Thanks - You Put The Words Right Into My Mouth!
I'd like to thank my friend in Boston who, many months ago, spotted a monologue for me from a TV show she and her husband (also my friend - hi guys!) had on DVD. They showed it to me when I was visiting a while back, and I felt it was great.
So, my friend very, very kindly and patiently sat there with pen and paper as we played, paused, rewound, played, paused, rewound, etc. the scene until we had it all down verbatim, and then she transcribed it to email and sent it to me.
I'll admit I didn't use it right away, and didn't truly polish it up
and whip it out until last spring for a couple auditions... and since
then I haven't really touched it again until this seminar blast, and I
have to say...
It has been getting rave reviews.
To prevent people's perceptions from being colored by imagining a famous actress and a familiar character speaking these lines, I never mention the title of the show - I always introduce the piece by the title of the episode, and it's writer. Afterwards, if they ask, "What was that from, again?" I might fess up to the true source, and so far, no one has cared. Granted, most folks I've used it with are TV/film/theatre people, but I have seen it listed from time to time where theatre CDs (or just show directors) expressly ask for material from a play. But anyway...
After my last seminar on Wednesday, the CD said - three times in a row - "What a great audition piece!" And then she complimented it again before I left the room. The previous week two people were full of excited questions about the monologue and said it was refreshing.
You can't ask for anything better than that (that I know of - except maybe to be hired on the spot), nor can I possibly thank my friend enough for finding a great monologue that is not only a joy to do, but apparently also a joy to watch. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
So, I encourage people, as my teacher did, to look at alternative resources for monologues - had I not taken that class I don't know if I ever would seriously have considered a television monologue - and if you have friends who you feel know you well, ask them to keep their eyes and ears peeled for things they feel may suit you. It's totally worth a shot.
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