How to Pick & Perform a Monologue

This video is part of the free NEURO ACTING course called 'How to Do a Monologue', and it will show you how to give a towering performance when you do your next monologue.
The course - available at neuroacting.com - includes a workbook and an audio download that is proven to help actors approach their performance in a state of calmness and extreme creativity. Break a leg!

[@Seshuishere]

Some takeaways: Your job is not to report, but to be actively involved in the event. Reas the whole script a few times What surrounds you, objects, people etc, visualize it. Don't play the mood Don't stare 1 foot above audience head, use imaginary objects, people to look at. Monologue occurs during climactic moment. Know whom you are talking to What you need Make it specific Make that patner your anchor Acting score People want to see you thinking, so that they can follow you. If you're not thinking they'll switch off. Your character has to changed from start to beginning. What is the Event? What is the objective? Who is going to help you get the objective? Defined Action Tried to find naked moment. Where do you let down the guard That naked moment was written in the first place. Build up to the naked moment. Learn things slowly Learn from end to beginning One line at a time So that it pulls you to the next sentence. 45 mins on, 15 mins off. Read over the lines before going to sleep. Do not get stuck into a way of line reading. You should be saying the lines while doing something. You must be focused on what's happening while the words are coming out on their own. Get a photo of someone, imagine you need something from them, and then run it. Make them your ally. In self talk, wrestle with yourself by putting yourself out there. Text is your greatest enemy You need to get text out of your head into your body. Say the text while doing something Keep it fresh, as if these thoughts are coming in for the first time. The character doesn't know he is going to say the monologue, so make it look spontaneous. Moment before you begin, what is the event, etc. Take stock of character changes and make you have this desire to get something. And then forget what you are about to say. You look at the imaginary scene, partner, and fight for what you need. Thank you

[@NeuroActing]

Thank you!

[@hassanmoynul4601]

So informative and helpful tips for new actors!

[@rylesswain3930]

This is probably the most helpful acting help I've ever received. Thank you! Will for sure be following!

[@NeuroActing]

Thanks Ryles, glad I could help! Keep learning and growing in your art and contact me if you ever need any help. Great name for an actor by the way!

[@sw_lana_]

@@NeuroActinghi, do you think I got a chance as an actress with my name? 🥲 I am from Ukraine but I speak English fluently and almost no accent at all. I feel insecure about my long Ukrainian name and surname. Should I consider changing it or getting a pseudonym?

[@NeuroActing]

@@sw_lana_ absolutely not! “Svitlana/Svetlana is a feminine name of Slavic origin. Coming from the word svet, it translates to “light” or “shine.” The world values Ukrainian people and their names. And it’s just my opinion but I would work that aspect of “light” into your social media. But if you wanted to shorten it, “Lana” seems to be the most common way. Break a leg Svitlana Ustymenko. There! I’ve already memorized your name with no effort.

[@CynthiaBaptiste]

⁠@@NeuroActinga

[@sarahconnell6332]

When I first started watching this I thought “ewww. Who would be able to sit through watching a two hour monologue?” Then, when it ended, I realized I’d happily sat though a 15 minute monologue. THAT made all of your advice completely credible. Thanks

[@NeuroActing]

It’s all about connecting. If the actor is personally connected with the material and their scene partner (in other words, me with you!) then the audience will willingly go along for the ride - but NOT if the actor is trying to give a good performance. The minute I stopped trying to give a good performance, my solo drama “My Name is Bill” gripped them for the full 55-minutes - even at the back of a taverna in Greece. Go for it, if you’re thinking about it!

[@dferg6339]

I'm not just saying this, but this is the MOST USEFUL video I have ever watched on how to prepare a monologue. I think actors truly understanding not just how to prepare, but what is happening on a neuro level is groundbreaking. Thank you!

[@NeuroActing]

You’re welcome! It’s pretty powerful incorporating neuroscience into our acting. I’ve found with me and my students it makes it even more natural and real. Happy holidays to you!

[@kainovember]

This is incredibly well-done, I took notes on everything you said and feel inspired to work after being pretty depressed and unmotivated this week. Thank you!

[@NeuroActing]

Thanks and I’m glad I could help. Hang in there! What we do takes a lot of self-love and exploration. My gut tells me it might help you to see m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXS3dpd7g9lgqdU. I made it so my students could see how beautiful each of us are. Stay well, Bryan

[@MrKruger333]

I dont even have a monologue I NEED to learn but I really want to practice and see what my acting is like, this video is so helpful! Thank you

[@NeuroActing]

I’m on the hunt, tell me your: _Age range: _Preference: comedy? serious? _Favorite movie character: Can’t promise you’ll love it, but I’ll see what I can do.

[@MrKruger333]

@@NeuroActing Thank you! Im 15, I usually prefer serious monologues (preferably ones that I dont need to shout in because i find that difficult, but im always open to it!) And for my favourite character(s) I like Will Graham (Hannibal), Eddie Brock (Venom), Patrick Bateman (American Psycho) and Daryl Dixon (The Walking Dead) I find it hard to find dialogues that suit my age range and that I personally like because I know that my taste in movies is quite mature for my age. Thank you for the help again!

[@Kim.K.Edwards]

Wish I could like this twice! Thank you!

[@yliggins]

Thank you so much. You gave me what I needed for my 1st audition. 👍🏽

[@NeuroActing]

Wonderfulness - Hope it all went well! Best piece of advice I heard: don’t worry about getting the job - the audition IS the job. Then forget it. But you will get better and better at it.

[@Elucidator18]

Great content, thank you

[@myfirstcrappyvideobilly]

The characters I played in my monologues are close to who I am but they're not quite me. I usually pick them like that so I can relate to them and their emotions in whatever scene and scenario.

[@NeuroActing]

Good move, and very smart. Makes it interesting for you and easier for any casting person to watch you and get you within the first few seconds.

[@kerl-annsaelshasevents9695]

So glad I found this video, thanks so very much ❤

[@johnloconte634]

That was excellent, Bryan, and has spurred me on to want more in your master class ! Congrats in your teaching me

[@joshuafaggion4965]

This is fantastic! Thank you ❤

[@websterbrandcoaching9724]

Brilliant. This is amazing. And I loved White Collar!

[@kaanmckinley1763]

Glad to find this channel

[@NeuroActing]

Glad to have you along! More videos coming this Spring...

[@robinorene]

fantastic. thank you!

[@davidchima4925]

This really help, thanks for this lecture

[@yashisaxena8365]

This is GOLD

[@rebth1st]

This is fantastic.

[@dididorgu]

THANK YOU.

[@NeuroActing]

You’re welcome! Happy New Year and all best wishes in your acting.

[@Fre3brd]

I love monologues!!

[@NeuroActing]

I’m with you... purest form of theatre!

[@kalrasamaksh123]

LOVEE THISSSSSS

[@favorlyon6344]

Woah! This is helpful

[@ibelieveinrgalaxybts1425]

Thank you so much! Auditioning for "The Crucible"-Arthur Miller today!!

[@NeuroActing]

BREAK A LEG!!! > Turn up the fire on your imagination > take a moment to remember what happened before > Remember that they’re not looking for the perfect performance, they’re just looking for an option. Your soul and voice is valuable, so bravely show them yours! And let me know how it goes.

[@pavanrec2003]

Thank you, Sir !

[@NeuroActing]

You’re welcome!

[@aleks8165]

Omg thank u so much for this video!!!

[@NeuroActing]

You’re welcome! Break a leg.

[@ToffyOlowo]

Thank you this was so helpful and your soulful & neurological approach to acting is amazing.

[@NeuroActing]

Thanks Toffy, it’s a new way of looking at acting isn’t it! I wish you Exciting times ahead.

[@earnesterhivwode7579]

Helpful

[@kingfarathor6165]

You're an amazing teacher the key elements you've covered is what my instructors explained. I love it this is a huge help there was a few things you have covered in detail some of things in my classes that weren't even covered at all. Where are you based put of and do you hold online classes?

[@NeuroActing]

Hi Matthew, thanks for your kind words! Listen to your instructors and keep learning to define and PLAY ACTIONS! I’m based in the UK, and I do have an online course called The Actor’s Way (you can find it on the KZbin playlist), and from time to time in between acting jobs I do private coaching. Get in touch if you need any help at [e-mail]. Best wishes Matthew.

[@davidchima4925]

Am just a beginner have been practicing with some script I download in my phone some times I found out I do miss some words why speaking or rehearsing well i dont have a coach to check on my performance

[@lebohangmpete8319]

Will this be saved

[@NeuroActing]

Oh yeah... It’s for all y’all! Just passing on what I’ve learned.

[@HenkjanDeKaasboer]

Wow he could be a relative of Ash from the original Evil Dead movies and the Ash vs Evil Dead series.

[@micahmeqelle]

i literally can’t find one that i like 😭i just need a maximum 2 minute comic monologue for a man in his early 20s

[@NeuroActing]

This one’s on the house: you’ll probably need to cut it down but it taps into the anxiety we all feel before a first date … www.dropbox.com/s/9belg5kvl875tii/Risk.pdf?dl=0