This blog focuses on 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades.

Why do actors work on monologues?

Monologues are a very important for actor training.

Monologues are a workout – physically, vocally and emotionally.  Finding different monologues encourages the actor to read… read plays, and reading is part of the actor’s job!  Learning a new monologue exposes the actor to different genres of plays, styles of writing and of course, the practice of memorization!  Monologues are necessary for the audition process, and actors are told to have at least 3-4 in their tool box.  You never know when you might need them.  Having a performance ready monologue helps the actor prepare for anything and everything.  A monologue provides the actor with the opportunity to showcase his/her work.

Prepare your monologue as if it is the most important thing you do as an actor.  It will only help you.

The 3rd grade TREEFROGS and LLAMAS and the 4th grade LIONS and GECKOS have been presenting their monologues in class for one another.  

Students are given points in the areas of vocal energy & physical movement and expression, characterization, focus, and memorization.  They also receive points for previous exercises they’ve worked on in class including – character development, Character Interviews and the Moment Before.  The Moment Before prepares for entering the stage in character.  Asking questions like… “What just happened?  Where is the character coming from?  What is he/she feeling?” Below are some examples of student work in preparation.

Students observing the monologue being presented must give feedback to their classmates – listening for projection, expression, looking for believable moments of connection and staying in character.  It’s time for courage, self-discipline and vision to shine as each “actor” reveals a truthful character beyond just memorizing lines.  My hope is that they step into the imaginary world they have created for their character, as if it were real.  The monologues already presented have inspired and excited others to prepare for performance.

When monologues are complete, we will begin the work for our Drama and Music Presentation – TALL TALES FROM THE AMERICAN FRONTIER that will take place on Wednesday, May 8th at 6:30 pm.  Mark your calendars now!

The Final Stretch for the 2nd grade TIGERS.

Time for endurance…

In less than a week the 2nd grade Tigers will be performing their play alongside the Kindergartners and 1st grade –BUGGED… they’re everywhere!  The students are “off-book” and are investing focused energy in developing characters and telling a clear story.  They are engaged in the process, doing their best to hit their cues, and are working on creating ensemble with their fellow classmates.  Some students are eager to share their hard work; others are bit timid or have become weary in the rehearsal process.  In this final stretch to performance, the students need to ENDURE.  Sure, it’s more fun to play than to study lines, go over blocking or review song lyrics.  But those who ENDURE are building the kind of character that will serve them in life.  Endurance takes courage and discipline. Don’t quit now!  Don’t forget to study those lines at home, even for ten minutes a day.  It makes a difference!  Remember to rehearse with articulation and projection. 

THE NIGHT OF KNIGHTS IS THIS SATURDAY  

See you there!