This week features an element of acting I am sure many of you would expect to read in a blog about acting classes, the monologue. I know that this is the dream of many actors. To have a scene in a movie, television show, or play where they get to shine, really chew the scene for all its worth. The spotlight is the brightest, and all eyes are on you. Unsurprisingly, I was stressed as I prepped for class. We had the option to select our own monologue or choose from a list Mark provided. I chose one from Mark's list as I could not find one that felt right to perform.
This class was incredibly insightful as people chose monologues that meant something to them. It could have been their favorite movie or just a scene that has stuck with them since they first viewed it. To see the passion and emotion pouring out of everyone was beyond inspirational, encouraging my search to find something for the next class that resonates with me.
Mark matched the energy by taking time to dive into each performance. He asked some great questions that I think are valuable for any of us that are preparing a monologue for an audition.
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● Who are you talking to?
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● What are you trying to do?
These questions may seem like basic elements you already went over when you first chose your monologue. But I encourage you to take a moment and sit with your material and dive deeper into each one. Yes, in the scene, it is obvious who you are directly talking to. However, think beyond this one scene, how does this one monologue impact everything else? Are they talking to one person but subliminally speaking to a younger version of themselves? Are there underlying emotions that are weaving in and out of each sentence? Questions like the two Mark posed are ways to ensure the decisions we make as actors are thoughtful and have a reason behind them.
When it was my time to go, I took a deep breath to center myself. I also like to close my eyes before I begin as it helps get me out of my head and be present in the moment. As with many of the performances I have given thus far, it all felt like a blur. The scene ended as quickly as it began. I hadn't even realized it during my performance, but my hands were clammy, and my heart rate was noticeably lifted.
Even with all that adrenaline, I was not confident I performed my best. I only had a short time to reflect before Mark jumped into his feedback. It's incredible how these instructors pull out details within your performance that you might not have been aware of. His insight always motivates me to do better for myself, which is an important distinction.