[Guide] Acting: Monologue/Film

Hey guys, it's Old Trinity, feel free to call me oldie. Or Kyle, whatever haha.



This guide is specifically written for those of you with a theatrical interest, or perhaps looking for a hobby. Well look no further, acting is one of the greatest skills in the world!​

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I have been acting for about 3 years, started in my junior year in High School and I wish I started sooner. And I've taken 3 special effects/film classes, and several monologue workshops.

Monologue acting summary:

Monologue acting is a powerful form of expression and transformation. A monologue is anywhere from 30 seconds to a 10 minute or for auditions (1-5 minutes) scene with just one person talking. Hence "Mono" (Single) "Logue" (Dialect). Monologues have thousands of interpretations so it is very important you interpret it correctly to deliver it's full potential.

Tips For Monologue Acting: (Comedic)



1. Faster is funnier! You need the correct amount of energy to deliver your punch lines or you're just wasting your time and throwing your lines away.

2. Be Big! Make sure you use your energy to take up the stage. You really just want to punch your audience in the face with the energy you present.

3. Keep your focus on target! In monologue acting you are talking to someone (even if they aren't there) but you need to pretend they are. If they move, make it obvious they are moving and keep your focus on point so your audience knows where you are going.

4. Don't Slur! You are responsible for the words coming out of your mouth, if you mess up, it's your fault but you need to roll with the punches and just keep going on. Speak Clearly.

5. Posture! This is highly important, unless your character slouches. Make sure you are erect and professional, not just in auditions, but in practice.

^ Those are the five basic principles of audition practice and performance


Take a look at this video from Bad Boys 2: Feature Film, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Their timing and energy is great, which makes this piece funny. Hopefully this clears things up.



Tips For Monologue Acting: (Dramatic)

Tips 2-5 are still the same, nothing has changed unless your character changes but instead of being fast (unless necessary) slow things down. Take time to really deliver the sad/creepy/villainous/depressed side of your character. It will make all the difference.


Take a look at the popular 2009 hit film "The Dark Knight" with Heathe Ledger playing the joker. In this 6 minute clip the Joker reveals one of his best monologues and is just so dramatic and creepy. It's a perfect example.




General Tips for acting, in case I missed some things of course!

• Choose material that you have an immediate gut reaction to - material that touches you or moves you.
  
• Record your monologue on tape and play it back to yourself repeatedly to help you memorize it.
  
• Choose a monologue from a play you love; don't choose one from a book of monologues. Those tend to be overused, and casting directors tire of them.
  
• Keep it within the time limits. Never go over!
  
• Don't look down at your feet.
  
• Don't move around too much; it's distracting.
  
• Don't perform the monologue too close to the casting director. Stand at least 5 feet away, and don't touch him or her.

Special effects acting isn't too different really. Neither is film, film you have someone telling you how to do it, what to do, when to do it, why. All those elements and it's a little easier on you.

Special effects is nothing more than monologues, except according to Shia Labeouf he says working along side robots in Transformers 1 & 2 is "No different from singing in the shower, or pantomine, it's like being a professional schizophrenic."


Thanks for reading my guide, and I hope it helped. If you have anything to add please post and criticize me, I will fix the guide in anyway seen fit.

 

Good guide, I only disagree with the Bad boys scene being good, it's just some cheap black slurs.