In theater, few dramatic devices convey emotion and display an actor's talent more powerfully than the monologue. A good monologue takes a character out of the immediacy of his or her reality in order to form an intimate connection with the audience. It is an actor's opportunity to explore the emotional and psychological experience of a character's life and dramatize it in its most pure, direct
. form.In practical terms, the monologue is also a staple for actors' rehearsal and auditioning processes. Few exercises challenge an actor to focus their attention or elicit an emotional response better. They also provide the most effective opportunity for an outside observer - namely, a producer, director or casting agent - to assess the actor's talent and method. Monologues come in a variety of forms and styles. The main genres typically break down into two categories: dramatic and comic. Dramatic monologues test an actor's ability to hold an emotional state, form a trusting and genuine connection with an audience and reflect on the most serious and important themes of a play or story. Comic monologues are equally demanding, challenging an actor's sense of timing, self-awareness, tone and audience feedback. Both styles of monologue provide valuable tools for actors looking to improve their trade or better market their talents to the theater world.Child actors face a unique challenge with theatrical monologues because audiences - typically adults - can have a hard time relating to an introspective performance by someone with whom they have little in common. Children can find dramatic monologues worthy of rehearsal or performance in Shakespearean tragedies, including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, MacBeth or King Lear. Good sources of comic monologues include later pieces, such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn or Alice in Wonderland. While some plays may showcase prominent and immersive roles for children, young actors can also challenge themselves with traditionally adult roles. Many online resources provide free excerpts from famous plays.More reference links: http://www.actorpoint.com/free_monologues/0kds.html http://www.monologuearchive.com/children.html
