Monologue Assignment

 

OVERVIEW: Each student will select, rehearse, and perform a single monologue of 4 to 6 minutes in length or two contrasting monologues of 2 minutes in length each. Students who wish to study theatre further should choose the latter option as professional auditions often ask for two contrasting monologues; sometimes it is specified that a classical and a contemporary monologue should be used. Think of each monologue as a mini-scene that must be analyzed, memorized, rehearsed, and performed. Focus on who the character is, what the character wants, and to whom the monologue is addressed.

SELECTION: Choose a dramatic or comic monologue from any play. Monologues can be created by combining a character's shorter speeches into one longer speech, if this makes sense. A monologue may also be taken from a character in literature other than plays. Choose something that intrigues you, that excites you, is meaningful to you. You can select a monologue from any familiar play or find monologues in a scene book. The advantage of selecting from a familiar play is a more complete understanding of the entire work. The advantage of choosing from a scene book is economy; they often are divided into categories and sometimes by age. HSU's library has several scene books--some of which have been placed on reserve. Make an attempt to read the original play the scene is from to gain a fuller understanding of it.

PROCESS: There will be time in class devoted to rehearsal, but students will be expected to spend time outside of class rehearsing and perfecting their monologues. Length of each monologue should be from 4 to 6 minutes (or two monologues of 2 minutes each). Monologues will be performed in class, evaluated, performed a second time, and evaluated again. Please bring your evaluation sheet with you on your assigned day.

INTENT PAPER: Write about what you intend to do in your monologue Do a character analysis.. Points to include:

  • Who are you (the character)?
  • What are your character's goals?
    • What does the character want?
    • What does he or she want to succeed at?
  • A sense of the other: to whom is the monologue addressed?
  • Obstacles: what obstacles does your character encounter?
  • What tactics does the character employ?
  • When do beats change?
  • Why did you choose this particular monolog?
  • What do you want to achieve in this work?
  • What do you want to show the audience?
  • How do you want the audience to react?

Include an analysis of the scene; note beat changes. This paper is due on the day you first perform the monologue. Each paper should be 800 words in standard academic prose: typewritten, double spaced, 1-inch margins. The intent paper is worth a maximum of 30 points. Remember, your writings throughout the semester substitute for a final exam; it is expected that course-specific terms are used in all papers to demonstrate your mastery of course topics. We will be looking for such specificity--that will earn you points. The paper needs to be submitted the day you perform; e-mailed submissions are not acceptable.

GRADING: An evaluation form (and your paper) will be used to assess your performance. Much of the form will be filled out during the event, but your grade will not be assigned until after your intent paper has been submitted and read. We will be looking for a consistency in your performance, clear choices of characterization made evident, and changes corresponding to the dramatic beats. Use your evaluation form as a "checklist" to aid in preparing your performance. This assignment is worth a maximum of 150 points.

REMINDER: Your two acting critiques of the semester must be completed and submitted by the last regular class session; they will not be accepted during finals week.