Monologues

Monologues

Time has gone by so fast. We are now at the point where we need to know monologues, so we can start rehearsing to make sure we are ready for our auditions. whether that is  to get into University or drama school, however for me I am still deciding. Either way both options require an audition. You have to have two pieces prepared. One being a classical as in; Shakespeare or a Greek play. Second being a modern or contemporary, meaning after 1960s. I did a modern instead of contemporary and did a Shakespeare piece instead of a Greek play. Personally I felt more comfortable with modern over my Shakespeare piece. The pieces that I performed was; Lisa- The power of the dog by Ellen Dryden (She don't like schools) and Juliet- Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare ( Gallop apace, you fiery footed steed). They are very different characters with very different characteristics. However they are both very powerful characters in their own way, they are around about the same age. The character Juliet from 'Romeo and Juliet' is age 13 and Lisa from 'The power of the dog' is age 15. It was easy to connect with these characters, more so Lisa we have more of the same characteristics. In both scenes these characters are very determine, even though they have different objectives. Juliet's objective is that she wants Romeo to be with her right now,she is willing to do anything for the sun to rise and set again so that she is able to see the person she loves. For Lisa it is a little bit more straightforward her objective is that she wants her £10 back whether that means she has to be rude to her own head teacher to get. 

Lisa - Power of the dog

Lisa is a very strong minded character. she puts on this 'I don't care, about anything' persona. She does this so that no one will she her inner pain or know about what she is dealing with at home. Lisa's mum has slight mental health issue. Lisa's way of distracting herself is her hobbies which is acting. Lisa is a big fan of drama and plays and all things performing. However her favourite play is midsummer's night dream. Playing this character I connected to her due to personal reasons. I feel like I understand whats she is going through. During this monologue she lists all the different things that goes wrong during the play that she goes to see. I can understand her frustration. While playing Lisa I have to get into her mind set and she loves the play that she is going to see and the play in terrible and she wasted money she is really annoyed and takes it out on her teacher, about how bad the play is.

Juliet - Romeo and Juliet

Juliet Capulet appears to be a shy and innocent girl at the beginning of the play, but the depth of her character shows as meets Romeo, defies her father, marries Romeo, and ultimately commits suicide. While appearing quiet and obedient, Juliet display inner strength, intelligence, bravery, wit and independence. Juliet also shows her independence nature in her decision to die instead of living without Romeo or having to marry Paris. While playing this character was a bit more challenging, she's in love and she wants to see him more than anything and is even willing to die just so that she could be with him in later life. Personally I don't connect with that, but I still felt  like I could bring Juliet alive by playing off of her child like joy. She was only 13 but her mind was older. this was the first time she'd been in love. So I used her youthful innocence to play her character well.

Visited the Soho Campus

My whole class went to the Soho Campus to get one of our monologues professionally filmed. This was very exciting but yet vein wrecking. Wanting to get the speeches right the first time round and having a big camera right in front of you. Making sure you don't move too much so that you stay in focus, these were all factors that we had to take into consideration. When we enter the room there in a big camera and a medium sized screen next to it that shows us what the camera can see. There is a green screen and an X on the floor marked in tape for where we should stand. when we are seen on the camera we are very clear and in focus and behind us in was completely black. I went in very near to the end, I hear everyone else's feedback and I couldn't wait to be get there. when I finally stepped in I feel completely calm. It felt so natural being front of the camera. Later on we received the videos. It was truly amazing to be able to the progress of your performances compared to the beginning of first year.


Performed at Young Actors Theatre Islington

I performed  the monologue  from 'The Power of The Dog' playing Lisa. I was a little bit nervous as we were performing to David Schaal, who is on the panel for a drama school. This is very important to get his pointers on the performance as he knows what the judges will be looking for for and what they will like as he is a judge. I believed that I performed quite well. As my piece in a comedy I could see them laughing and understanding what I was saying. I thought it was a good sign. When you perform badly it's harder for the audience to connect with the piece. As the audience was connecting I believed I did well.
My feedback:

• Is that I need to over play the anger on the character more.
• I have good understanding of the text
• That I should use the space more/ move around.
• Build a closer emotional bond with the character.
• Show that I actually care about Midsummer nights dream.

This gave me an idea and a feel for what my auditions will be like and it was very helpful and I will be taking on all the constructive criticism on board to help me with further auditions. It was a very interesting experience and I am glad that I got to be part of it.