For those of you that have signed up for the acting option, I wanted to give you some resources for finding and selecting your monologue.  Remember, it must be under one minute in length.  I would recommend selecting a few to read through and not just pick the first one that you find.  An actor can get bored and, therefore, will not work as hard as they should preparing for the performance.

Here are some websites that offer free monologues.   www.notmyshoes.net, www.simplyscripts.com, www.script-o-rama.com.  These sites will also contain entire scripts, in case you are interested in doing something from a movie or a TV show.

You can also find many books of monologues at bookstores or online with Amazon.com.  Here are some titles to you might want to look into.

WILD AND WACKY, one minute monologues for kids.  By L. E. McCullough  - MY FIRST MONOLOGUE, monologues for young children.  By Kristen Dabrowski – FINALLY MONOLOGUES THAT WORK.  (ages 4 to 18).  By Christine Kolenik – ULTIMATE AUDITION BOOK FOR TEENS.  One minute monologues.  By Kristen Dabrowski.

This should help to get you started.  Remember, you have till March 24 but don’t wait till the last minute.  This is a great opportunity not only to perform at the event, but to just do your homework as an actor.  I’ve always believed anybody serious about acting should have 2 monologues prepared throughout their career.  One comedic and one dramatic.  However, for The, I would recommend staying with a piece more light-hearted.  Also, be sure and pick one that is age appropriate to the actor.

Somethings to remember regarding your monologue.   Make sure it’s less than one minute long.   Be sure to answer the questions, “Who am I?”  and “Who am I speaking to?”  An actor can not act to space, you need a point of reference and a focus in order to achieve “truthful behavior” in your performance.   We act differently when we are speaking to different people in our lives.  Be sure to take that into account when you are rehearsing your monologue.   That focus should help you in the physicality in your performance, i.e. gestures and body language.   You want to take the time factor out of your concern.   It is a timed event and the last thing you want to have happen is to get buzzed off before you’re finished.

Another area to be aware of as you work on your piece, your diction and enunciation.  It is very important to be understood during your performance.   Nothing loses an audience quicker than when they can’t hear you, or understand your words.   Be sure and say every word and pronounce the final consonants in every word.   Take your time!!!   Slow down!!!   That’s another reason to have your piece be between 45 seconds and 55 seconds.   You do not want to rush through your monologue.

Hopefully this will be helpful.  If you have any questions I can be e-mailed at the_events@live.com.