Lesson 11 - Mastering Monologues for Screen Actors
Captivating Solo Performances
In the courtroom, it’s where a lawyer really becomes an actor. There’s a very fine line between delivering a monologue in a play and delivering a monologue to a jury. I’ve always felt that way,
I’ve been in a lot of courtrooms.
The best lawyers are really theatrical.
Woody Harrelson
Mastering Monologues for Screen Actors is an invaluable resource for actors looking to excel in delivering compelling solo performances. You may be preparing a monologue for an audition or a monologue that is part of a film you are in. Either way, a monologue is a moment in the story where all the attention is on you! So embrace it!
Though a monologue may be a small piece of an overall story, it requires no less attention or preparation. If you are doing a monologue for an audition or open call, your job is no different than you would for any other production or performance. The quality of character, effectiveness, and performance is directly related to the preparation work that you put into it. I hear many of my clients say, “It’s just a monologue.” or “It’s just a commercial.” So, they think that they don’t need to put the work in that they would for a larger role. Always remember that there are countless other actors out there that look just like you who will be auditioning for the same roles you will be. What will set you apart? I call them the 3 P’s. Professionalism, Preparation, and Pride!
What will set you apart?
Professionalism
Professional actors are committed to their craft and treat acting as a full-time profession even when they are starting out or part time. They devote considerable time and effort to perfecting their skills, preparing for auditions, and staying current with industry trends. They put the time in when others have gone onto less difficult activities. This would be the same as an athlete who stays behind after practice to put in more conditioning, reps, and effort.
Preparation
Do the work! Research the story, breakdown the script, develop the character fully, commit the lines to memory, understand the message, and become the character! Would you want a surgeon to show up with a pocket knife and a band-ade without never have read your chart? No! You want a professional who is prepared. You should do no less!
Pride
One of the most painful experiences in life is regret. When we know that we could have done better, worked harder, been more focused, we carry regret on our shoulders like a dead rhinoceros. Conversely, when we do give it our best, we can hold our heads high and accept the results knowing that we gave it our best. Don’t short change yourself, you have more success coming to you than you realize.
If you want to separate yourself from the pack. The 3 P’s are your path! This section offers a plethora of tips and tricks to help actors bring their monologues to life and captivate their audience on screen.
Exercise
Download a script off the internet from a film that you have not seen. You can also use a script from a current project that you are auditioning or preparing for. Read the script from beginning to end to do a character breakdown as you develop your character. Answer the 6 questions above before you start any memorization or preparation for the role. Take notes along the way! Don’t short cut this process! This is the main job of the actor and it is a process you have to get familiar with and good at if you are to break into this competitive industry.
Script Analysis
The first step in character development is a thorough analysis of the script. Actors examine the dialogue, actions, relationships, and overall narrative to gain insights into their character’s journey and purpose within the story. We need to identify key moments, conflicts, and objectives, which serve as guiding points for their performance.
Try these
Monologue Tips
Script Analysis: Begin by thoroughly analyzing the monologue script. Understand the character’s background, motivations, and emotional journey and the overall story. Identify the key beats, shifts in emotion, and any subtext within the dialogue. This analysis will help you develop a deeper connection with your character and enhance your performance. Review the section on Script analysis.
Character Development: Build a well-rounded and believable character by exploring their backstory, relationships, and objectives. Understand the character’s desires, fears, and conflicts. This deeper understanding will allow you to embody the character more authentically, creating a captivating performance. Be sure to go through the Six steps to building a character as mentioned in Crafting Memorable Characters to create your character completely.
Emotional Preparation: Dive into the emotional landscape of the monologue. Explore the range of emotions your character experiences throughout the scene. Use personal experiences or imagination to connect with those emotions genuinely. You can practice the emotional exercises in Section 8 – The Power of Emotion to access and express the required feelings effectively.
Physicality and Gesture: Pay attention to your body language and physicality. Use appropriate gestures and movements to enhance the monologue. Align your physical expression with the character’s emotional state. Consider how your character’s body language reflects their thoughts and feelings, and use it to convey meaning. Refer to Section 5 – The Physicality of Acting for more insights.
Vocal Variation: Explore the nuances of your character’s voice. Experiment with pitch, tone, volume, and pace to convey different emotions and create variation. Be mindful of how your character’s voice changes in response to different moments within the monologue. Mastering vocal variation adds depth and texture to your performance. Refer to Section 6 – The Voice of an Actor for more insights
Intention and Objective: Clearly define your character’s intention and objective throughout the monologue. Understand what they want to achieve or convey. This clarity will give your performance a strong sense of purpose and direction. Emphasize the shifts in intention as your monologue progresses. A monologue is a small window into a larger story. Make sure you have a good understanding of what is happening in that moment.
More Tips
Connection with the Audience: If you are doing a commercial, engage your audience by establishing a direct connection. Maintain eye contact with the camera as if you are speaking directly to the customer. For film and TV, maintain that eyeline with whomever you are speaking to in the scene. Create moments of vulnerability, intensity, or intimacy that draw the audience in and make them feel a part of the performance.
Memorization, Rehearsal and Feedback: Dedicate ample time to rehearse your monologue. Practice consistently to build confidence and familiarity with the material. Use a rehearsal app on your phone to play your lines over, and over, and over, and over, until you have them memorized backwards and forward. Seeking feedback from acting coaches or mentors to gain different perspectives will refine your performance further.
Authenticity and Vulnerability: Strive for authenticity in your performance. Be a professional and sell out to your character. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and open to truly connect with the character and the audience. Embrace the character’s flaws, quirks, and vulnerabilities, as they make the performance more relatable and engaging. Remember, Be…Don’t Act!
Use of Props and Environment: Consider incorporating props or utilizing the environment to enhance your performance. Props can provide context, add depth to the character, and create visual interest. Utilize the space around you to establish a sense of place and create a more immersive experience.
