The vocal masque
Vocal Masque Monologue defined
Every acting student should perform and/or write a Vocal Masque monologue at least once. It puts your acting skills to the test!
There are many different types of Vocal Masque Monologues.
What is a Vocal Masque Monologue?
A typical monologue runs two minutes. It's a moment, a short story, an emotion.
A Vocal Masque Monologue is a complete play (whether one act or full length) performed by only one actor.
Why do actors perform Vocal Masque Monologues?
It's a Challenge!
The actor must rely on all their skills: There's no room for lazy acting because there's no one else to lean on!
It's a Tradition!
The storyteller has been in existence for thousands of years. Every actor should perform a Vocal Masque Monologue at some point in their career.
It's Theatrical!
Solo plays are, in my mind, the height of theatricality. One actor, one voice, one story and the audience. No spectacular sets, no falling chandeliers.
Only the imagination of the playwright and the imagination of the audience.
The actor communicates intimately with the audience - one on one. It can be an amazing experience.
It's Custom Made!
Many solo performers write their own plays as a way to give themselves the perfect script for their abilities.
It's Fun!
It's your baby. It will involve your passions and interests in life. Make it anything you want it to be.
The Positive
It's close to home for the performer and therefore has a lot of emotional potential.
The Negative
The audience has to care about what the actor is talking about.
What are some of the different types of Vocal Masque Monologues?
If the performer spends a lot of time in the 'woe is me' frame of mind or if they only make a performance based on 'teenage angst' an audience will turn off pretty quickly.
The Trick: Combine the real with the theatrical. The play must always comes first.
The following attachment has all the details and instructions you need to complete the assignment.
Remember to have fun with this while you learn from this memorable experience.
Every acting student should perform and/or write a Vocal Masque monologue at least once. It puts your acting skills to the test!
There are many different types of Vocal Masque Monologues.
What is a Vocal Masque Monologue?
A typical monologue runs two minutes. It's a moment, a short story, an emotion.
A Vocal Masque Monologue is a complete play (whether one act or full length) performed by only one actor.
Why do actors perform Vocal Masque Monologues?
It's a Challenge!
The actor must rely on all their skills: There's no room for lazy acting because there's no one else to lean on!
It's a Tradition!
The storyteller has been in existence for thousands of years. Every actor should perform a Vocal Masque Monologue at some point in their career.
It's Theatrical!
Solo plays are, in my mind, the height of theatricality. One actor, one voice, one story and the audience. No spectacular sets, no falling chandeliers.
Only the imagination of the playwright and the imagination of the audience.
The actor communicates intimately with the audience - one on one. It can be an amazing experience.
It's Custom Made!
Many solo performers write their own plays as a way to give themselves the perfect script for their abilities.
It's Fun!
It's your baby. It will involve your passions and interests in life. Make it anything you want it to be.
The Positive
It's close to home for the performer and therefore has a lot of emotional potential.
The Negative
The audience has to care about what the actor is talking about.
What are some of the different types of Vocal Masque Monologues?
- The Autobiography
- A storytelling form where the actor tells the story of their life or an event in their life.
- Julia Sweeney - GOD SAID HA
- Charlayne Woodard - PRETTY FIRE
- Spalding Grey - MONSTER IN A BOX
- Claudia Shear - BLOWN SIDEWAYS THROUGH LIFE
If the performer spends a lot of time in the 'woe is me' frame of mind or if they only make a performance based on 'teenage angst' an audience will turn off pretty quickly.
The Trick: Combine the real with the theatrical. The play must always comes first.
The following attachment has all the details and instructions you need to complete the assignment.
Remember to have fun with this while you learn from this memorable experience.