Monologue Project

After our quiz, let's chat a bit about the play Monster. Those of you who would like to share one of the monologues you have written so far, may do so at the end of our discussion. If you finish the quiz early and are waiting for others, please take a look and begin work on the project options below.

With the remaining part of the class, you may choose one of the two projects:

1. Using one of your monologues, have an actor or friend prepare and "act out" your monologue. Before you hand over your script, please revise it. Remove tired or vague language. Add more specific details. Develop your character. Record the monologue at least three times, each at different angles or camera shots (close ups, extreme close ups, medium shots, long shots, etc.) Once you have filmed the monologue, edit the film using our editing software. You may, as the models, have a neutral background or shoot the film on location (appropriate to your character's speech).

Here's an example:
Audition
Skinhead Girl
Joined At the Head

2. Write a one-person show made up of monologues. You should have at least five or more monologues that connect thematically (Talking With) or keep a central character and story line from one of your monologues and develop the story to include other voices (like Monster). You may use or re-edit the monologues you have created, or, write new ones that support your story/theme.

The deadline is on-going. Your monologue project will be due before the end of the marking period. You will have time periodically while we are reading and learning playwriting to work on this long-term project. Do note that other writing exercises and projects will be given during this marking period, so don't delay or waste your time in class. Get started on this project as soon as you are able.

MORE TIPS:
Just like a fiction story or poem, the audience should easily identify and be able to answer the following after watching a monologue.

A. Who is the character speaking?
B. Why is the character speaking?
C. To whom is the character speaking (the audience)?
D. What is the major conflict or event occurring in the speech?

If you are able to answer these four basic questions, your monologue is well on its way.