A Guide - How To Use the CD and accompanying
Shakespearean Audition Monologue Booklet
The sample for men is from
HAMLET and is on the CD "Dramatic Young Men".
THE CD
THE PREFACE
The PREFACE is the Who, What,, When and Where of the character
delivering the monologue. The listener learns for what age range
the monologue is suitable, where the play takes place, whether the
speech is a monologue or part of a multiple character scene and the
approximate running time of the speech.
THE INDIVIDUAL PLAY SET-UPS
The Set-Up is a narrative explaining the events which lead up to the
chosen monologue or speech. The circumstances of the story which
motivate the character to say what he/she says in the monologue is
expressed here for the listener. The Set-Up is a concise,
descriptive and an essential aid to the listener in recalling the events
which lead up to the Monologue.
THE SPOKEN MONOLOGUE
The listener now has an opportunity to LISTEN to the SENSE of the
Shakespearean Audition Monologue he/she has chosen to perform. The
monologues are read by two professional actors (see resumes). The
purpose of them being read is for the listener to Hear The Sense of the
piece. These recorded speeches should instill a confidence in the
listener as to the spoken sense of what he/she is saying; the correct
adherence to the verse or prose, the pronunciation of words and titles
and the meaning of the speech. Playing the monologue repeatedly
may help with memorization.
HEAR THE MONOLOGUE (Please be patient for the download)
THE ACCOMPANYING BOOKLET
THE MONOLOGUE
Each monologue is printed in the booklet and the actor may follow along
while listening to the CD and use it to learn the speech and as a
constant reference.
THE PARAPHRASE
Although the listener has HEARD THE SENSE of the speech on the CD, if
some of the meaning or some of the words are unclear the paraphrase
should help the reader understand more specifically. The
actor/listener should not presume he/she knows the meaning of all the
words and phrases and the paraphrase of the speech can clear up many
misconceptions and misunderstandings. The actor gains confidence
with this knowledge and the audience gains an understanding.
THE NOTES
The notes are the "acting coach" of this CD process. They supply
human in-sight, overall action and other pertinent facts that will help
the actor/listener perform at his/her audition with confidence,
knowledge, creativity and professionalism.
THE GLOSSARY
The Glossary is made up of words and definitions that, to the
listener/actor may have a different meaning than today's standard usage
or that may be difficult or no longer used.
Have a great audition!!