Why 350,000 Views Can’t Repair Flimsy Recommendation: Exposing the Fluff of Monologue “Specialists”
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 explicit monologue recommendation video, and you will find that it affords 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 form of content material does extra hurt than good—and why, in the event you’re making ready for a drama college audition, it is advisable run from these “consultants” as quick as you’ll be able to.
“Make Daring Decisions” – AKA, “Do One thing… Something?”
“Make daring decisions,” they are saying, as in the event that they’ve simply handed you the performing equal of the Holy Grail. What is a daring selection? Is it shouting all of your traces? Including a random limp? Sporting a clown nostril? With out a concrete course of for aligning these decisions 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 selection 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 a substitute of an actor. However telling actors to rehearse a monologue in several methods with out displaying how to experiment with stakes, techniques, 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, “work out what your motivation is.” Thanks, genius. That is Appearing 101—possibly Appearing 0.5. Actual recommendation dives into the mechanics: how one can break a script into chunks, analysing the dramatic journey, thinnking about techniques 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 necessary—however how do you really do it?
Thought Modifications: A Barely Undercooked Thought
Figuring out shifts in your character’s ideas is really 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 an alternative of displaying actors how one can USE these moments, we’re instructed 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
“Bear in mind who you’re speaking to” is strong recommendation in the event you’re, say, at a cocktail party. For actors, it’s too imprecise to be helpful. What in the event 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 large view depend, this sort of recommendation in the end fails actors when it issues most: within the audition room. Drama faculties aren’t on the lookout for generic “boldness” or flexibility for flexibility’s sake. They’re on the lookout for ready, considerate and particular performers who know how one can dissect a textual content, rehearse successfully, and ship with precision.
What You Ought to Really Be Doing
Let’s set the file straight. If you wish to crush a monologue (and never simply get crushed by unhealthy recommendation), it is best to converse to an knowledgeable Appearing Coach who has helped actually helped a whole lot of individuals beat the chances and get into prime drama faculties and conservatoires world wide.
For a glimpse of one thing extra particular, try this weblog submit, which really provides you a roadmap for fulfillment.
