This collection of ten monologues for women written in 1988 is full of variety. The full title is, "Woman: Monologues for actresses (Ten One-Act Scenes)." The premise one act scenes with a beginning, middle and end of a story will showcase an actress' talent better than attempting to convey diversity of emotion in a pivotal moment.
Susan Pomerance wrote several books of monologues for teens and women. Each monologue is exceptionally diverse. Whether comedic, dramatic, parental or single a monologue is easily crafted into a moving performance based on creativity. The premises of some monologues are very specific, such as: youthful vixen or athletic woman and I even found a couple one scene acts for me.
One problem is for any given person only one monologue will be beneficial. A monologue featuring Doris entitled "Expectations" is slightly sexual. I imagine it would be better for a younger, college-age, sexy woman. Another entitled "Sweat" ends with the actress revealing they are a fitness instructor. A person would have to be in wonderful shape, if not a bodybuilder to make this part believable.
Regardless, I found "Letting Go," and "a Shirtsleeve Self-Starter" to be identifiable and workable within my age range. As for the intent of the monologue considering I prefer science fiction, horror or comedy, it will take a lot of practice to convey the desired emotion to receive a positive reaction.
Monologues are great. Even if never performing them in front of an audience learning how to interpret a script, memorize lines and convey personality without appearing to be acting is a skill. Practice makes it easier to pick up a script and go into a scene seamlessly. This is what directors want to see. They want to see a finished product, because film costs money. They should be able to get the final cut within five shots, preferably one.
I recommend the book to female actresses. It is orientated to a limited audience; therefore, it is intriguing to a limited number of people unless everyone took women studies. One tip for actors and actresses; avoid sounding like a metronome. People don't say one word every second. Speed it up, slow it down and take a creative pause once in awhile. Acting is best when it isn't noticeable.
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