How to Learn a Monolgue

The only purpose of a monologue is to help you get an agent, audition to win, and showcase your acting skills. An audition is your marketing tool and an invaluable part of your "packaging".

With so much ground to cover on this topic, we will cover only the basics. If you need further help you may contact me at vocalprolessons.com and I will answer your questions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Book of monologues - age appropriate
• Mirror
• Recorder for your voice
• An audience (family, friends, dog or cat :-)
• Room temperature water

1. 
    
   Define the type of actor you are

   Selecting just the right monologue will take some time, therefore start this step early. It can be tricky because others do not see you as you see yourself. Find material that will showcase your best attributes (an older person, an Irish accent). Define the exact type of actor you are.Go with your gut reaction. Let the material affect you, move you.
   Stay away from offensive material and monologues that are to long. A two minute monologue (or under) should be your guide.

2. 
    
   Don't memorize at first

   Make a copy of your monologue and print it out. It will be used many times and you can also make notes if needed. Use your thumb as a guide when reading the copy so you won't get lost.
   Don't memorize your monologue first, even if it seems like the logical thing to do. Once you memorize, your final performance is somewhat set. First, you want to explore the meaning of the monologue and what the character is trying to say.

3. 
    
   Practice your monologue before an audience

   The way to begin working on your monologue is to simply read through it in your own voice.Just say the words. Stay in the moment with what you're saying.After you read through it, lay your monologue down and see what stays with you, both logically and emotionally. Always ask yourself "who am I talking to"?. This imaginary person will give your performance a real and natural meaning. Practice auditioning before an audience to help you with focusing and being nervous.

Tips & Warnings

• Warm up your body before working on your monologue
• Drink plenty of room temperature water to hydrate the throat
• Breath from the Diaphragm and keep the shoulders still
• Select material with strong emotion
• Always ask yourself "who am I talking to?"
• Record your monologue and listen for good diction and timing
• Keep your monologue under 2 minutes
• Do not over act - allow your drama to be natural
• Never clear your voice- this can damage the vocal bands
• If you want to scream or yell - use the "belly breath"

[vallain]

on 9/24/2009 Students often came to the library looking for books of monologues.