ed Hooks!
Please note: Books are recommended but not mandatory.
Think about what you’ve just read from Shurtleff’s book. How might you select your monologue differently now, as compared to before you started this course? Write down your thoughts.
What will you look for now in a monologue? What will be important to you now? Write your responses.
Some might ask you immediately to select two monologues. I will not. I want what you've read to sink in. I want you to take a few days to think about it, ponder your new discoveries, and allow a new approach to bud within you.
So whereas I will not ask you TODAY to select two monologues, I WILL ask you to begin to study Hook's book diligently. The more thorough you are during this process, the more success you will be able to achieve later.
Read Hook's various sections; analyze what he offers and contemplate which selections will work the best for you. As Shurtleff said, find the direction you like. It is in so doing you will eventually give a more scintillating performance, because it will be a performance which is true to yourself and your abilities.
Prepare yourself now so that later you will be able to revel in the monologues you select. To do this, you must take some time to analyze Hooks’ book. Then, and only then, begin to look for the resources he suggests, through libraries, catalogues, bookstores, or other sources. Again, take your time with this process. You’ll be pleased you did.
