Finding Out Who I Am Through A Monologue

https://youtu.be/3kFIW9IgrfI

After watching my “Who am I?” monologue, I was able to pick up details of my delivery that I liked and that I disliked. Firstly, I thought that I did a good job of pronouncing specific words in my monologue. I also thought that I interacted and connected well with the audience with the use of body language, eye contact, and facial expression. I tried to make sure every one could see me from some angle, and that they weren’t excluded. I was extremely pleased that I didn’t mess up the order of my monologue or forget my lines, which is normally something that I struggle with. I think I was also conscious about my projection when delivering my monologue. Above all, I think that I really made sure to incorporate what others advised me on in class and used their comments to better my acting and monologue. 

            However, in addition to my achievements, I found a few negative aspects of my monologue delivery that I hope to improve upon. First, I want to be conscious of my facing. I feel that I should take better pauses in order to add emphasis on certain parts of my monologue. I feel that in moments when I get excited or find a line funny, I tend to rush through it, and the audience may not be able to catch what I said. 

            I really enjoyed working with Lisa on my monologue. We developed a very good system in order to monologue, even though it was simple, I was able to use our process and memorize my lines. Our process was reading aloud our monologues to each other as the other read it, and either fed lines, gave suggestions, or patiently listened. It was extremely helpful, and because of it, I felt   *very prepared and confident in my memorization. I learned from my peers that if you listen to other’s constructive criticism, your monologue, delivery, and acting skills will really improve.

            I really enjoyed writing my first monologue, and I loved that even though it was comedic, I was able to receive great comments on how to improve it. I liked how every one in the class had a say, and, in a way, together we collaborated.  I also learned about each of my peers acting styles. As I continued to work on my monologue, I continuously thought of my classmates, and thought about what they might say and think about what I was writing or how I was acting.  My classmates also helped me learn more about my own personal acting style. A common comment was that I was happy and up beat. This allowed me to fully focus on how to keep up energy in my monologue, how to spread my energy through out the piece and how to climax at major moments. In addition, this comment showed me how to portray more sentimental moments in a sadder manner. It also made me realize that I wanted to pick a contrasting monologue for my next presentation. I look forward to presenting my next monologue so that I show the class a different side of my acting.