Dramatic Monologue Reflection

I was extremely happy that I decided to choose the Fantastic Mr. Fox monologue as my dramatic piece. It was a monoglue that I had always wanted to perform. However, I found that the piece was somewhat hard for me to memorize, and that I was able to develop a character that I thought fit most. However, due to the length, I found it challenging to climax with anger in such a short time, but I think that it taught me that in different monologues, how to change my attitude quickly and dramatically. In addition, I felt that I had less time to prepare this monologue than I did with my comedic monologue due to having a busy schedule outside of class and being pre-occupied with homework. This helped me, however, to realize that I have to plan out my time management for acting class more, and dedicate time to going over my monologue. Devoting more time to my piece in the future will help me memorize and figure out what actions I want do during my piece in a faster and more time efficient process.  

From watching other students perform, I learned that the little things, such as movements, and vocal tonality, really affect a monologue. For example, when I watched Alexis deliver her monologue, it made me think of all the possible actions she could do with her prop, body language, and her voice. Then I began thinking of how even though her monologue is very monotone, that simple gestures such as moving her shoulders or curling her hair with her knife, can keep the audiences attention, while adding effect to her piece. I then took these ideas, and directed them towards my monologue.  For example, to express that my character beings to get more upset and less angry at the end of her monologue, I aimed to make my voice get quieter and shakier. It was hard for me at first to develop what I wanted to do with my character’s body language, but as I continued to practice, I felt as though I became more comfortable and began to know what I wanted to do with my delivery and actions.  

One new process that helped me and that I loved most was answering the character development questions in class. That exercise made me really think about who I wanted to become in my monologue, and taught me a strategic way to get into the mind of my character. Another exercise that really helped me memorize my monologue was speaking the monologue out loud writing it on the white board while at the same time Ms. Guarino corrected me if needed. Being able to write the monologue while speaking it is a tool that helps me tremendously.  

Although I have not delivered my final draft yet, I keep everyone from class's suggestions in my mind when practicing. I think that the helpful criticism that I receive from my fellow students and Ms. Guarino help me shape my monologue into the best that it can be.

https://youtu.be/DcSEq5XVhwU