Why 350,000 Views Can’t Repair Flimsy Recommendation: Exposing the Fluff of Monologue “Consultants”
Ah, the web: the place a video with over 350,000 views can trick you into considering it holds the secrets and techniques of the performing universe. However dig into this specific monologue recommendation video, and you will find that it presents little greater than a heat bowl of air-fluffed platitudes, designed to sound profound whereas leaving actors completely clueless. Let’s break down why this kind of content material does extra hurt than good—and why, when you’re getting ready for a drama college audition, it is advisable run from these “consultants” as quick as you’ll be able to.
“Make Daring Selections” – AKA, “Do One thing… Something?”
“Make daring selections,” they are saying, as in the event that they’ve simply handed you the performing equal of the Holy Grail. What is a daring alternative? Is it shouting all of your strains? Including a random limp? Sporting a clown nostril? With out a concrete course of for aligning these selections with the textual content, this recommendation is as helpful as telling a chef to “make dinner daring.” You’re left guessing—and worse, you would possibly make a alternative so daring it barrels into absurdity.
“Be Versatile” – However Like… How?
Flexibility sounds good, doesn’t it? Such as you’re a yoga teacher as an alternative of an actor. However telling actors to rehearse a monologue in several methods with out exhibiting how to experiment with stakes, ways, or journey is the equal of claiming, “Be prepared for something!” whereas throwing them to the wolves. That is recommendation for individuals who get pleasure from winging it, not for these severe about nailing their efficiency.
“Perceive Character Motivation” – Groundbreaking Information from GCSE Drama
Ah, sure, “determine what your motivation is.” Thanks, genius. That is Performing 101—perhaps Performing 0.5. Actual recommendation dives into the mechanics: the best way to break a script into chunks, analysing the dramatic journey, thinnking about ways and subtext, and plotting your emotional journey. How are you going to discover out precisely what your character WANTS (tip: it’s not about you!)? Merely telling an actor to “perceive the character” is about as useful as telling a pilot to “perceive the airplane.” Positive, it’s vital—however how do you truly do it?
Thought Modifications: A Barely Undercooked Thought
Figuring out shifts in your character’s ideas is truly a good piece of recommendation. However this video stops there. How must you talk these adjustments? What makes make every thought completely different from the opposite? How are you gonna present it? What’s your subtext for that chunk? As a substitute of exhibiting actors the best way to USE these moments, we’re advised to “mark them on the web page.” Cool. I’ll additionally draw a smiley face within the margins—will that assist?
Viewers Dynamics – Don’t Simply Assume About It, DO One thing
“Keep in mind who you’re speaking to” is strong recommendation when you’re, say, at a cocktail party. For actors, it’s too imprecise to be helpful. What when you’re speaking to the ‘viewers’? Does that imply your character has an existential disaster?
The place’s the Substance?
Regardless of its slick presentation and big view depend, this sort of recommendation finally fails actors when it issues most: within the audition room. Drama faculties aren’t searching for generic “boldness” or flexibility for flexibility’s sake. They’re searching for ready, considerate and particular performers who know the best way to dissect a textual content, rehearse successfully, and ship with precision.
What You Ought to Truly Be Doing
Let’s set the file straight. If you wish to crush a monologue (and never simply get crushed by dangerous recommendation), it is best to communicate to an professional Performing Coach who has helped actually helped a whole bunch of individuals beat the chances and get into prime drama faculties and conservatoires all over the world.
For a glimpse of one thing extra particular, try this weblog submit, which truly provides you a roadmap for achievement.
