Monologues & Duologues

What is a monologue?

• A speech by one actor, who has a problem or a story to tell their audience.

• A song sung by the actors and performed with mimed actions - communication must be clear.

• A short play for two people, where they act out a funny story.

Which of these is a duologue?

• One character speaking directly to the audience.

• An improvised piece made by a group of actors.

• A play or part of a play or devised piece, with speaking roles for only two actors.

What should your monologue include?

• Lots of facts about the character; name, age, family, job, where they live...

• New details about the character to add to the audience’s understanding of the role.

• a list of the character’s likes and dislikes.

Which of these would be the best opening for a monologue?

• Hello, my name is....... and I am .......... years old.

• I am going to talk about....

• I have never felt as scared as I did when......

What is an objective?

• The goal or purpose of a character

• A prop that the actor takes on stage

• A backdrop

What does the term ‘blocking’ mean?

• To stop other actors from being seen - make sure you are always in the front of others.

• Making sure you can be seen at all times on stage - always facing the audience.

• Planning and noting down where you move and why.

It is important to demonstrate a variety of vocal skills in your performance.

• True

• False

It is not important to use a range of physical skills in your performance.

• True

• False

How do you communicate with others on stage?

• Through volume, gait, pause and gesture.

• Through dialogue, eye-contact, gesture, movement.

• Through vocal skills only - pause, pitch, pace, tone, volume and accents.

What does vocal ‘pitch’ refer to?

• How high or low your voice is.

• How loud or soft your voice is.

• How fast or slow your voice is.

• The emotion with which you speak.