NICKSAV Film & Music SHOW

For filmmakers, musicians, & creative people who do amazing things and want to make the world better in some way.

Submissions

Congratulations to our actors who made the top 5!

 

KnowMonologuesPrize

To see the winning monologues, click here.

Below are all of the submissions and comments of our #KnowMonologues Challenge. On behalf of Laura Cayouette, our judges, and myself, I’d like to thank everyone who participated and wish you ongoing success as you continue to pursue your dreams.

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Comments

  2. Clare Masa says

    Hello! My name is Clare Masa. I am ARMY wife in Fort Polk, LA and I’ve been performing since I was 16. I would love to have any and all feedback possible on my monologue and I was informed about this by my agent, Lisa Fuller. I truly hope to learn and grow from this experience. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6-OIu5ihwE

    • nsavides says

      Hi Clare. Overall, this was a delight to watch. I like the range of emotions you show and how fluidly you transition from one to another. You made me believe that you were talking to a friend and not just talking to the camera, and you had moments of charm that balanced the unsettling nature of the scene. My only critique is a small one: some of the shifts in thought might have benefited from a change of pace. Nicely done.

      UPDATE: Congratulations to Clare for winning our most social actor award!
      most social actor award

    • Jenai says

      Hello Clare! Very well done! I was completely convinced that you were having a two way conversation and I didn’t want it to end. I was definitely intrigued to know what was going to happen!

    • Jessica says

      Hey Clare!
      This was really well done. You convinced me that there was someone else talking you , great use of emotions and tones. Made me want to know more of what would happen in the story.

    • MELISSA says

      I think you were great Clare, loved the emotions, I could believe you were speaking to someone not just talking to the camera. I wish it was longer so I could find out what happened.

    • Sombra says

      I’d want a friend like this to stick up for me if I had a straying hubby. Great job, we all need a little devious to alleviate the devastation.

    • Erica says

      Why?!? Why did you leave me hanging?!?! I NEED to know what happens next!
      Great job, Clare! I could totally imagine a theme song gearing up… Maybe Dixie Chicks’ Goodbye Earl? 😉
      Loved it. Keep on trucking!

    • Mike Masa says

      That’s my beautiful, talented wife. Mother to four kids and still as cute as the day we met. Well done, babe.

    • amelia cobb says

      Love it! I use to think you were just the sweetest without a bad bone in your body but now I don’t think I will ever risk getting on your bad side!

    • Jeff Johnson says

      I’m no expert Clare but I must admit that I loved your range of emotion as a scheming woman! Sorta scary if you ask me!

    • Mae cappis says

      Absolutely convincing. I would not want to be on your bad side. I hope Mike watched this and learned something, she is ruthless in her thinking. Totally thought you were talking to someone in the room. Bravo.

    • Jerebeth Saylor says

      This was great! Loved the range of emotions! Your husband probably won’t want you to bake cookies anytime soon! 😉

      • April says

        Hope I’m responding in the right place. ..Clare you did an amazing job! I agree with the pacing, otherwise very convincing.

    • Glenn Higbee says

      Clare,I’ve just recently met her. I’ve heard a few of her auditions and to.mee they seem seriously amazing!! We are using her talents here real soon for some other audio dramas with our company. I don’t want lose her. My self. Way to go and keep on trying!! You’ll learn more and more. As you go. Excellent!

    • Jaric Czepiel says

      Well I wasn’t in target while watching, but you still had me laughing. The contrast between your innocent personality and the coniving content really worked. Great monologue.

    • Jennifer Robb says

      Clare, I absolutely loved watching you! You had me at the edge of my seat. The twists in character were really well done! You left me wanting more. The only thing I didn’t like, was that it ended! I hope to one day see you in a film(s) or a sitcom(s)! You’ve got an amazing gift!

    • Laura says

      I love your facial expressions and how believable you made the conversation appear! Great job!

    • Ginger says

      Clare, I loved all the emotions on your face. That has always been a strong suit. And your story line was hysterical! Never cheat on that woman or she’ll take you down! Lol

    • Rebecca says

      Clare, what a pleasure to watch, so glad I checked it out. I swear you were channeling Jennifer Garner. Your vocal inflections and pacing reminded me so much of her. You are very articulate, which I personally really enjoy, and I liked the ways in which you varied the sound levels in your voice. Whispering or soft talking can be so dramatic. You facial expressions were believable and natural. Good luck!

    • Emily Misner says

      Love the transition of emotions. Strikes me as that sweet friend we all have that for the most part hide their crazy however, given the right circumstances has the most venomous ideas for revenge. Well done Clare, sure the struggle is real but so is the dream! Keep on keeping on!

    • Krista says

      Loved your monologue! I’ve watched every single video on here and I think yours is the absolute best. 🙂

    • Sharon says

      Clare, I’m sorry it has taken so long but, u finally sat down and watched it. I LOVE IT!! I didn’t want it to end. You leave me thinking, what is Jenny going to do. You have a way to reel me in and want to watch more. Great job!!

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Good job, Clare! That was an interesting monologue–what was it taken from? The emotional range was good, but a couple of times I felt as though you were speeding through the lines. Other than that, I really enjoyed it.

      • J.Black says

        Great job! Expect to see you a lot more! A deeper emotion at times like that moment of hurt from friends lack of acceptance as well as the enthusiasm about your own intellectual ideas next time will show that huge ladder of range for you that I know you have. Really well done!

      • Clare Masa says

        Thank you, Mrs. Marie, I don’t quite remember when I found this monologue, to be honest. I believe I may have seen it while watching actors performing on youtube, but I’m not 100% sure. I thank you very much for your feedback, and I’ve tried to polish my performance to reflect yours and the other judges insight.

    • Brandon Masa says

      You are the coolest Mom. I’m proud of you for fighting for your dream and showing me, Lily, Ayli and Emy how to do it too. I hope you win, Mom.

    • missalaine says

      Clare you are an awesome friend, I say in jest of course. Fabulous job!
      This was awesome, your facial expressions are excellent, good costume choice, lighting was good. Also your voice control was nice. It’s inspirational. Thank you.

    • shelby faciane says

      Wow Clare, you were so much fun to watch. You were so amaziningly talent and this was so awesome for you. Truly a delight to watch!!! 😉

  3. Portia Walls says

    Portia Walls / Baton Rouge, LA / Public feedback welcome / Referred by my agent Randi McClendon and also by Nick Savides

    Editor’s note: This video contains explicit content and may not be suitable for viewing at work or for younger audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.

    https://youtu.be/txzyivAd3Ug

    • nsavides says

      Hi Portia. An unsettling monologue. You got the emotional beats of it down and are believable enough, but picking a monologue like this will get you considered for very specific kinds of roles, while possibly hurting your appeal for other roles. There’s more swearing in your piece than in a number of R rated movies. I can’t imagine that the MPAA would allow your scene in a trailer, and they allow all kinds of things in movie trailers. Your work is compelling, but I am hesitant to share it with others because I don’t want to leave a bad taste in those who share my sensibilities. Not everyone shares my sensibilities of course, but I happen to believe that the film world’s eagerness to race to the bottom with shock value is going to be the ruin of our civilization. If you had listened to the podcast interview with Laura that I mentioned on the #KnowMonologues main page, then you might have realized as much. In general, it’s a good idea to tailor your approach to an audition or a submission based on the sensibilities of the people considering your work. I do applaud you for trying to take on challenging material, but you might broaden your appeal if you consider monologues that cover similar ground without being so abrasive. I’d have no problem embracing monologues from Hitchcock’s Psycho, for example.

      • nsavides says

        After some consideration, I want to accept responsibility for not making it more clear about the kinds of submissions we are hoping to get. That was an oversight on my part, and this is still a learning process for me. I have updated the details page to provide more guidance about the kinds of monologues that would be ideal for us. Also, my initial comment came on the same day I heard about the theater shooting in Lafayette, and that weighed heavily on my heart.

        I do believe that the dramatic work we produce, consume, and support influences reality, just like anything else, and it is important for me to acknowledge questionable content especially when it is in conjunction with something I am overseeing.

        Given the circumstances, I will allow the monologue to remain but I have also offered Portia the opportunity to submit another monologue for consideration in place of this one.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      Though I’m used to a lot of “blue” language, I agree with Nick that this submission is not for everyone and you might want to consider the variety of judges who will be looking at it. That said, it did seem like good casting for you.

    • Clare Masa says

      Hi Portia! I wanted to comment to commend you for taking a chance with such a dramatic piece. It definitely fit you, and you pulled it off great. Not everyone can perform those types of characters well and you really did. ??

    • Veleka Gray says

      Hi, Portia, I could see the pain, joy, fear, and confusion your character is suffering. Good work. I agree with Nick that this is not a monologue for most auditions, so consider modifying it so you verbalize a synonym for “fuck”. Or see how it would play by deleting that word altogether since it’s usually used to support and augment the expression of anger. Deleting it would mean digging up more of your own internal resources, but I believe you have the chops to do that.

      • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

        Wow, great advice all over this page! Thanks to everyone for sharing of themselves, both by acting & by critiquing. I’ve learned a lot already from observing and reading comments from some experts on the subject. Portia, I was impressed with your ability to carry that piece off. It’s SO weird! But I love weird films and characters! It’s brave to try to do a monologue like that, I think.

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Hey, Portia. I’ll start of by agreeing that this was probably not the best choice of monologue to send in to an open call. It’s really important to correctly gauge your intended audience and pick a piece that will suit your audience. That having been said, I found this a very interesting piece. I liked the intensity you gave it, but I wasn’t really sure who your character was–was she amused by her own irrationality, was she angry, was she upset? My personal advice would be to pick a particular direction and emphasize it over the other possible choices.

    • Joshua Overbay says

      A part of me appreciates the courage of doing a piece like this. It shows you’re willing to take risks. It shows your comfortable with darker emotions. The problem is that the weight of the writing is hard to bare. To pull it off requires incredible range and humanity. Though there were many glimpses of conviction and sincerity, it still felt like “acting.” Like you were playing a part. For something like this, it demands complete authenticity and immersion. But you read as distant and somewhat detached. The talent, however, is there.

    • David Cole says

      Serious content. I want to commend you for not making it too heavy. That’s the easy choice. If your character feels deep emotions in the past, remembering those moments might touch on those emotions. Great choice.

    • missalaine says

      PORTIA! This was awesome, I have worked on a few horror films, and your work is very compelling, and believable. Your eyes make me want to stop and pay attention!

      😀

    • Donnie Pierre says

      I would have to agree with a lot of the positive feed back you received from others. You did a really good job…would like to see what other characters you can do…You rocked this girl! Looking forward to seeing more from you…

    • Shirley Tregre says

      Portia, you really did a good job, but I agree with everyone else—-this may not have been suitable for everyone else. You want directors and producers to see your audition and this type of monologue may shut some people down and your video would never he seen through its entirety. That would be a shame because you can do those types of characters.

    • Tyler Holstead says

      I thought it was a great job for certain niches. The eyes definitely hook you in. Try things you’re uncomfortable with and push further!

      • Ferdinand Jefferson says

        Portia, You were great. You definitely have the talent and range to do a lot of different parts and that what makes you unique. You were able to go to a deep side and make it believable. I read a few comments that stated you could have used less profanity but acting is stretching the boundaries and getting out of your comfort zone and you definitely did that.

        GREAT JOB!!!!

  4. Jaric Czepiel says

    Hey guys, great idea! Thanks for the opportunity.

    Jaric Czepiel – Baton Rouge, LA

    I’ll take all the feedback I can get.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Jaric. You do a decent job of conveying the complexity of feeling that the unseen roommate is feeling and you have some amusing moments in there. Be careful about starting with too much intensity though. Most of the time you want to allow a few moments for the audience to settle in, and this is especially true for a comedic piece.

      • Laura Cayouette says

        I respectfully disagree about starting intensely. Use everything – save nothing. For all you know, they’ll start fast forwarding after 10 seconds. That said, one of the keys to comedy is investment. In drama, the stakes are life and death and we’re willing to go a long way to get what we want. In comedy, we’re willing to do ANYTHING to get what we want. But it only really works if you’re very specific. Be specific about everything from who you’re talking to and what you want from them to what “Cheerios” means to you.

    • Clare Masa says

      I watched your video in the parking lot of Target and people were looking at me sideways. You had me laughing. You totally fit the part. ☺️

    • Veleka Gray says

      Hey, Jaric, nice to see you again! Good emotional expression and transitions for your character’s arc.

      I would like to see you stop and really listen to your bro. You are great at being the active performer, and I know you can also excel at being the receptive performer.

      • Jaric Czepiel says

        Veleka, it’s been too long. Thank you for your advice. With comedy, I know you can sometimes become too tied up on timing and getting a reaction. I’ll take that and keep an eye on it in the future.

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Hey, Jaric. Interesting monologue–did you write it yourself? One of the things that I noticed watching it was how quickly you responded to your “scene partner’s” imagined comments. You need to give enough space for that listening to occur and seem credible. I know that comedy has to move quickly, but it also needs to retain some reality. I would also have expected more of a response from your character when the “reveal” is made. I would have liked to see it more in your face before the words.

      • Alicia Johnson says

        Jaric, This is so funny! Seems to be great casting for you. I especially liked you softening at the end.

    • David Cole says

      Great start and totally believable character. A little more space for “Bob’s” dialogue. Otherwise solid. Good change of delivery.

    • missalaine says

      Jaric, this was so funny, I was not expecting that from your “bro” that’s for sure! I could totally see you in a fraternity! You had a story arch that was neat to watch.

    • Shirley Tregre says

      Good showing of emotions and their expressions. However, maybe sometimes take a break where you are supposed to be responding to what the other person is saying before you continue. You are a good performer.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      I think my strongest note is that your objective needs to be clear and specific from the start. It took me almost a minute to understand that this was a scene about convincing someone to do something against their best judgement. It’s a pitch basically but it took me awhile to realize you were selling anything. Try not to focus so much on the words and focus more on why you’re saying them and what they mean to you. The thing that will really take this to the next level is finding those details and specifics that make it so we know what’s going on even if we turn off the sound.

        • nsavides says

          Hi Adam. I saw your demo reel on your site. You’re a talented performer, but I don’t think this was the best monologue for you to choose. It’s from Nightcrawler, a film that is still fresh on the mind of many viewers. It’s also one of Jake Gyllenhaal’s signature roles from recent years. Unless you are doing a completely original take on the material or are ready to go head to head with someone like Jake Gyllenhaal, I suggest you consider monologues that are less familiar or from something several years old, where the memories of the show have faded and are less likely to evoke comparisons.

          • Veleka Gray says

            Hi, Adam, very nice natural work, and not right for that character who is crazy. If you can find the sociopath in you, I think you could bring it off… if that is what you want for your brand, and it could work as your brand since you look innocent… Voltaire’s Candide. For future monologues, I would look for one that shows you as the boy next door. Or if you like playing characters like Louis Bloom, do a monologue from “Falling Down” since it’s not as well-known.

          • Adam Henslee says

            Nick- I totally see what you mean about picking suh a ripe piece of work that just came out. It is a very tough feat, which is why I wanted to try and tackle it!

            Veleka- The feedback is greatly appreciated. I do see what you mean by going more off of my “look” and “type”. On the contrary, I never want to limit myself to a specific type. Of course understand what your type is, and market the snoz out of it! But also as actors, we should be expanding our instrument to the fullest.

    • Creek Wilson says

      Hey Adam. Nice job. Would have like to see that look in your eyes like you had when you played my son in Beg. You’re a very talented actor. Keep up the good work.

        • Mary Stieffel says

          I didn’t see Nightcrawler, so can’t compare you to Gyllenhaal. I can picture him doing this speech though. It seems almost tailor written for him. I thought you did very well at it, though. Our expert panel (Laura, Valeka & Nick) are probably right about it not being the best fit for you at your age maybe. But I thought you did it well considering that. I enjoyed it. Now I want to see that movie! 😉

      • Adam Henslee says

        Creek- You the man!!

        Diana- I’m glad you came on board for the 48! Did you get a chance to see it?

        Mary- Nightcrawler is a MUST!! A great flick.

        • Diana Marzigliano says

          Yes Adam – hilarious! you guys did a great job! By the way I asked to join the actor’s Unity and have not heard back. I understand you are in charge. Send me a note on facebook. Looking forward hearing from you.

    • Shirley Tregre says

      If I were talking to someone about my company I think as I spoke I would become more forceful not angry but forceful. You look young and innocent so your voice needs to carry business in it for this character. However, you did a good job.

    • Veleka Gray says

      Good work, Nick. Lots of great moments. The only thing you might want to consider is foreshadowing the way it ends by starting off more defensively. That would create tension and curiosity as we listen to the yarn.

    • Rebecca says

      Nice job. The intensity at the end was fabulous. You seemed very comfortable with the monologue, and that made it fun to watch. To my ears it sounded like your accent varied a bit. I would suggest a chair that doesn’t creak so much, (at least it sounded like a chair), it was a bit distracting in the beginning.

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      I enjoyed your work, Nick. I wasn’t completely sold on your accent–I thought that it was very good most of the time, but it did slip enough to be noticeable. The accent distracted me from the really good job you were doing on the monologue. I thought that the last third was especially good. The beginning seemed a little unfocused, but you brought it together well in the end.

    • Joshua Overbay says

      Good work, Nick.

      As much as I like this monologue, I actually found it to be a bit distracting, mostly because it required an accent. On the whole, you’re accent was consistent and solid, but your moments of inconsistency were very distracting. Otherwise, I though you did really good work.

      I would call you back, but request something in an American accent.

      Josh

    • Barry Hanley says

      Very brave for an American lad to attempt a Northern Irish accent and I commend you for it. As a Mick if I did a Southern accent on here I’d be excoriated so well done. I enjoyed it. Great movie. RIP Bobby Sands.

    • Shirley Tregre says

      What was the creaking noise? It took away from your monologue. Your monologue was good. Your accent came and went but was good most of the time. You did a good job.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Nick,
      You had a good conversational tone and spoke with conviction at the appropriate times. Overall a respectable performance. I applaud you for attempting an accent. It was mostly quite convincing. There were just 2-3 words that didn’t sound quite right for the accent. That’s the challenging thing about an accent. Even one offbeat word or syllable can cause the listener to question its veracity. Also, watch the placement of the light. Casting such a big shadow like that can be dramatic, but if you move around, the shadow will shift around in potentially distracting ways.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      It’s always good to try a few different substitutions for who you’re talking to but it seems you probably chose well since the emotional content is there. You are clearly filled with feelings. That said, the most effective performances are when the audience feels. This means taking things to the next level with specificity and detail in everything you’re saying and what it means to you personally.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Nicholas.This monologue shows your eagerness to dive right into a task at hand in general, and into the emotional content in particular. That eagerness is admirable, and you are believable enough. As an experiment in future monologues, try mixing in one or two softer, more contemplative moments. That might add contrast to your scene and give your viewer a moment to breathe and sympathize with you more thoroughly.

      • Mary Stieffel says

        Great job, Nicholas! You really bring the emotion right from the top of it & your face is so expressive. The sorrow & worry in your eyes is very convincing too. It’s pretty amazing how much you packed into less than a minute!

    • Adam Henslee says

      Yo Nick! I like how immediately your monologue grabs the attention of the viewers. It inclines us to keep watching. Moment to moment needs more establishment. Let some of the things you are saying sink in, before the next line comes in at that high emotion. I would have liked to see more inner imagery coming across as you read each line. “Don’t get mad, get crystal clear” – Tim Phillips.
      Keep it up brother!

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Hey, Nicholas! I thought that you were having a hard time with the monologue at first–your delivery was a little choppy and, while your voice was right on point for the character, your eyes to me didn’t show the emotion you were conveying. But by the time you got to the middle, your eyes caught up, and your were really in the moment conveying the pain and anger. You might try starting at a slightly lower level to let the emotion build more convincingly. But all in all, you did a terrific job!

  8. laolga says

    Hi! I’m Olga form New Orleans, here is my monologue and I am fine with comments. Thank you

    • Laura Cayouette says

      I’m so glad to see you entered and it was nice to hear you sing. I love when people take chances. That said, there were two things that kept popping me out of the moment. I’m hoping these two notes are helpful to many as they both come up often. One was that it was a little bit odd to have you stare directly into camera rather than slightly to the right or left of camera. If the moment was supposed to be a testimonial, then it works. Otherwise, it’s better not to directly engage the lens.
      The second note is about the actual piece. Sometimes when we show range, we end up taking ourselves out of our casting sweet-spot. In theatre, this is clearly a sweet spot for you, but most of our judges are involved in film and TV so I got popped out of the moment wondering whether you were actually limiting yourself by showing range.

      • nsavides says

        Hi Olga. I like the mix of music and drama in the selection, and you get credit for attempting to combine the two. This was a theatrical selection, as Laura suggested, but that’s totally fine if that’s where you’re more focused. One of our judges does have a theater background, and the theater has a special place in my heart as well. We do plan to share the submissions not just with our filmmaker friends but also with those involved in the theater community, so you’ll get exposure either way.

    • Clare Masa says

      Sigh…. I’m a theater nerd from back in high school and college. I miss musical theater with a passion. ? You have an amazing voice I think you carried your piece of well. ??

      • Veleka Gray says

        Olga, it was captivating. I loved how you restrained your tears and other passions and used the Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller lyrics to transition. Wonderful!

    • Joshua Overbay says

      You held my attention for the entire time. Your vocal range is strong and you have a good screen presence. And despite its theatrical nature, I found your performance believable. The only thing that threw me out were a few of your transitions. For example, the moment when you say, “And I thought I’d die. But I didn’t” felt the slightest bit rushed” felt rushed. There were a few other moments like this. Otherwise, good job.

    • missalaine says

      I absolutely love your voice, I hope you keep singing. Your performance is definitely memorable, and I have your song in my head! What a great way to start the day! 😀

    • Clare Masa says

      Hi Conway! I think you chose a very interesting monologue and I can see you put a lot of feeling into it. I’m not a professional, by any means, but my only suggestion is to not stare so hard at your focal point. Pretend you’re looking right at the person you’re talking to. Break eye contact, look down, blink, just as you would if you were really giving that person a piece of your mind. ? Other than that, I think you did great! Keep it up!!

      • Conway says

        Ha! The person I was imagining talking to would get the hard stare from me IRL. I get what you’re saying about the eyeline and I mix it up for roles, but this was a class exercise from June and on a larger screen (in case you were just watching on your phone) the nuances around my eyes are more visible. I was following direction in that case and received a ‘direct booking’ tag for the mock audition. One of the reasons it was interesting to me to put this out here was to see how class direction and public interpretation may vary. It’s less about winning and more about getting exposure… I’m already noticing an increase in my Vine activity. So it’s all good. Thanks for your thoughts!

        • nsavides says

          Hi Conway, I like the vulnerability of your piece. I can feel the pain that the words carry in your delivery, and that’s not always easy to pull off.

          UPDATE: Congratulations to Conway for winning our most creative photo award!
          most creative photo

          • Mary Stieffel says

            I agree with Nick – well done! It’s great to see what a go-getter you are at such a young age, Conway. Keep it up! 🙂

    • Laura Cayouette says

      This note may help a lot of actors as lists often come up in scripts and they’re not easy to master. The beginning of this monologue has two lists in a row – very tough. The best way to handle dealing with a list is to find a personal substitution for each item in the list. The first list in this piece is a list of horrible names this person has called your character. Substitute the names you’ve been called (we all have them) and let each one take you to that moment of pain when you heard it for the first time (or the worst time). Really let it hit you, even if you’re fighting to stay strong in this confrontation. It can be thrilling to watch someone struggle to overcome the emotional impact of the things they’re saying and the moment they’re living.

      I agree that you’ve found a level of vulnerability that I feel really kicks in toward the end. That last part of the monologue is a real opportunity for you to finally say those words to the person you’ve most needed to say them to. You were certainly taking that opportunity but I’d have loved to see you go even further in that direction. Acting can be very healing and this monologue is perfect for finally owning your voice with a person who made you feel small.

    • Shirley Tregre says

      I understand it was a class exercise you were doing, got a part off of it, and I am no where near a judge but if I was a judge, the staring would have been an issue with me. You have to realize that not everyone likes the stare like that with no facial expressions behind it. Blinking more, moving your head, or just a small nod of the head would have made it over the top with me. Other than that I think you monologue was great. Your voice levels were good.

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Hey, Conway! I agree with one of the people above who talked about the way you were staring. I feel like it changed the vulnerability inside the character you were playing and made him more threatening. I did like the way your played with the emotions, though, and I did enjoy the monologue a lot. Good work!

      • Conway says

        Thank you Marie! You actually nailed exactly what I was going for with the character and why I was staring. I was pushing back and below camera level, I was clenching my fists and unclenching them. I actually had prepared another monologue from Pulp Fiction to counter the people who think that I just stare. Should I put it up? It’s not a manifesto, lol, just what came up under top 10 monologues on Google.

        • Conway Solomon says

          Seeing as how there so many gunslingers and sociopaths in this sandbox, I thought y’all could use a little preaching. Since I haven’t seen Pulp Fiction (not allowed to yet, so no profanity in this monologue) I reimagined this scene as talking to a group of people while looking for one in particular. Hope you enjoy!

    • nsavides says

      Hi Eliza,
      I like the sense of conviction in your piece. It’s not often that I see that kind of monologue, and it also feels like it relates to something meaningful to you, and both are refreshing qualities.

      Increasing volume is one way for actor to drive home a point, but sometimes there are subtler ways to add emphasis. It’s not that adding volume is wrong, just that it is a common choice, so it can be an interesting exercise to think, “how can I emphasize the strong emotions here in a unique character-specific way without yelling?”

        • Quinn says

          Thank you for the comment! It’s from the play Saint Joan, this is where Joan of Arc is talking about how instead of burning her, they will lock her in a cell. She’s talking about how putting her in jail for the rest of her life isn’t a lesser punishment.

    • Joshua Overbay says

      Excellent work, Eliza. I actually loved your choice of material. It demonstrates creativity and a willingness to take risks.
      On the whole, your performance was good. There was conviction and passion there. Initially it did feel a little affectatious, but ultimately you settled into honest territory. Your performance does have range, but we only got to see two extremes. Otherwise, good work.

    • Donnie Pierre says

      Very intense performance, and appropriate to the character and monologue! I would expect nothing less of Joan of Arc! You are a very talented young lady! The shifts in emotion were right on time, raising your voice, lowering your voice, and change in facial expressions were seamless and elegantly done! I’d cast you in a minute!

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Wow, Eliza, that was amazing! I recognized the character as Saint Joan right away. You handled the language beautifully and conveyed the emotion perfectly. I loved the levels you brought to the piece and the conviction you gave her. You started off with a slight stare, but really quickly let the emotion sweep the character away. Congratulations!

    • shelby faciane says

      Eliza, I felt your anger and your different feelings. Your awesome to watch!!! Amazing talent!!

        • Mary Stieffel says

          Good job, Cathie! There is one thing I see that is a thing I sometimes do – a lot of eye blinking. The first time I ever was interviewed on TV I laughed when I saw the tape seeing all of the blinking & thought it was funny. But in an acting capacity it seems to become more distracting, maybe kind of like closing one’s eyes a lot when singing. You have such amazing eyes & they convey emotion so powerfully that I want to see more of them. 🙂

    • Yvonne Eres-Nuss says

      Great choice of material Cathie. Your performance was believeable. You seem comfortable in front of the camera. And you look pretty, even when you are annoyed. I enjoyed your performance.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      Once you have the beats of the scene worked out, which you clearly have, it’s time to take it to the next level. Your overall objective should have something to do with helping or rescuing the person you’re talking to so one idea I had was that you might have invested the ending “everyone’s miserable” stuff with more of the confident optimism that comes with knowing you have the solution and you’re helping someone.

      And Mary has a good point for everyone – it’s good to watch your tapes for personal tics. Some people’s quirks make us love them and the characters they play, others pull us out of the character and back to the actor – which can be frustrating to watch. Either way, it’s best if you know what your own quirks are so you can decide if they’re working for the character and the scene.

      As a side note, it doesn’t matter for the purposes of our challenge but when self-taping for auditions, it’s best to have a plain background. No reason to costar with a white board and light switch.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Cathie,
      You’re eyes are quite expressive, and you had hints of a smile and other little expressions at certain moments that gave nice accents to the scene. Your monologue works, but to bring it home for me, I would have liked a clearer sense of your relationship to the person you’re addressing and what you’re trying to accomplish by engaging that person.

      As Laura suggested we are not evaluating based on camera technique, but in the future consider turning off auto exposure on your camera. Most cameras let you lock exposure with a push of a button, and that way the camera won’t do those distracting shifts in brightness as you move around.

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Hey, Cathie. First of all, I really liked your voice–you have a lovely voice and it’s very expressive. I thought you nailed the emotions well, but I agree with Laura that you might want to go a little deeper into the character and find a way for her desire to help to come out before the very end of the monologue. You did a wonderful job, and I didn’t really notice the blinking, but if it is distracting some of the viewers, then it is something that you should probably be more conscious of. But it was good work all the way through.

    • shelby faciane says

      I really agree with your eyes being apart of everything it helped move the monoloogue in a wondeful way. It was unique and awesome!! So cool!! 😉 great to watch

  12. Erin McCluskey says

    Hey all!
    My name is Erin McCluskey
    I live in New Orleans, LA
    I found the #KnowMonologues Challenge through a post by Veleka Gray on Facebook
    ALL FEEDBACK WELCOME!

    • Laura Cayouette says

      You pretty much knocked that out of the park. Specific, likable, vulnerable and IT WAS CLEAR THAT YOU REALLY NEEDED SOMETHING FROM THE OTHER PERSON. That’s always going to separate an actor from the pack.

      • Erin McCluskey says

        I am on Cloud 9 right now! Thank you so much for your generous feedback Laura! It would be an honor to meet you and I hope for the opportunity to do so one day. I can’t stop smiling and rereading your comment 🙂 🙂 🙂

      • Erin McCluskey says

        Thanks Creek! So happy to see another Katz Acting Joint actor throw their hat into the ring! haha

    • Brandon Bordelon says

      The unstoppable McCluskey slays another one. Someone please call Professor X becuase we have a mutant on the loose with super acting abilities.Erin is like Thor and the monologue was her hammer no one else will be able to pick it up and use it . 11/10 had to watch again.

      • Erin McCluskey says

        Thanks for the kind words Jordan! Can’t wait to get back in class and do another scene together!

    • Jessi says

      Amazing! Great choice of material, it’s my all time favorite book and you nailed it! So proud of you!

    • Jerry Katz says

      Erin
      I absolutely loved it…your objective was clear. So was the person you were talking to. Your charm and sensuality and focus stunning…but the thing that sits with me is the obstacle and your underlying PAIN…so there!!! And you didn’t allow that to hinder your pursuit for your objective…but you just let it be…I’m very proud of you and impressed…

    • Monica Filos says

      I always love watching you do your thing and get your acting on. Meisner would be proud of you for really living truthfully in an imaginary circumstance 🙂 you’re such a rockstar!

    • Christina says

      Erin, you have such a knack for making such dark circumstances seem casual. It’s really powerful. Do more things! I want to see you do more things!

      • Erin McCluskey says

        Thanks Kristina! Congrats on a great 48 Hour Film Project, by the way! I saw you in action girl 🙂

      • Erin McCluskey says

        Thanks Maja! I sincerely hope to be able to work together again in the future.

    • Sarah Elumbaring says

      Hi Erin! Good to see your awesome talent here and what a privilege to do a scene with you before in the class. You have such a great energy and I am so proud of you. Hope to seeing you again. Good luck and God bless.

    • Simone Buzzi says

      You are free and believable, Erin. I hardly recognized you. You became the character and remained vulnerable.

    • nsavides says

      Erin,
      Clearly a powerhouse performance. Well-deserved praise you’ve been getting for it. I want to add that you get a sense of the ground a monologue covers by considering how it starts and ends, and there’s such great contrast in your piece from beginning to end, a testament to your range as an actor.

      • Erin McCluskey says

        Wow, thank you so much Nick! I so appreciate you taking the time to submit such a heartfelt and thorough comment. I hope to be able to further collaborate together in the future and thanks for making such an opportunity possible for all these talented actors to showcase their skills 🙂

    • Tadasay says

      Love love love your work, as always 🙂 the characters your create are so real and vivid, its a joy to watch you Erin.

    • TeneaIntriago says

      You are just lovely in all the ways. I SO adore this film and I’m so glad you chose this monologue! Great work, as always. You are a dime a dozen! Excited to see where this leads you!

    • Shirley Tregre says

      Erin, you did a good job. The only think I can think of to improve is your volume. You have to realize not everybody can hear the same and in some of your monologue I had to turn the volume up because your voice went too low for me. The director who may watch this may have a hearing problem and can’t hear you when your voice goes so soft. You know as well as me that when you wear a mic it is different. You did a good monologue and showed emotions.

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Great job, Erin! I LOVED the way you seemed to be able to skip from emotion to emotion, without ever feeling false or “acting”. Your voice and face both conveyed your story. The one problem that I saw, only from an audition point of view, was the lip piercing. I like the people I see auditioning to be more “blank slates”, so that I can see them looking many different ways. That may be only me and it certainly didn’t distract me from the excellent job you did, but it did throw me at first. But good work!

    • shelby faciane says

      Cool Job!!! Only thing I would say is in the middle it got a little hard to hear. But other than that Awesome 😉

    • Erin McCluskey says

      As Nick had requested, I wanted to this opportunity on the final day of the challenge to relay a bit more information about myself:

      My name is Erin McCluskey and I’m originally from Ridgefield, CT. I grew up doing improv as a member of a troupe from Middle School all the way through High School. We would improvise as well as sketch scenes that reflected the current issues in the school system such as bullying, abuse, addiction and then perform our pieces for all the schools in the area as well as for our local town hall in hopes to bring awareness to the issues. I ended up moving to New Orleans for college after I fell in love with The Big Easy during 2 mission trips immediately following Katrina to rebuild houses after the storm. I chose Tulane University and they were the best 4 years of my life. I was a Theatre Performance and Psychology double major and since graduating I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in a variety of projects thanks to my incredible representation, Dawn and George Landrum of Landrum Arts LA. I’ve directed the Rocky Horror Picture Show shadow cast at the Prytania Theatre, walked as a Fashion Model in Fashion Week New Orleans for 2 years in a row, played the only female speaking role in the Louisiana Film Prize grand prize winning film “True Heroes”, as well as been a part of various other films that have gone on to premiere in London, Los Angeles, New York, Boston etc. I’ve been fortunate enough to study with some great coaches including Billy Slaughter who coached me on the above monologue from “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” initially performed by Emma Watson, Nicole Barre who I studied with in my 6 months at John Robert Powers Performing Arts Academy and now tapes my auditions, Lance Nichols, Veleka Gray of the Actor’s Alliance, Mary Thoma of the TASA Studio, Jerry Katz who is the only licensed Ivana Chubbuck technique teacher in the South, and this summer I completed the summer intensive program at The William Esper Studio in NYC.

      When I’m not in front of the camera, I enjoy being active and involved in my community. I’ve worked in the New Orleans school system at Sophie B Wright Charter School, provided in home tutoring services to struggling students, worked with at risk youth in drug rehabilitation teaching life skills, and most recently I’ve been serving as an article writer for SoberRecovery.com providing insight to readers on the nature of addiction and recovery. When I have the time I enjoy reading, writing, traveling and exploring new parts of the city to take beautiful pictures of.

      Thanks so much for the opportunity everyone and I look forward to continuing to get to know more of you here in our #KnowMonologues community!

    • Erin McCluskey says

      How lucky am I to have an agent who takes time out of his busy day to watch and comment on his actor’s monologue submission!? 🙂

  16. Kevin J. McGrath says

    Wonderful Work, Erin! Terrific range of authentic emotions in a short time. Keep Breakin’ Legs:)

    • Erin McCluskey says

      Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment Kevin! Congrats on your recent SAG eligibility! You worked very hard for it 🙂

    • Erin McCluskey says

      Thank you Red! Such a pleasure to hear from you. It really warms my heart knowing that I still have the support of my Tulane professors even after I’ve graduated. I’ve always wanted to use my acting passion to help influence social change for the LGBTQIA/minority communities and I can’t wait to see how that will eventually come about.

  18. Price Messick says

    Erin! You’re so free in front of the camera! That was a stellar monologue. It was so great to see that side of you. You have a way of pulling us in and really making us listen and care about what you have to say. We can all learn a thing or two from you.

    • Erin McCluskey says

      Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your insight and feedback Veleka. Always a pleasure to hear from you and I wouldn’t have known about the Challenge in the first place had it not been for your post! Thank you!

      • Diana Marzigliano says

        Great job as always Erin. Really love your work. Can’t wait to see you back in class! You bring a lot to the table!!

        • Erin McCluskey says

          Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and comment Diana! Your love and support are so appreciated. You’re a great friend and I’d love to see you submit your talents to the competition too!!

          • Alicia Johnson says

            Erin!! So happy to see my gun handling partner! You really knocked this monologue out of the park. You have such a natural likable presence on screen and your vulnerability is touching. Keep up the good work!

  20. Brandon Cunningham says

    Killed it! Crushed it! Hut that’s what I expect from you Erin. Keep it up girl!

  22. Cait says

    Great range of emotion! Love the use of your voice volume. It really emphasized the story you were telling! Keep up the awesome work! 🙂

    • Erin McCluskey says

      Love you Cait! Just make sure you leave a comment below (just hit reply on this comment here) verifying that your comment was for “Erin McCluskey.” Thanks love<3

  25. Creek Wilson says

    Hello My name is Creek Wilson
    I live in New Orleans, LA
    I would appreciate all FEEDBACK
    I was challenged to the #KnowMonologues Challenge by Lisa Fuller at Actors Choice Talent Agency

      • Veleka Gray says

        Hi, Creek, this is my first time enjoying your work. You have a great character presence that should be getting you lots of work. Two notes. First, it seemed like you were speaking inside a well, which was a bit distracting. Second, consider being more disturbed by the situation.

    • Erin McCluskey says

      Hey Creek! So happy to see another Katz Acting Joint member throwing their hat into the ring! You have such a great voice for film 🙂

    • Laura Cayouette says

      This is excellent casting for you and you handle this iconic part well.

      To take it to the next level, I’d work on your objective. I wasn’t entirely sure what you needed from the others in the scene or the stakes involved. Your confidence as the character is great but it’s a fine line between being confident and being aloof. And it’s always good to add another layer of personalizing and being specific about every thing, place, etc. you mention in the piece.

      An odd little technical note that has no bearing on this competition but could be an issue if you were submitting this as a self-taped audition – I’m not sure what your camera is resting on but every time you move, your camera moves slightly with you. I’m a big believer in not sharing my screen time with any distractions if I can help it.

      • Creek Wilson says

        Thank you for the compliment and the advise Laura. I do know what you mean by my objective. I will definitely work on that. Also about the movement I have taken care of that. The camera was stationary but showed movement as I moved. Took awhile but got that problem solved. Thanks again

    • Barry Hanley says

      Great work Mr. Wilson. I also picked a speech from the late great Robert Shaw (RIP). He died very near to where I am from in Ireland. You knocked this one out of the park and pulled off the old sea dog bit with aplomb. Onwards and upwards Sir.

      • Creek Wilson says

        Thanks Barry! Robert Shaw was one of the best to give a monologue. I do appreciate the compliment.

      • Creek Wilson says

        Thanks Laura. It comes from my Native American Heritage. I am CREEK INDIAN which I am very proud of.

    • Adam Henslee says

      A very good read Creek! It seems as though you have a good grasp on the material, and the energy within that scene.
      That being said, I always like to see a different emotional attitude within a monologue. Two emotions that differ from one another to show some more of a range to the viewers. Even if it is just the slightest glimpse of it, it is still there!
      Keep it up Brother!

      • Alicia Johnson says

        Creek!! I love watching you work, man. Missed you in class Monday but happy to see you taking care of business here. Perfect casting for you. Great confidence. Very convincing. 2 thumbs way up!

        • Creek Wilson says

          Thank you Alicia. Hated missing class also but had to get my daughter up to college. Appreciate the kind words.

    • Jerry Katz says

      Good Job. I love your persona and power that comes through in every character you play. It is a great strength for you and it is going to take you far in your pursuit of your career. Now, to the full extent of your critique. As far as the mono is concerned in connection with the character and the story…your stakes were low and you needed to focus more on your objective and also your obstacle and also your inner object of the sharks that killed his friends and fellow crew mates…I didn’t get enough of a feel for that. Keep on employing Ivana’s 12 tools in The Power of The Actor in your scene work in class and be diligent in your homework and reading the book. It’s coming Creek…keep growing and learning and throw it out there like you did in WARRIORS scene with Frank.

    • Jason Edwards says

      Great Work Creek! I agree with Jerry. Your Warriors scene was one of the best I have seen in class. I really liked your work in this monologue, but I know you can add even more depth to this by focusing more on your objective. Keep up the great work!

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Great job, Creek! I loved the character you created–I thought that he was clear and believable, although it did seem like he wasn’t much affected by what I assumed was the fear and hysteria surrounding him. The sound quality was also poor, and it made the tape less appealing as a whole, but once past that, I thought you did some good work here.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Creek,
      On the plus side, we can see you evaluating the situation and thinking about your response, instead of playing it as a foregone conclusion from the start. You also do a good job of showing the character’s confidence, but I wanted to see more acknowledgement of the life-and-death situation at hand, both to the town and to you.

      On a technical note, I suggest that for future monologues you lock exposure on your camera, usually a one-button push. Auto exposure is what causes the brightness shifts when you move. Won’t affect our competition, but it can be distracting to watch and gets a person like me thinking about the camera settings, instead of your performance.

    • Rene Michel says

      Great choice, Erin! The love affair between you and the camera is pure chemistry. I bet silence between the two of you wouldn’t be awkward at all. I would watch it!

    • nsavides says

      Erin,
      This was fun to watch. Your charm comes across and your character seems emotionally invested in the conversation. That takes your monologue beyond a mere superhero discussion and gives it stakes.

      Nice job on the timing. You changed up the pauses and allowed them to build anticipation about how the off-camera person was reacting.

      Your vivid green shirt feels right at home in a conversation about superheroes, so good choice there too.

      I liked the way you leaned back as a reaction to what was happening in the scene, but I thought it would have been stronger if you had limited that to 1-2 distinct moments, instead of repeating it a few times in less distinct ways.

    • Amanda Hines says

      Erin, a very enjoyable monologue! I loved the topic and your straight forward approach toward expressing the facts of the situation. Great work! Loved it!

    • Laura Cayouette says

      This is great casting for you and you did a good job with the material.

      I understand you were pausing to allow the other person to speak but I would try an exercise where you play with doing it as a straight-up monologue where the other person can’t get a word in edge-wise. Use what you discover in the exercise to find new ways to get what you want from the other person and play with pacing. I’d love to hear what you discover in trying the exercise.

      • Erin Day says

        Hello Laura, I wasn’t sure if this comment was meant for me? The way this is set up is a little confusing, but I do feel that your feedback makes sense to my monologue and I want to practice that exercise. Thank you

      • Mary Stieffel says

        Erin, I agree with Laura. It’d be interesting to see it done the way she describes. But I know that the Mallrats gang is a bunch of funny stoner types, so I guess it would make sense for her to be kind of spacey. Fun to see something from a Kevin Smith movie!

    • Nathan Efferson says

      Really funny work, Erin. I LOVED how natural and human you were about the whole thing. It definitely felt like you had thought this whole inter-stellar dating/sexing/parenthood thing through. Nice work!!! Would love to get your info for potential future projects.

  27. Jack says

    Erin, that was a wonderful performance! I especially liked the understated struggle between self control and the need to express real emotional turmoil. A delightful slow burn!

  29. Nicole Barre' says

    Erin— SOOOOO great!!!!! Aside from having all your technical stuff looking good–lighting, framing, sound, clean background–it was just stellar. I like how you took your time with those beautiful transitions. Your eyes spoke volumes. Also, I TOTALLY dug your use of humor – a giggle, a smile, a laugh. Didn’t play the end in the beginning. Gave yourself somewhere to go–just SOLID AS A ROCK, Erin. But what I loved THE MOST were your silences–those wonderful moments of silence that are just everything. They are EVERYTHING. Extremely proud of you for every drop of blood, sweat and tears that you put into your work. You got my vote. And then some.

    • Erin McCluskey says

      You’ll never know how much these words mean to me, Nicole. I feel beyond grateful to have such a wonderful and talented coach, mentor and friend in my life <3

  30. Breana says

    Erriinnn!!! Absolutely loved it! I love all of your work! But this one is amazing! Keep working it girl! ????????

  31. Nakina says

    Great work as always, Erin. From you look to your voice to your connection, you are really giving me life with this monologue. I’m proud of you!

  32. Michael says

    Michael Whitener / New Orleans / feedback welcomed / Nick Savides
    This was originally a 4 minute monologue I edited down to qualify for the awards

      • Michael says

        Thanks, Clare! I wouldn’t submit this one to my agent because of the obvious editing I had to do to fit it under three minutes, and for that reason I’m curious if Nick and Laura will allow another one.

        • nsavides says

          Hi Michael,
          I’ve watched this a couple of times, and it still makes me laugh. Love the accent!

          Your monologue has a spontaneous feel. It feels like you are reacting and thinking, as opposed to just pausing at planned moments, and your reactions to the guests really sell the interactions.

          It was an interesting choice to sit and change the framing of the camera. Could have been distracting, but you made it work. I get that you edited to fit in our time slot, so I’m fine with that. In other contexts, it might be a good idea to re-record a shorter version. That way your viewers aren’t left wondering if you had to stitch together a scene from 10 takes. Nothing wrong with that. It happens all the time in film, but it is reassuring to see someone knock the whole thing out in one take.

          You and any other actor are welcome to submit more than one monologue, but you can only have one in consideration for the challenge. So, if you submit another one, you’d want to mention in the comments which one you’d like to have in competition.

    • Creek Wilson says

      Glad to see some more Jasper, AL blood on here. Great job. Keep up the great work!

    • Laura Cayouette says

      There’s a lot right with this monlogue but I had assumed you cut a minute off the beginning or end. I’m not sure this is within the confines of our challenge but in either case, I’d urge you to submit a new one.

      I enjoyed the piece. You have a very warm and welcoming energy that the camera easily captures. And this is a fun character for you as a casting choice.

      As a technical note, your eyeline seems right for this comedic piece if your intention is to engage us in the way Christopher Walken does in that SNL skit he does in the smoking jacket. If you didn’t intend to make the camera your scene partner, it’s best to look a little to the left or right of the camera.

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Michael, I loved your voice and enjoyed the monologue. I thought that the editing made it a little odd, but it didn’t ruin the monologue for me. I do like the energy that you have–you are very likable, and that goes a long way to make up for the problems with editing. Good work!

  34. Clare Jennings says

    To know this actress personally, and still loose her in her character speaks to such a natural talent in her. I know she has been well trained, but Erin, you’re amazing.

  35. Holli Herrle-Castillo says

    Loved it, especially around the middle through the end where I think you really got your timing and attitude nailed down perfectly.

  36. Mary Stieffel says

    Hi, my name is Mary Stieffel. I’m a New Orleans native & reside in Metairie. I welcome feedback on my monologue. I’d like to thank my friend Laura for encouraging me to enter, as I was being a total chicken about it until she asked. Also big props to Cathie and Clare for jumping in to do it so quickly. Y’all inspired me to give it a shot. Peace to all! 🙂

    • Yvonne Eres-Nuss says

      I like your choice of material. You are frustrated, yet funny! You look great. You held my interest until the end. Very proud of you!

    • Serena Stephens says

      Mary, you did a great job! I thought this was very well done, crazy, funny, and believable! Wow, you must be quite the character. A great choice of monologue to showcase some serious acting!

    • Laura Cayouette says

      This is a fun piece and good casting for you.

      A technical note that has no bearing on this competition but could be an issue if you were submitting this as a self-taped audition – always put the camera horizontal like a TV screen. Many casting agents will reject your self-tape if it’s positioned this way.

      Turning the camera would help with my next technical note but it would still be an issue – less is more when it comes to physically moving. First, movement can be distracting from content. Second, when you move more than is necessary to tell the story as colorfully as you need to, if can appear unprofessional. People who work a lot know they may to have to match their gestures over the course of several set-ups and perhaps even days. As such, it’s best to move only when you have an organic reason to or a beat that needs physical emphasis. Lastly but most importantly in the context of this challenge, the more energy you expend physically, the less focused your emotional needs are in their expression. As an acting exercise, try doing the entire piece again sitting on your hands and see how it affects your experience of trying to get your needs met in the scene. I’d love to hear about it if you choose to try it.

      • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

        Great advice, Laura! I will have to remember that about putting camera in horizontal position. I’ll tell my daughter, ha. She did a nice job working with me to film it. I never thought about matching movements, but that is VERY true – would not want to have to match all of my gestures over & over in multiple takes! I love the sitting on hands suggestion & can’t wait to try it! Thanks for putting on this thing with Nick – I’m learning a lot of valuable information. ?

        • Mary Stieffel says

          Nick encouraged us to add a little more about ourselves & the piece performed. So here goes: the play I got this from is Laughing Wild by Christopher Durang. I love doing it, since it helps get out feelings of uncomfortable aggression, heh. So I’ve been enjoying getting into the world of acting again for about the past 10 yrs or so. But my career has always been mostly in radio. I’m a DJ on WNOE (101.1FM). I’ve worked a lot of formats at different stations, but the bulk of my career has been spent playing country music at WNOE. You can hear me on Saturdays & also sometimes during the week. If you get a chance, check out NEWS WITH A TWIST on Thursday, August 20th, when I’ll be filling in for host Susan Roesgen. The whole week features different women from NOLA radio as co hosts! Thank you to everyone who’s participating in this challenge and those who created it. You’ve all inspired me and taught me plenty so far & I’m sure there’s more to come. One other thing I’m big into is FREE HUGS! So if you see me out at a festival or ANYWHERE, come & get your hug. <3

          • Robert Bennett says

            Think you were great Mary. I loved it. Listen to you to get your point across and you made me laugh.

          • nsavides says

            Hi Mary,
            Thanks for submitting to us and for taking the moment to share a bit more about your background. Lots to appreciate about your performance. You are very expressive with your eyes and face, and that works well for the piece. You’re showing us a nice dynamic range of emotions, and you’re really fluid in transitioning from one beat to another. A lot of actors will just focus on their facial expressions for a monologue, but you also used your hands to emphasize certain points, and that’s another plus.

            Overall an enjoyable monologue to watch, but I do have one caveat. For these kinds of things you might want to consider modifying the submission to reduce things that make it harder to share. You had a few swear words which were mild enough, but the “goddamn” stuck out. Some of my friends consider that to be taking the Lord’s name in vain or irreverent. A number of shows I like and people I admire use that word, so I tolerate it, but because of its religious connotations, I am more wary of it than mild swear words.

            If it has a purpose, then I can go with it, but with some ambivalence, nonetheless. For example, when Walter White uses the word in Breaking Bad, he has become an irreverent, possibly evil guy, and that word choice conveys something about his character. Still I do believe the words we use matter. Taken literally “goddamn” means to pray for a curse on a person or thing, and at times I suspect that even such casually dismissive evocations have more power than we realize.

            While the word does not necessarily offend me, it does offend some people I know, which means I am less likely to share the video with those people. Just something to consider in the future when putting together something that is intended, at least in part, to serve as an advertisement for your abilities. It’s a similar kind of reasoning that keeps the word out of most movie trailers, even if the word itself shows up repeatedly in the film.

            All that to say, I like your monologue quite a bit, in spite of, not because of, the language.

    • Melissa says

      Hi Mary, Great job. You are so entertaining. And now I know you really really like tuna fish. Lol
      Melissa

      • Mary Stieffel says

        Thank you, Robert AND Melissa. I so appreciate your checking me out & am very glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

    • Toledo Jones says

      Hey, I thought that was great! You really sold it and it was pretty funny too. Nice Job!

    • David Shiflett says

      Oh Mary, I just thought this was so great ..I really do love it and wish you all the Best of luck. You are so very talented……

      • Mary Stieffel says

        David, I appreciate your kind words and your camaraderie in the biz. It makes it a more fun job to have guys like you around!

      • Mary Stieffel says

        Thank you, Creek! I agree with Laura that you have the COOLEST NAME EVER. I’m glad you enjoy watching a woman tell of her unstable meltdown… 😉 Loved yours too – made me want to re-live the Jaws story!

    • Winnie says

      This was a very good piece of acting!! Your frustration changed to despair and it worked!! Very nice!!

    • Jackie Bullock says

      Mary, I loved the restraint in not going for the easy laughs here; you found the elements of sadness and despair in the work, which gave it more resonance. I love how well you use your big eyes and expressive face to tell the story! I found your monologue to be thought provoking as well as funny in an absurd way–I was impressed!

      • Mary Stieffel says

        Thank you so much, Jackie – love that you found it thought provoking. I’d love to talk philosophy with you some time! 🙂 Thanks for watching!

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Hey, Mary! i really enjoyed your performance–I thought that the monologue was well suited to you and that your performance of it was terrific. I agree with Laura that repeated takes would be very hard to replicate exactly, but from a theatrical point of view, your gestures suited the characterization that you chose. I also liked that you went for the nuance and the depth in the piece and not just the surface humor (although Durang is so funny)–and thought that brought the whole thing together very well.

      • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

        Thank you so much, Marie! It gives me confidence that maybe I could go back & do a play sometime. It’s been several years since i was on stage. I’m really glad you enjoyed the piece. I love Durang too – so funny!

        • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

          Hey, it’s me, Mary Stieffel, with another monologue I’ve been working on. I got this from an acting intensive I did with Jeff Seymour. He gave it to me to do as a “gist exercise”. It was well received in class & seemed to suit me, so I saved a copy of it for future use. I fell back on it because I had a really hard time finding monologues that seemed good for this & I wanted to take advantage of the wonderful opportunity to receive feedback from all of the awesome folks who are part of #KnowMonologues! If anyone has tips on finding good material, please share! Naturally, I’m hoping for feedback on this one. It’s from a play called Marcus is Walking by Joan Ackerman. Hope you like it!

          https://youtu.be/zKpialmcYfc

          • Bruce Penton says

            Mary!!! Loved this read! Made me feel like the character is going to explode. God forbid I would ever have to drive with her. Enjoyed your pace and delivery. Overall, really made me tense, which is good, and made me laugh at this poor woman who seems on the verge….I kept waiting for the boiling over point.

          • Gerry Glenn says

            wow mary that was really good. you got this, this is you you have that instinct to pull this. wow good job. impressed and wow on the memory of all those lines . break a leg.

          • Marisa Herring says

            Mary, You are so believable. You had me chuckling several times while feeling nervous for you in between the giggles! Great job girl!

          • Stephen Medina says

            Whenever I’m driving and look over to see the driver of another car carrying on,
            I always wonder what they’re going on about.
            Now I know.
            Mary, this was great fun. And you’re such great fun to watch.
            That voice, those eyes, those facial expressions, plus you’re cute as a button.
            I really felt for the person in the passenger seat.
            Heck! I felt like it was me in the passenger seat, on a precarious road, in a precarious car, with a precarious person in the driver’s seat.
            Yikes!
            Thanks for doing this Mary…what fun! Do more…please..

          • Laura Cayouette says

            I think this is a terrific fit for you. Great casting and you seem to relate well to the material. To take it to the next level, I would play with it. Try different personalizations to make each beat real for you and see which ones you like best. Play with pacing. Do the whole thing in 2 minutes, then do it in 5. See what you find when you have to get it all out at once and what you find when you have to fill empty space.

            As a technical note, turn the other way so you are facing the light. I hope EVERYONE reads this note – find your light and try to stay in it.

          • Alaine Huntington says

            I personally loved this one over the first, because it’s funny. And also because I relate to the panic attacks! Also, the use of your hands in the first one was a bit distracting. You are awesome, and it inspires me to see comedy done well. Teach me your ways, jedi. 😉

    • Bruce Penton says

      Mary-about the Tuna Fish Monologue: very funny! This woman needs help for sure and you convey her insanity and frustration well. I do like the driving monologue better but there isn’t anything wrong with the tuna fish one, and it’s funnier. Kinda scary too in the sense that it’s so matter-of-fact. She hits the guy over the head, screams at the child to be quiet, runs out and decides to head to the gallery. Heeelarious and well done my friend. I do think we need to be careful with foul language, but you know that I’m sure. I see some similarities in both of these characters and feel that you are working in your wheelhouse. I am certain you have other skills in character development and I would love to see those as well.

      • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

        Thanks, Bruce. I was a little worried they were too similar. I found it hard to find good material. Yes, the tuna character is CRAZY. but we all have some of that in us to an extent I suppose. I adjusted the driving one as it had worse words than “crappy” & “hell”. But it still seemed to have the same power. I also want to thank another fellow actor for her short but sweet comment. ;)[Alaine] I hope that both you and Alaine will join in the fun & do a monologue, if you have time!

          • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

            Thanks, Gerry & Donnie! I hadn’t seen any comments in a while & it’s nice of you to take the time to watch & comment. If you haven’t seen it, I did a previous one as well. Ha, one’s about trying to buy tuna & the other about driving with panic attacks. I must say, I like learning monologues and juggling as alternative types of exercise to keep my brain from getting old and weak. 😉

          • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

            Many thanks to you for watching, Marisa & Stephen! I really appreciate the support. Stephen, it IS fun – even more than JUGGLING! 🙂 Thanks again for the encouragement & inspiration. I got my juggling skills back too. 😉

        • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

          Laura, as always thanks for taking the time to watch & comment I’ll play around some more with the timing. I did some of that it & liked what it did. Lol, for this I had to go pretty fast to get it all in in 3min or less though. Sorry about the lighting. I need to try to always tape in the daytime (when I do it at home) or somehow fix that darn light in my room. 😉 Thanks again for all of the ideas you’re sharing. I’ve read your book, but reading all of your comments on everyone’s monologues helps to flesh out & reinforce the ideas you write about. .

      • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

        It’s Mary – haven’t been able to get on here regularly to thank folks who were able to get on here & comment on my work : thanks, Veleka, Shirley, Barry, Michael, Manon, Teresa, Ali, Shelby & of course Laura. I decided to use the driving monologue for judging. It’s been a great learning opportunity to see all of these actors do their thing & read the insighful feedback from there fellow actors & teachers. So thanks to each & every person who’s been part of this & thank you, Nick for setting it up. What a wonderful idea it was!

          • nsavides says

            Hi Mary,
            Have enjoyed watching your various submissions. You play nervous energy well and kept the monologue moving throughout. The monologue suggests that you’re in the US and driving a car, so technically you would be looking the other direction. You could have changed your angle to make looking the other way work, but I suspect you did it this way so that we could see your face better. Not a deal breaker. The little laugh at the beginning is a nice start for the piece. Good job.

          • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

            Lol, yes, Nick -driving in the states. I can’t get my husband to fix the light in our bedroom where I like to tape, so I had to turn this way. I turned the other way last time & Laura was bummed about the lighting. I figured it’d be okay this way, that folks will get the idea. Thanks SO much for the kind words & for all of the hard work you’ve done to put this thing on – it’s GREATLY appreciated! 😀

  37. Darnekia Dowl says

    Darnekia Dowl, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
    Monologue: “Sorry” from For Colored Girls
    Referred by: Paula Jones

    • Laura Cayouette says

      This is good casting for you and you did a wonderful job with the material. To take it to the next level, I would play with pacing. Try doing the whole thing in a minute and a half just to see what happens when you up the urgency to get all the words out. Take movements from that exercise and apply them to the piece. I’d love to hear what you discover in trying the exercise. Beautiful work.

    • Mary Stieffel says

      Really nicely done, Darnekia! You dove so well into the deep emotion of the piece – loved it!

    • nsavides says

      Hi Darnekia,
      Thank you for sharing, and I’m glad Paula told you about our challenge. I could really feel the hurt in the performance, and it felt like you really poured your heart into it. My only suggestion is that pay attention to your body movement. At times your swaying movements distracted me from what you were saying. With powerful moments like the ones you hit in your monologue, stillness can be your friend. If you do choose to add movement, make it specific and contained.

    • Sam says

      Darnekia! I’ve watched yours a few times. You had better be a finalist! I would LOVE to work with you someday. So dang talented! Best of luck!

    • Shirley Tregre says

      Were you supposed to be swaying? If not plant your feet shoulder length apart and plant yourself there. I used to sway a lot until someone taught me that. Emotions were great. You did the monologue well. Good job.

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      This was beautiful work, Darnekia. I felt the emotion from every part of you–voice, face, eyes, body. Everything seemed to work flawlessly together to tell that story. Great job!

    • shelby faciane says

      Darnekia, this was amazing! I love this movie and your acting defintely gave this character and monologue justice!! You are AMAZING!!!

  38. Barry Hanley says

    Hi all. My name is Barry Hanley. I am from Ireland originally and grew up 35 minutes from where the venerable Robert Shaw passed away. (RIP). I had to edit the speech down from 4 minutes. I live in Longview, Texas. And yes, absolutely, fire away with the feedback.

    • Barry Hanley says

      Thanks for putting this up Nick. I would be remiss not to mention the lovely Susie Labry who informed me about this in an email. Thanks Susie. I currently work as a stuntman so don’t pull any punches lads and lasses.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      This has a believable quality and is good casting for you.

      I’d love to see more specifics and details in your personalizations and substitutions. More specifically, find personal details that tap into the urgency of this scene and what you need from the other person. Good work.

      • Barry Hanley says

        Thanks a million Laura. I will take this advice to heart. Loved your turn in Django Unchained! Waiting on a call from Jeff Dashnaw (Stunt Coordinator on Django) to work on The Magnificent Seven in Baton Rouge.

          • Barry Hanley says

            Will do Laura. When I think about this scene in Jaws its hilarious because Shaw and Dreyfuss were at each others throats. Shaw used to wind up Dreyfuss before they would roll and say “Mind your Mannerisms”. I would have got more emotional with this but I tend to start head bobbing and the mannerisms run amok. Any tips on how to convey powerful emotion without moving around like a maniac? Also, if you get a chance there is a fantastic video of when Dreyfuss visited Ireland and met Shaw’s granddaughter. He completely broke down and it was obvious how much affection he had for him. Powerful stuff indeed. Thanks again and more power to you.

    • Creek Wilson says

      Great Job Barry! You even have the accent to with the monologue. Would have liked to seen a little more intensivety in your eyes. Other than that you knocked it out of the ballpark yourself.

      • Mary Stieffel says

        Your accent is lovely, Barry and it’s obvious you are truly Irish! You have that great storyteller quality the Irish are famous for as well. It’s funny you’re asking Laura about the emoting issue. I can relate. I use “mannerisms” a lot myself. I tried an exercise Laura suggested – sitting on my hands to do my piece. It was so interesting what it did. seemed to make me calm down some and yet maybe get more intense? Anyway, nice job and good luck with Mag. 7

        • Barry Hanley says

          ha ha. Thanks so much Mary. Your monologue was hilarious and very well done. I enjoyed it immensely. Sincere thanks for the kind words. I’ll sit on my hands next time and ‘mind my mannerisms’. Continued success and hope to work with you soon.

      • Barry Hanley says

        Thanks Creek. I’ll work on the mean mugging for the next one. Best of luck to you and keep up the stellar work.

      • Barry Hanley says

        Thanks very much Clare. I thought yours was fantastic too. Very funny and animated. Never a dull moment! Keep it up.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      I hoping other actors benefit from this comment.

      I’m surprised to hear you ask this question, “Any tips on how to convey powerful emotion without moving around like a maniac?” because you seemed to perfectly understand the size of the shot and how to be still without being wooden.

      I’m a fan of exercises. Try watching videos of yourself without the sound off. Watch videos where you think you move around like a “maniac” and others where you got a good blend of being in your body but fueling the scene through intention. Can you tell what the beats of the story are? Can you tell what your character needs from the other person? Can you tell if the character is getting what they want in the scene?

      Sometimes, just seeing how much you convey without a lot of movement will help you trust you don’t need “extra butter.” Sometimes seeing how excessive movement can detract from your intentions and emotional power will drive you to drop those habits.

      And watch people. Especially children. Children are naturally “in the moment” and have a lot to teach us about behavior and intention. But all people have something to teach us about HOW people get what they want. Some people do use big physical behavior in close-up type moments in life but most do not. Watch how people convey what they want and how urgently they need it. Even watching a teen in the mall say, “Mom, can I please get this? Please?” can teach us volumes. How many tactics does the teen use? Flattery? Begging? Logic? Blackmail? Bribing? Sulking? Guilt? I could go on because if the kid really wants that thing, they could try MANY tactics before changing what they want or accepting defeat.

      There are times when something physically “big” needs to happen. (You can ask Jeff about Miss Lara’s “big physical moment” in Django). But in most close-up scenarios in real life, most people – though certainly not all – choose fewer and smaller movements to get what they want (if only so as not to appear to be “maniacs”).

      If you try the exercises, I’d love to hear what your experience was.

      • Barry Hanley says

        Thanks for taking the time for this mega response Laura! The only reason I wasn’t going ‘bobblehead’ on this video was because the original version I did had more Vim and vigor (at least in a purely physical sense) and a close friend pointed out that my ‘noodle’ was on a swivel BIG TIME. This may come from sports where head movement was important for self preservation. There is immense power in stillness though as you so rightly pointed out and I am just starting to realize this. I will definitely try the exercises you mentioned. Again, thanks for the detailed response and I will definitely mention that to Jeff if he gives me a shout. Sounds like a compelling yarn.

          • Barry Hanley says

            Did the sitting on the hands exercise today Laura and it definitely helped a lot. I was thinking about doing another monologue by a Titan of Irish acting. The late great Richard Harris. His turn as the Bull McCabe in ‘The Field’ is a tour de force and very powerful for all Paddies who are very covetous of any patch of land we are fortunate to have on our tiny island. To all you thespians if you get a chance read ‘Hellraisers’ by Robert Sellers. A ribald and very entertaining collection of the exploits of Harris, Reid and Burton. As a rugby player like Harris sometimes I lament that the hard drinking days are gone. Now its all smoothies and granola bars. I was born in the wrong bloody era!! ha ha. Anyway, sincere thanks again for taking the time to offer quality advice Laura and the very best of luck to the rest of ye.

        • Alicia Johnson says

          Great piece Barry! Your accent is just heavenly. I know you had to trim it for this challenge but I would love to see/hear more of this monologue!

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Hey, Barry! Great job–although I would be less than honest if I didn’t say that I love Irish accents just for listening to. Laura always has such amazing and wise advice and I agree with what she’s already said, and the one thing that I would add is that I would have liked to see a little more in your eyes as you told your story. I think that your voice and mannerisms were fine. Good job!

    • Barry Hanley says

      I am posting the full version of my feeble attempt at a monologue here and I’d just like to thank all who commented and participated in this challenge. Special mention to Laura who, as you all know, took the time to give some real solid nuggets of advice. Thanks again Laura for your kind and nurturing spirit and more power to you in all your future endeavors and the same goes for all who stepped up and put their monologues up. It was an honor and a privilege for me. The very best of luck to all of you.

    • missalaine says

      I thought your pauses to process were so well timed, especially when your friend was bitten in half below the waist. I could see you thinking about your situation.

    • Bruce Penton says

      HAMMERIN’ HANLEY. It took me quite a while to scroll up from the bottom to find your submission. I first clicked on your name and watched this on youtube. I gotta tell you I’m an so very impressed, having never seen your work I am greeted with AN ACTOR to watch. Your performance his is just terrific an you made a great choice doing this one. Your work here seems effortless and not contrived, real and as they say “organic”…coming from within for sure. I also want to say how I am impressed with your personal character and sense of fellowship with everyone submitting here…time and time again I see your replies on everyone’s monologues, always positive, encouraging and meaningful. You are quite a man, Mr. Hanley. Damn, I regret not knowing you better and not spending more time with you in Salem. I may be a jokester and one who shells it out and I may give the old one-two sometimes but it’s only in fun. In my words here, I am serious. You are quite a man.

      • Barry Hanley says

        Wow Bruce. You made my day buddy. Thanks a million for the kind words. They mean more than you know. Like my old man used to say…”The only time you should look down on someone is when you are lifting them up.” Sure without encouragement we’d all bail and have to get ‘real’ jobs. We will have to have a few pints soon my friend. Nothing but the best wishes from me. More power to you.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Barry,
      I liked how you incorporated your Irish background into the performance. The accent gave the performance added texture and you had some nice tonal shifts, but there were moments when I would have liked to see a stronger emotional connection, like when you were describing how frightened you were. While some of your eye movements were effective, I found some of them to be unmotivated, as if you made them for the sake of change, and not driven by the scene itself.

      • Barry Hanley says

        Thanks for the pointers Nick and thanks for putting this on. It was a very enjoyable and enlightening experience. You gathered a seriously talented entourage here and in all seriousness I feel privileged to be a part of it. Never really had a bona fide acting lesson but have loved movies from day one. I really enjoyed all the entries and know that there are some real gems in this mix. I wish them all the power and success in the world. Thanks again.

    • Barry Hanley says

      Mighty stuff David. Great scene. You pulled off the arrogance of this particular physician to perfection. Well played.

    • Alicia Johnson says

      He might be arrogant but I want a dr with that kind of confidence operating on me if I need major surgery. Excellent work David!

      • David Cole says

        Thank you so much Alicia. I’m not a Doctor but I’ve played one on astronaut wives and in Maggie. I know what you mean. I want a doctor that knows I couldn’t be in better hands.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      Good casting and good work. You’re very invested and your objective is clear.

      To take it to the next level, I’d love to see more personalization. Without talking to you I could be wrong about this, but I think there might be a stronger substitution for who you’re talking to to get this particular objective achieved. Sometimes we look at the emotional content or the details of a scene and think, “Oh, my mother is a perfect substitution for this” because the details or the emotional content are similar.

      BUT, the strongest substitution is usually whoever we really need that objective from in real life. Who have you most wanted to say this to? Who doubted your knowledge of yourself and called it arrogance? Who do you need to go this hard against? Who makes you feel like it’s not enough for you to be right, you also have to make them wrong?

      You may have more than one answer when you dig deeper. Great! Try them all and see which one activates you enough to make you need to put them in their place.

      If you try this exercise, I’d love to hear your reactions to it.

    • Veleka Gray says

      David, excellent. Very professional. All your movement was contained and conscious.

      If you want to do something else with it, choose to be flaming enraged and sitting on it instead of dismissing the other guy. I felt he was an easy target. I would enjoy seeing you more ruffled.

    • Shirley Tregre says

      Not sure if this is happening on your video or if it is my computer, but your audio is not matching up with your video. Your video was 5 seconds faster than your audio. Other than that I think you did an excellent job with emotions and facial features.

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Great work, David. You chose a really good character for the monologue and you did a great job. I had the same problem with the audio and video not quite synching up, but I wasn’t thrown by it. I do agree with Laura’s comment that you might try to personalize the character a little more, but I think that even without personalization, you did some fine work. I liked your focal point and the way that your eyes carried through the emotion you started with your body. Congratulations!

    • nsavides says

      Hi David,
      You got the professional confidence and smugness right for the character down. You also have very distinct movements which accentuates your character’s sense of precision. As Laura suggested, I would have liked to get a better sense of your relationship to the person with whom you’re having the conversation.You gave us a little simmering resentment at the end, which was a step in the right direction, but I would have liked to see more clues about how you feel about the other person.

    • Mary Stieffel says

      Hannah – that was cool & different. I loved the refreshing quality it had. What’s it from? I totally loved it. The ending seemed abrupt, but maybe it’s supposed to be like that. It just seemed a little too quick of an exit. Really enjoyed your work, though! 🙂

      • Hannah Culwell says

        Hi Mary, thank you very much for the feedback. The monologue is from “Frances Ha”. If you have not seen the movie or do not know a little bit about her character the ending might seem a bit out of place. Again, thank you for the response!

    • TeneaIntriago says

      So well done. You show so much range and are so witty and quirky and just all around a natural. I could watch you all day!!

    • nsavides says

      Hi Hannah,
      I enjoyed watching. A variety of expressions you showed us, and I liked the way we could see your character formulating her thoughts. Even before you started talking, you had a little expression that helped to set up the moment. Actors often jump right into the dialogue, so I liked that choice. It’s those kinds of details that help to sell a performance, and you had enough of them to win me over. Nicely done.

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Hey, Hannah! I liked this performance a lot! You did a really good job. I liked the range in what you did–and the way that you didn’t rush it. It was a good piece for you and worked in a lot of different ways.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      I agree with the consensus, there’s a lot here that works and it’s a very likable performance. To take it to the next level, I would try to hone in on who you’re talking to and what you want from them. It’s possible that’s why the ending appears “abrupt” to some. I’m assuming the ending is totally logical if we understood better why you were here with this particular person – what you hoped to get out of it.

      Really nice work on a lot of levels.

    • Brandon Bordelon says

      Hannah Culwell strikes again like a vicious viper. This mono had me entranced like a snake charmer playing his mighty flute. This mono was not only captivating but truely endearing. My heart got stolen time and time again .This enchantress left me wanting more!! I had to tie myself to the ship’s mast and put wax in my ears just to make myself not fall for her any harder 10/10 solid work .

    • Veleka Gray says

      Hannah, I enjoyed that very much. I saw “Frances Ha” and really like what you did with it. I also think your look is extremely commercial and unique. I believe you have star quality. Wishing you the best with your career!

    • missalaine says

      You are so believable and so pretty, was so enjoyable to watch! So, so, so, awesome! Your hand gestures were natural, and I like the abruptness of the ending!

    • nsavides says

      Hi Amy,
      You did well with the reassuring aspects of the monologue, and you’ve got a great smile that gives you appeal. To add more tension to the piece you could play up the implied hurt that the guy caused you. For example, what if he had been the love of your life, and you thought you might get married, and that’s then you found out he was seeing someone else. Then it might sting a little more to talk about him, and we could connect more with your character if you showed us that.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      This is a great illustration of how picking the right monologue can spark the minds of people who are casting. You were so right for this role and, at the same time, you showed enough range to get me thinking what it would be like to see you in a broad comedy, a romantic comedy, a buddy flick and more. Really smart choices.

      To take this to the next level, I’m going to get nit-picky as it’s a strong piece as it is. There’s a sorta-rule that you have to start strong and finish strong so I would want to focus on the first 10 seconds and the last 15. The first 10 seconds seem a bit disconnected from your personalizations so it feels a little like a warm up compared to the rest of the piece. Find a great “moment before” to help you connect and get past a cold start.

      The last 15 seconds, there’s a beat change. You have clearly identified the moment but I would try other ideas for that last beat. What new thing do you want from that person when you make that gear change? How are you going to get it? Try a few different answers to those questions and a few different ways of expressing it and find one that really fuels you for that beat.

      If you try the exercises, I’d love to hear your reactions.

      • Amy Gomez says

        Thank you Laura! I will try it again! I feel like I did rush this performance without letting the moment before drive me into the monologue. This is great feedback and I will work it again and hopefully get to post it! 🙂

    • Veleka Gray says

      Amy, wonderful work. It was all there.

      One recommendation. Work it again with beats to take in what the other person could be saying. Or wants to say.

    • missalaine says

      I could actually see you giving this advice! And once I discovered it was from The Holiday, I couldn’t help but think how your reminded me of Kate Winslet, great pick of monologue.

    • Shirley Tregre says

      I may be being a little petty but you kept tilting your head to the left like your hair was bothering you or you were trying to get it out of your face. Just saying. Other than that I think you did a good job and good monologue for you. You could show a couple beats in it to make it seem more real.

      • Amy Gomez says

        I agree Shirley! I have to watch my gestures and movement on camera. I come from a theatrical background and I am working on controlling those movements that I could get away with on stage! Thank you for your feedback!!

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Lovely, Amy! The naturalness of your performance was absolutely captivating! You made it seem that you were just having a conversation with someone that was completely spontaneous. That was terrific! I would have like to have seen a little more of the sadness from discovering the deception of the boyfriend–I think that nuancing is the next step at your level. I wouldn’t want to lose any of what you have–just add in some depth behind it. Great choice of monologue as well–this really worked for you!

    • Tricia Wood says

      This is my girl, she is really wanting some feedback from others, she really is into musical theater and had studied with Bryan Batt the past four Summers along with many musical theater performers. Thanks!

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Very nice job, Kaylie! You picked a great monologue–it suited you very well. I liked your mannerisms and vocal expressions, but I especially liked your facial expressions. You made great use of your eyes, which I think is very important to conveying the emotion of a scene. You might want to be careful not to use overly stereotyped mannerisms, though–I felt like there were just a couple of times when you fell back on the “sassy teenager moves” when you are plainly capable of more! Look back through some of the other submissions and the comments and try some of the suggestions that other people were given, as an exercise for yourself. But this was a very good piece.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      I feel a bit confused about how to address you. You came off as such a pro that I looked you up on IMDb to see what your credits were – and found none. And you’re also 11-almost-12 so there’s a possibility you haven’t had much training. But the work here is very job-ready so I’m going to talk to you like you’re a trained actor, like I do with everyone else. As with everyone, feel free to ask questions if I’ve confused you.

      This is great casting for you. Like Amy Himel Gomez, you picked the perfect monologue for this type of challenge. It showed me what you’re great at while hinting at other parts you might be right for.

      I hope you’ll read the notes I gave Amy. Like I mentioned for her, it’s important to start strong and finish strong. You start very strong and stay that way throughout the entire body of the piece. Then there’s a “beat change” when your character starts to do negotiations with her mom. As Marie mentioned above, the work was so strong that I have to assume you have plenty more fun, fresh ideas for how to use your body, gestures and expressions than the “sassy teen” stuff many of your competition will also choose.

      Sometimes the script will tell us we have to do something when we say the words – like (CRYING) or (SIPS HER WATER) or (NODS IN AGREEMENT) or whatever. That doesn’t mean you have to do what the script said if it’s not how you see the character behaving in that moment. As long as you’re not changing the meaning of the scene, it’s okay to choose something that feels more right that the writer might not have thought of.

      I don’t know if the gestures and expressions you used during the negotiations were your own ideas or if they were written into the script, but in either case – to take this to the next level, I would try some other ideas for how to get your character’s mom to give your character what she wants. Have fun with it and try lots of ideas. Sometimes, even the smallest gesture can really sell a moment so try big, fun things but also try small things. Maggie Smith, who stars on Downton Abbey, can bring down the house with just an arched eyebrow.

      If you try the exercises, I’d love to hear your reactions.

      • Kaylie Wood says

        Hi Ms. Laura, thank you so much for your feedback! No I have not had much training at all so I find it exciting that someone tried to find me on IMDB 🙂 I will definitely try the exercises and film it again so I can compare the two.

        • Laura Cayouette says

          I urge you to continue pursuing this craft. You have a lot to offer. I haven’t been mentioning my book on these comments but there’s a lot of good information (and one or two curse words your parents might want to cross out) on how to break down a scene, how to stand out without sticking out, how to maintain a good attitude even when you don’t get the part and much more.

          The book is “Know Small Parts: An Actor’s Guide to Turning Minutes into Moments and Moments into a Career” with foreword by Richard Dreyfuss
          You can find it here: http://amzn.to/1fCVC5u

          Keep training and keep performing.

          • Kaylie Wood says

            Thank you so much Ms. Laura, my mom said I can get your book 🙂
            I received my welcome email from Mr. Nick and wanted to share with everyone some things about who I am. I have been dancing for nine years with the company/competing dancers for the past three, acting with a theatre group for five years and singing for two years. For the past four summers I have gone to a musical theatre program at NOCCA with Broadway Theatre Connection. I worked one year with Savannah Wise (Smash) and have worked the past four years with Mr. Bryan Batt (Mad Men and CSI New Orleans). Much of my training has been in theatre but this summer we worked with Mr. Bryan on acting for the camera. I definitely want to continue pursuing acting. I really enjoy it and do aspire to be on Broadway and in front of the camera one day.

          • nsavides says

            Hi Kaylie,
            Nice to see someone your age put together such a strong performance. Believable throughout and full of personality. You even got me to laugh at one point and that takes some doing. Also, for someone your age, you’re quite a savvy negotiator. If it ever comes to that, I’ve made a note to myself to have someone else do the negotiating with you. I’d be too nervous that you’d talk me out of my car or something!

    • Kevin McGrath says

      Fantastic work, Ms. Wood! Very real. You, and your scene, reminded me of the young Michelle Trachtenberg in Harriet The Spy. BreakLegs in your career! Keep working hard and I am confident you will have a great one!

  45. Shelby Faciane says

    My name is Shelby Faciane and I am from Slidell, LA. I found out about this through a class page on Facebook. Yes I would like feedback.

    • Mary Stieffel says

      Shelby, that was impressive! I couldn’t watch it all the way through when I first looked at it, because it seemed so real that I was getting too bummed out. That seems a testament to the reality that you were giving off in the part. I was wondering what movie it’s from because I had the feeling it’s one I’ve seen. But you were really into the emotion of it & very believable. Well done!

      • shelby faciane says

        Thanks so much Mary I really appreciate your feedback. When I was researching for a monologue I came across it. It’s from a play “Under Siege” also called Choices. Thanks again.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      Good casting and really solid work. Now that you have all that work under your belt, I would play with it. Try finding a beat where what your character is saying sounds so crazy, it make you laugh. Ask yourself if this is the first time the character has told anyone any of this? Part of this? Why is she telling now? Keep digging.

      This is a strong performance with good choices so layer in more details and personalizations to to take it to the next level.

      As a technical note, if you didn’t intend to make the camera your scene partner, it’s best to look a little to the left or right of the camera.

    • Veleka Gray says

      Shelby, you are super talented. How about pretending that your mother or father or other family member could be listening while you are saying this to add the tension of having to avoid eavesdropping?

      Miss you in the Covington class!!!

      • shelby faciane says

        Thanks so much!! appreciate the feedback and I miss the class too can’t wait to see Connections.!!!

    • Shirley Tregre says

      I think towards the end when you talk about killing him I would show a little anger. Rape victims are angry and scared to talk about it. Your voice went out a couple of times. Remember that at auditions you don’t wear a mic so the director needs to hear what you are saying. Otherwise good job and excellent monologue for you.

      • shelby faciane says

        I do tend to do that sometimes but will make sure that is one of the things I am working on when I am acting. Thanks Ms. Shirley appreciate it. 😉

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Shelby, that was terrific! Great monologue choice and you did a spectacular job with it. You almost had me in tears by the end. I think that you might be able to do a little work at the very end–is she just discovering what might happen if her parents/family tried to force her to marry him? Does she realize that suicide is not her only option right as she’s speaking? I think that you might want to go a little deeper in her at that point–because the vulnerability that she’s shown the whole was through shifts in that instant. But you did great work–don’t give up this monologue, because it works really well for you!

      • shelby faciane says

        Thanks so much Marie I appreciate this and will ask these. Thanks so much for the feedback 😉

    • nsavides says

      Hi Shelby,
      We could really feel your anguish and apprehension about how to respond. Nicely done there. I would have liked to see more build in the scene, as if it is moving to a certain peak, something to really bring home the dramatic tension of what you’re sharing and how the person listening might react.

      • shelby faciane says

        Thanks so much for this Nick, loving the fact that everyone gets to share so we can keep this in mind for future projects!! 😉

  46. Michael David Anderson says

    Howdy all!
    My name is Michael David Anderson
    I’m located in White Hall, Maryland
    Agency: Linda Wisch, Plaza 7 Talent
    I heard about the #Know Monologue Challenge from my good friend and fellow Tulane University alum, Erin McCluskey
    Feedback is always welcome!

    • Mary Stieffel says

      Hi, Michael! You really captured the sadness and regret of your character – especially at the end. As always, I’m curious what this is from…seems familiar, but can’t pick out the source. Thanks for joining in the action of #KnowMonologues! It’s so exciting to watch the work of talents from all over and to learn from watching them!

      • Michael David Anderson says

        Thank you for the compliment Mary, I really appreciate it! It’s from The CW’s “Supernatural” with Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki. Glad to be participating in #KnowMonologues, its definitely shaping up to be a talented line-up!

    • Joshua Overbay says

      Solid work here. You create a consistent tone and read as honest and genuine. The piece began to feel forced, as things started to ramp up emotionally, but then you recovered strong. My only critique would be the lack of range. You can do this well, but what else?

      • Michael David Anderson says

        Thanks so much for the critique Joshua! That lack of range has been my main concern as well which is why I’m considering resubmitting another monologue that shows a greater variety in emotion.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      There are some nice moments here and the casting seems right. To take it to the next level, I would test to make sure I had the strongest possible objective (what you want from the other person in the scene) and substitution (person you want that objective from in real life). Try different ideas and see which one makes the scene feel most dynamic.

      As important as it is to be emotionally available and be able to “feel” on camera, it’s even more important to get the audience to feel. The stronger our need to meet our objective through the person we’re talking to in the scene, the more emotionally invested the audience will become. Though I may end up going with my first ideas in the end, I can find a lot of cool details and ideas while trying out the other objectives and substitutions.

      A technical note that has no bearing on this competition but could be an issue if you were submitting this as a self-taped audition – always put the camera horizontal like a TV screen. Many casting agents will reject your self-tape if it’s positioned this way. Also, and this is picky but some casting directors reject self-tapes on this – I can’t see the color of your eyes. If you’d turned the other direction, you would have had more light and if you choose your eyeline a little closer to the camera lens, we could see the light in your eyes.

      • Michael David Anderson says

        Wow, thanks so much for the in-depth feedback Laura, both technical and acting wise! It’s always worth listening to the critique of others and integrating it, otherwise how else can you further fine tune your craft. I’ll definitely apply these strategies to this as well as the other monologues in my arsenal.

    • Michael David Anderson says

      Hey all once again!
      Name: Michael David Anderson
      City: White Hall, Maryland
      Agency: Plaza 7 Talent, Linda Wisch
      Heard about the #KnowMonologues Challenge from my good friend and fellow Tulane Alum, Erin McCluskey
      Feedback is always welcome!
      NB: This is my second submission, a comedic monologue from a student written play “In the Real World”

      Editor’s note: contains profanity. Michael requested that this monologue be submitted for the competition.

        • Shirley Tregre says

          Michael David Anderson I keep trying to comment to yours and it goes to Amy Himel Gomez so I hope you get this. I think both monologues were great but in your first one you were looking to much to the left. We more or less just saw one side of your face almost to the point of it being a profile. Look closer to the camera with looking into the camera. Good job.

      • Michael David Anderson says

        Going off of Nick’s advice, I’d like to take this moment on the final day of the competition to add some more detail about myself as you review my submissions.

        My name is Michael David Anderson, I’m 23 years old and based currently in White Hall (Northern Baltimore County), Maryland. This past July I started working with Linda Wisch at Plaza 7 Talent Agency in King of Prussia, PA and have been on a series of auditions, ranging from commercial and voice-over to feature films. I think it’s safe to say that I’ve been bitten by the acting and storytelling bug since childhood. I had a knack for delivering moving renditions of Disney songs including a Grammy-rendition of “Make A Man Out Of You” from Mulan. Throughout elementary and high school I was actively engaged in the theatre scene, both on stage as as set design, and had extensive experience working in a variety of productions from musicals to Shakespeare. More often than not, I ended up frequently being a part of the chorus and ensemble but looking back I consider it a blessing, for it instilled in me the importance of openness and creative collaboration with your fellow actors in order to make the entire story more captivating to the audience.

        From that point, I moved down south to attend Tulane University, from which I graduated Magna Cum Laude this past May with a double major in International Relations and Theatre Performance (which makes me about as Liberal Arts as you could possibly get!). While there I participated in a variety of productions in the Theatre Department and also worked on some student films. In my sophomore year I scored my first 10 seconds of fame – in “22 Jump Street” during the first frat party scene you can see me smiling over Jonah Hill’s shoulder as a frat brother extra – I tell people that I guess they needed someone to make Jonah look good. I also had the opportunity to work as an extra on the set of “House of Cards”, and while both of these experiences were worthwhile, I’m now looking to take on more challenging, featured roles to further enhance my skills.

        Aside from acting, I’m a complete fitness nut, who loves practicing a broad range of activities from archery and skiing, to playing as a star Chaser on the Tulane Quidditch Team, and trust me as nerdy as that sounds, it isn’t a game for the feint of heart, or Muggles haha. Since the age of six, I’ve practiced Chinese Kung-Fu religiously and, after earning my 1st degree black belt, began working as an instructor at U.S. Martial Arts. While trying to get certified as a personal trainer, I’ve had the chance of working as an assistant at the Maryland Athletic Center – helping people not only improve their lifestyle but their self confidence and image has proven a very fulfilling and worthwhile endeavor. Another worthwhile experience was working as Co-Chairman for Relay for Life, where I participated with an awesome team to outline, plan, and manage fundraising activities to help make donations for the American Cancer Society. Because of my passion for traveling, I’ve developed a deep-set love of languages to the point where I’ve reached native proficiency in Japanese, German, and conversational Mandarin Chinese. Other joys include: playing the piano, songwriting, boating, hip-hop dancing, Netflix binge watching, and eating Chipotle.

        My last final note is this: my love of acting stems from a deep-set passion for storytelling. There is an innate interest I have for getting to know different people, learning their background, and discovering some similarity that we share – there is just something truly fascinating about finding the similar in that which is seemingly different. I sincerely thank the planners of the #KnowMonologues competition for this incredible learning experience and hope to stay in touch with this magnificent pool of remarkable talent.

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Hey, Michael, I just watched both of your monologues, and I comment on both at the same time. First the dramatic: I thought you did a great job. I loved the tone and the emotions that you conveyed. You did a really good job of using all your tools (voice, face, hands, eyes) to tell us the story–but I have to ask, what was your character looking for? What did he want his “scene partner” to do or give him? Was he looking for forgiveness in advance for being let down? Was he looking for a way out? Was he trying to get an allay in whatever he was going to have to do to succeed? I thought that you really put the emotion that your character was feeling over, from the love to the regret to the frustration, but I had a difficult time telling what he wanted.

      For the comedic scene, I thought you did a good job. I thought you played it lightly and kept up a good pace. I didn’t feel that you were as believable in the role–I didn’t feel as though your character had as much of an investment in what he was doing. You might consider keeping the lightness but trying to ground your character a little more.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Michael,
      Really great to see you do two monologues with such range. It looks like I’m one of the few who liked the first one more, so I wanted to highlight a few things that you did well in it. You got the pain across in a way that I found quite touching. To slightly modify the lyrics of the classic Harry Nilsson’s song “Without you” for the sake of this discussion, “you (sometimes) smile but in your eyes your sorrow shows. Yes it shows.” A little rock n roll side tangent, but only because it relates, and because, you know, why not!

      That kind of thing is hard to pull off, and I thought you nailed it. You also had nice moments where you struggled to find the words to say, and watching internal conflict like that can be more poignant than crisp articulation. The critiques that others mentioned are valid, but they are little technical details. You pulled off a challenging scene with heart, and congratulations are in order for that.

      You’re comedic piece is also strong. You were more animated in that one and had fluid shifts in tone, both of which are pluses when doing comedy. Then there were the little moments like the gesture to the tie where you use an action to bring in a beat.

      Impressive work and I hope you get the opportunities to take on the challenging parts that you clearly deserve.

      • Michael David Anderson says

        Wow I’m absolutely speechless, I think your words shot me straight through Cloud 9! Thank you so much for your incredibly thorough feedback and critique on both submissions, not to mention taking the time to host this event and keep things running smoothly. It really is truly a wonderful opportunity to not only learn from one another, but to also strengthen our resolve and improve through targeting our mistakes. Like I said to Laura, if you can’t integrate the critique of others, how else will you be able to fine tune yourself and move forward? Recently I’ve been struggling to find work opportunities here in the Mid-Atlantic region, but reading that last line from you really provided that motivational spark I needed, because those challenging parts that I dream about, I know in my soul I can make truly unforgettable. Thanks again so much for this wonderful opportunity and I hope to stay in touch with you as my career progresses.

      • Michael David Anderson says

        Thank you thank you thank you Shelby! Your kinds words really mean a lot, and well done on your submission as well, your emotional connectivity to the piece was sincere and authentic. Best of luck to you!

    • Creek Wilson says

      Hey Alicia. Great Monologue!! Enjoyed the intensity and made me want to get in my truck and drive fast and fierce!!! Great work! Keep it up!

    • Barry Hanley says

      Hilarious Alicia. Ricky Bobby would win that bloody race for sure. Behind every man there is a better woman. ha ha.

    • Chip Carriere says

      Wow Alicia, I loved it. Great work and the end had me fired up and ready to my car out to own the roads or maybe hole-shot every Mercedes driving soccer Mom around Mandeville. I haven’t seen your work before but let me say that I am very impressed. Great job!

    • Laura Cayouette says

      Great casting. There’s some good solid work here and your objective seems very clear.

      Now that you know what you want, it’s time to play with ideas of how you get it. As I wrote to Barry Hanley, “Even watching a teen in the mall say, “Mom, can I please get this? Please?” can teach us volumes. How many tactics does the teen use? Flattery? Begging? Logic? Blackmail? Bribing? Sulking? Guilt? I could go on because if the kid really wants that thing, they could try MANY tactics before changing what they want or accepting defeat.”

      To take this to the next level, think about the many tactics your character might employ and try a bunch of them out. Good job!

      • Alicia Davis Johnson says

        Thank you Laura! I really appreciate the feedback and agree it would be fun to try to take it in some different directions.

    • Shirley Tregre says

      Alicia Davis Jones I keep trying to comment to yours and it goes to Amy Himel Gomez so I hope you get this. I think you should have taken a longer break between your question and your monologue. I did not have time to say what and you started your monologue. Other than that good job.

    • Anastasiya Rul says

      Alicia, by now I have had a pleasure to enjoy your work, and this monologue once again proves your talent and perseverance! I loved the building up energy and intensity encouraging ultimate motivation and inspiration to go and do things! Fierce, funny, and powerful… are just a few words to describe my impression of your character. Great work!

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Hey, Alicia! Great choice–the monologue really works for you! I like the way you build through the levels–it worked very well.I thought you nailed your character’s conviction and cheerleading in a good way. Is that your natural accent, because you maintain it beautifully and consistently. For a while, I thought that you were taking the monologue in a completely different way from the way you ended up, which I enjoyed tremendously. I’d love to see you tackle a dramatic piece–you did an excellent job with this piece.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Alicia,
      There’s a nice build to this. Persuasive with solid comedic beats. Also, because no one else said it and because I sometimes like to say what others won’t, way to play up the sexual tension to persuade your man to be a man. Yeah, I saw what you did there! I understand that taken in moderation, sexual tension can be rather persuasive, to certain husbands, anyway.

  48. Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

    Hey, Erin! Good monologue choice–it really suited you. You seemed a little uncomfortable at the very beginning, perhaps? Your eyes shifted in a way that seemed inconsistent with the rest of your movements. And I liked the way that your whole body seemed involved with the story, although you should probably be careful about too much “violent” back and forth motion. But your engagement was captivating, and really make the monologue enjoyable.

  49. Donnie Pierre says

    Donnie Pierre
    New Orleans, LA
    Discovered this challenge on Nick Savides FB page
    Feedback is always welcome!!

    • TJ Buckner says

      Excellent work! Very emotional…very passionate…very moving! I especially loved how you wrapped it up…almost brought a tear to my eyes.

    • Rene Luterbach says

      Wow I’m speechless! Great character, emotion is high, and I can really picture the surrounding just by the dialogue. You got it!

    • Andre Leblanc says

      Great job Donnie! You’ve got good instincts when to pause a beat, excellent control over your emotions and voice, very strong facial expressions, and just a commanding presence in front of the camera. Keep it up and the sky, nay, the universe is the limit!

    • Renee Cucullu Acosta says

      This young lady has captivated me! Her raw emotion and fresh talent is rare and I follow her shows and each one brings something new and exciting! DONNIE PIERRE is definitely on her way!

    • carlos guevara says

      Great work Donnie actually made me think of what I am doing to help the planet out

    • Chris says

      Excellent Donnie! An emotional depiction of a desolate future! An impassioned plea to the heart of mankind to take heed! Well spun!

    • Joshua Drane says

      I really loved the excellence in delivery with your expressions and vocal intensity. Also the way you raised your intensity as you reached the climax and dropped to a matter-of-fact tone for the conclusion, but never leaving the root emotional state. Great work Donnie Pierre!!

    • Johnathen Banks says

      Wow! Just pure raw emotion! I love it!
      I felt what you were feeling and it gave me goosebumps.

    • ashtonhanson says

      good job!…you showed a wide range of emotions and seemed to transition smoothly between them all…no awkwardness….which is usually my QUE to turn it off or change the channel. You even pulled out tears! (wonder what you had to think about hmmmm)….great job though!!!

      • Donnie Pierre says

        Again….thank you all…@ Ashton…When I become that character I really feel what they would feel…It also helped because it kinda fits what our world is coming to if we don’t killing the earth……

    • Bruce Penton says

      Excellent work as always Donnie. Great choice for you. Very believable. Expressive, in the moment work. I would expect nothing less of you. Great job.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      You have a great look for lots of different types of casting. If you work hard and study, there should be plenty of parts you are “right” for.

      As I wrote to Nicholas earlier, you are clearly filled with feelings. That said, the most effective performances are when the audience feels. This means taking things to the next level with specificity and detail in everything you’re saying and what it means to you personally, what you want from the other person and the tactics you use to get it.

    • Clyde Williams says

      I found this quite interesting. I like when you started talking about, “down here.” At that time, I understood where I was and was engaged in the conversation. Very expressive. Useful changes in tone and tempo. Consistent vibe throughout, with feelings appropriate to the dialogue. Brought a lot of power to the ending. Nice.

    • missalaine says

      Your background brought out your captivating and unique eyes. Such a beautiful monologue for the time of year. Love and solidarity, you know how to impact a viewer.

    • Donnie Pierre says

      Thank you all again….so very, very much. I decided to share with you another monologue that I just filmed about an hour ago…hope you enjoy and yes feedback is welcomed…it is just for fun and passion but feedback is welcomed and appreciated. Thank you

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Hey, Donnie, I am writing this after watching your first monologue but before watching the second. I really liked the first one–I feel like you chose very, very well and had an incredibly powerful delivery. I wish you had given yourself time to work up to the main emotional level instead of starting at one level and then maintaining it–but that may partially be the cut and where it started. I was happy to see the shift in intensity at the end–everything in the character was very clear, the resignation, the weariness, and I thought you played it all to the best effect.

      I was distracted when at one point you almost moved out of the frame, though. I would be a little more careful about that.

      You plainly are very talented. Congratulations on a terrific job!

      • Donnie Pierre says

        Thank you very much…yeah…the character is getting ready to leave…that is why is almost moved out…thank you so much for the honest feedback…I really appreciate it…

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Hey, William! This was a good choice for a monologue–it suited you in a lot of ways. You had some technical problems, all of which have probably been said in other comments, but for what it’s worth, you need to place your “scene partner” very specifically. It’s distracting when you as the actor don’t have a focal point which is still (for the most part). You have a tendency to look up quite a bit, too, as though you were trying to avoid either looking at the camera or at the person you were talking to.

      You have a good voice–I think the next step would be to work on levels of intensity and emotion. Your character seemed to be almost monotonously even though most of the monologue. Why is he telling this story? What does he want his “scene partner” to do? What action does he want to elicit from him? Those are questions that might help you build some intensity and depth to your character.

      This was good work, William!

    • nsavides says

      Hi Donnie,
      Nice to see you submit a monologue that lets you showcase your abilities but also one that seems to convey some things you believe in, as Veleka suggested. In any case, your distress and admonitions are quite believable. I would have liked to get a better sense of your character’s relationship to the listener, though.

      Thanks for submitting your other monologues as well. Since they’re longer than 3 minutes, those other two aren’t eligible for the challenge, but they do show your range. Would be fun to see more of the Betty Mae character at some point.

      • Donnie Pierre says

        Betty Mae can be seen live and in person at various bars in the Metairie/Kenner area, and will soon be headed to the stage with her sketch comedy show, including herself, Becky Butcher, Dick Manly, Cecil Smiley, Ralph and Marge Stoner, and many more!! Look us up and follow us around the NOLA area!! LOL!!

    • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

      Welcome, William! It’s cool to see some new monologues going up. This is really good. I’m no expert on this, but those who are may give feedback about eye line. I think they like you to look just left or right of camera to address your scene partner. I loved your energy in this. It seemed very appropriate. Good luck in all you do!

      • William Gautreaux says

        Thanks! That helps. It’s my very first doing something like this, so I knew there would be something that I would miss not doing quite right. I’ve always been in the chorus of a show (on stage), of an opera chorus, etc. I’ve never really acted in front of a camera other than being an extra in a movie or television show with no lines. This was a surprisingly fun learning experience for me though. I’m looking forward to more comments.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      This is great casting for you and you’re off to a good start.

      Be very clear who you’ve always wanted to say this to in real life (substitution) and what you want from them (objective). Separate yourself from others who take on this monologue by allowing your personal experiences to color the tactics you choose to get what you want from that person.

      A technical note that has no bearing on this competition but could be an issue if you were submitting this as a self-taped audition – always put the camera horizontal like a TV screen. Many casting agents will reject your self-tape if it’s positioned this way.

      Also, establish where the other person is early. It’s great that you placed your face so that it was well lit and facing camera but it took me awhile to figure out where the other character was so it seemed at first that you were unfocused. Place the other character slightly to the left or right of the camera early so when you look off to gather your thoughts, we still know where he is.

    • nsavides says

      Hi William,
      Some decent moments, but the number of times you shifted your gaze felt like you were trying to avoid a prolonged connection, rather than sustain one. I can relate. As people, we sometimes try to shield ourselves from difficult confrontations, but as a performer you want to work past that and let us see the more private sentiments in more accessible ways.

    • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

      Hi, Jim – great to see more people joining in the project. Welcome! I think you did great here. The sound level was a little low at points, but I think you’re tapping into a character that seems to work well for you. Good luck in all you do!

    • Laura Cayouette says

      This is excellent casting for you and you handle the scene very well. If I were casting, you’d definitely get a callback. You’re confidence with taking your time and “sitting into the scene” really works for this part – as does the explosive reaction midway through.

      That said, there is a technical issue that could cost you in a self-tape audition situation. For the purposes of this challenge, it’s fine, but the sound on this piece is very low. Some casting directors would throw the whole tape out just for that.

    • Shirley Tregre says

      Remember to keep your voice level–don’t go so soft to where the camera can’t pick it up. Your voice went too low for the mic on your camera to pick it up. Towards the end it would have been more believable if you had been a little more gruffer than so soft spoken. Otherwise good job.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Jim,
      I liked how you started with wry amusement and slowly transitioned into something more menacing. Gave your scene some tension.

    • shelby faciane says

      Wow Jim, this was an amazing choice for you. You did this very well. You were marvelous to watch!!

    • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

      Hi, Jenn! Thanks for sharing your work with us. I loved Birdman & you have a really good take on the character. You seem like you really know what you’re doing – great job!

    • Barry Hanley says

      Great work Jenn. Unsettling scene and every Dads nightmare! Very expressive eyes. Keep up the good work.

    • Kevin J. McGrath says

      Hi Jenn! I think your work in this monologue is nothing less than fantastic. Keep up the awesome work and BreakLegs! in all you do:)

    • Laura Cayouette says

      Great work. Your objective was clear and it felt very personal. The “pregnant pause” was a tad long but that’s just personal taste. You kept that moment just as emotionally rich as the others – which is not easy to do with no dialogue. Well done.

      This is very good casting for you. You actually have a look that should work for a lot of parts.

    • Veleka Gray says

      Jenn, great job! If you’re going to play with it, find different subtexts to use to change how you deliver it. It’s a wonderful monologue that would lend itself to anything you think up.

    • Sam says

      Beautifully dynamic and truthful. Your choices were clearly the disciplined work of a trained and naturally intuitive actor. Best of luck.

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Good job, Jenn! You have a wonderful look for this kind of part–the monologue seemed very well chosen for you! You have great, every expressive eyes. You should capitalize on them even more than you did here. The eyes really are the windows of the soul, and yours are very easy to read.

      The only negative I have is that your gestures tended to be a little repetitive/ It wasn’t a lot, just be mindful that the same gesture used too many times detracts.

      Good work!

    • nsavides says

      Hi Jenn,
      Enjoyed watching your take on that Birdman scene. I liked your transition from amused disbelief to sadness and you had a nice range of emotional textures throughout. Good job.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      The biggest note I have is regarding anticipating or “playing the ending.” What that means in this context is that you seem pained from the start so that we are at all times clear that you’re unhappy about the outcome. It’s good to take the audience on the ride with you so they can come to your conclusions as you do (sometimes even ahead of you).

      As a technical note for self-taping auditions (though it’s fine for our purposes), it’s best to look a little to the left or right of the camera. Looking straight into the lens is usually reserved for testimonials or “breaking the 4th wall.”

    • Veleka Gray says

      Rhonda, resubmit using Laura’s notes. You seemed too pained. This monologue is ironic… like the character you played in our class film, “Reunion”. Laugh as if you’re drinking champagne and life is just a bowl of cherries. Then when you drop the bomb at the end, we’ll laugh and be charmed by you. Give it a go!

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      Hey, Rhonda. This is a good monologue for you, but it seemed short. I agree that playing to the end can be a problem. The audience will know where you’re going much faster than any of us assume.

    • shelby faciane says

      Rhonda, I remember you from my first showcase with Veleka and seeing you there was great, and seeing you here was great!! Awesome!!

  56. Elesia says

    Hello. I’m Elesia Marie. I live in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Comments are welcome. Referred by my great friend Face Book…

    • Laura Cayouette says

      Really terrific. Great work. Specific, well-paced, full of life and details.

      This seems to be good casting for you and you have a versatile look that’s right for lots of parts.

      I did have a technical question. Are you speaking to 2 different people? If not, the eyelines confused me.

      • Elesia says

        Thank you so much Laura.. I was only speaking to one person. My other eyeline was just me thinking, but I know they were kind of all over the place… something for me to work on… Thank you for your time and feedback 🙂

        • Laura Cayouette says

          You’re very welcome. I think my confusion came because you chose the same spot to the left during the thinking. I was clear on your eyeline at first, then I began to wonder and eventually decided – oh, there must be two people. It’s fine to look off and think and sometimes the things we have to say are so difficult that we can’t look the person in the eye. I guess in this case, it might have been better to place your thought-looks a little lower or higher.

          All of that said, never underestimate the power of speaking directly to someone, letting what you said land, then letting their reaction affect you. That’s powerful stuff. Try doing the whole thing without ever once looking away and see how it feels. Then you can find the moments where you really feel the NEED to look away. Add those back in.

          Since you have a lot of talent (and maybe training), I’d push you to do another layer of work. When you’re thinking about your reactions to doing the monologue without looking away, ask if those moments you wanted to look away were your personal stuff or were in keeping with your character. Sometimes the line between you and the character is thin enough for it to not matter (and I’m guessing this part isn’t all that different from you). Other times, we are playing people very different from us. When you’re playing someone very different from you, you have to find the ways they get what they want, the ways they behave. So, if the looking away was because it fit with the character, keep it and find a way to make it work. If it was just you-doing-you, maybe you don’t need it so much to play the character.

          Only by trying things different ways can we know what will take it all to the next level.

          In case any of this has confused you, I want to be specific. I actually love the looking away during, “I’m yelling’ and I’m screaming’…” and how you can’t bear to open your eyes with, “and when I tell her…” But many times (For example at :18, :25, 1:30, 1:37), you seem to be looking directly AT something, not just looking for thoughts. It in no way detracts from your performance which I think is very strong, but it confused me as a viewer and that wasn’t your intention so it’s good to work that out for yourself.

          • Elesia says

            I’ve rewatched it several times and I see what you are saying… I will definitely go back and do some homework and try to apply the things you’ve pointed out (especially working on eyelines 🙂 ) Thank you again for taking so much time to evaluate my performance and give me feedback…

    • Kevin J McGrath says

      Hi Elesia! You’re so good! I loved your confidence, taking your time…Very professional. Keep it up!

    • Marie Delahoussaye-Diaz says

      I really liked this, Elesia. I liked the way that you held a really high level of intensity while still being very quiet–it created a wonderful tension. I liked your body placement and the way that you moved very deliberately. You have a way of using your entire instrument (body, face, voice) in concert that really makes your performance great. You chose a good monologue that worked well for you. Good work!

    • nsavides says

      Hi Elesia,
      Solid work here. You bring in an impressive range of emotional beats to the scene and vary the pacing enough to keep the monologue moving through key points. Congratulations.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      You did well with this piece. It was good throughout and really kicked in about halfway through. I believed many of your specifics (something you may have noticed I’m tough on in the comments). To take it to the next level, go back and add another layer of personal specifics and details. You are definitely on the right track.

      I’m not sure about this casting for you. The main reason I say that is that you are seriously adorable – so as much as I enjoyed watching you take these guys down a peg, I kind of wished I could see you in something like a romantic comedy.

      A technical note that has no bearing on this competition but could be an issue if you were submitting this as a self-taped audition – always put the camera horizontal like a TV screen. Many casting agents will reject your self-tape if it’s positioned this way. Also, it’s best to look a little to the left or right of the camera. Looking straight into the lens is usually reserved for testimonials or “breaking the 4th wall.”

    • Kevin McGrath says

      Very nice, Kernesha! Keep it up! I agree with Laura, in that you are so stinkin’ cute!–love to cya do the romantic comedy thing. Keep up the good work:)

    • Shirley Tregre says

      I did not see you as the type you portrayed. Trying doing a different brand. If you want to pursue this brand then you may need to get a harder shell so it comes out in your monologue. Otherwise your monologue and performance was good.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Kernesha,
      Your monologue shows spunk and personality. Fun to watch, but at first it felt like the guys you were referencing were hitting on you, although the line about the “dumb country bumpkins” suggested you might have a more antagonistic relationship with them. There was a bit of a disconnect between your attitude and the words you were saying, for me.

  58. Joshua Overbay says

    There was something really organic about this. I can’t put my finger on it…

    Initially, to be honest, it felt a little pushed and affectatious. But then I started to really buy in.

    Your work shows great potential. If I were casting something, I could definitely call you in.

    Josh

  59. Jared Antoline says

    Hi, I’m Jared Antoline, I live in Zachary, La and I heard about the #Know Monologues challenge on Ryan Glorioso’s facebook page. My monologue is from Kramer vs. Kramer. public feedback is welcome, Thanks.

    • Elesia says

      that was very heartfelt… one thing, you turn your head very far to the side quite a bit which made it difficult to fully see what your face is doing… 🙂

      • Jared Antoline says

        Thank you Elesia. I didn’t really think about turning my head so much. I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks again for the insight.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      Though this part was for an urban person, I actually really like you for the casting.

      This is a tough piece for a lot of reasons, some of them technical. In an average scene, you have one or two people you’re talking to. In this scene, you’re addressing the judge, the lawyers, the jury, your ex-wife and the courtroom at large. I think you handled that difficult technical terrain well. It might be good to try it with fewer eyelines than you used but I certainly understood who you were talking to and what you wanted from each of them.

      This is good solid work. To take it to the next level, find more personalizations to make each beat real for you. Every detail your character mentions is an opportunity to find something that connects the moment or detail to you personally.

      As a side note, it doesn’t matter for the purposes of our challenge but when self-taping for auditions, it’s critical to have enough lighting. Many casting directors will reject a tape solely because they can’t see the color of your eyes.

      • Jared Antoline says

        Laura,
        Thank you so much for the pointers. I really appreciate your insight with the monologue as well as the technical aspects of the video. Thanks again.

    • Veleka Gray says

      Jared, nice work! The well of your feeling was clear and deep. You made me want to vote for you keeping Billy.

      Since everyone is bringing in monologues for class next week, if you want to try some other ways of playing this, that would be great.

      Two recommendations. First, when you got excited, you leaned into the camera and would be going through focus as per what Michael Caine says in his video. And second, try not to use your hands unless it’s carefully planned for the sake of continuity.

    • Shirley Tregre says

      Your slate was loud and then when you went to your monologue and you dropped your voice down 2 notches. Look to the left or right of the camera. You have to look up–imagine someone is standing in front of you–would you look at the floor when you talk to them? Swinging your arms makes a swishing sound. Imagine that really was your wife you were talking to when you do your monologue—-would you really be that nice? Otherwise good monologue and good job.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Jared,
      I like your deliberate, thoughtful tone here. Agree with some of the other comments about your eyeline.

    • Erin McCluskey says

      What a lovely choice Teresa! I love how you can tell how much love and excitement is in your heart through your eyes, your laughter, change in pitch and the occasional moments of introspection. Such a lovely and unexpected ending too when you can clearly see the hurt that memory still inflects on you. Thanks for sharing!

    • Wade Smith says

      Great job of scene choice from the new release “Ricki and the Flash” Meryl Streep look out here comes Teresa Alvarez…

    • Laura Cayouette says

      Great work. Very detailed. Very specific. Only you could have done this part this way.

      That’s really the goal when we audition. We know that only one person will get the job – but that doesn’t mean the rest of us are wasting our time. That means the rest of us are being given an opportunity to show the powers-that-be what we’re capable of, what we bring to the table. We are being given an opportunity to be unforgettable. That’s how you can turn a minute into a moment and a moment into a career, as my book title says.

      You’ve done all the hard work on this piece already. If you want to continue working on it, I would play with the pacing. Try doing the whole thing in 1 1/2 minutes. Then try doing it in 3 1/2. What changes when you have to get it all out urgently? How do you fill the empty spaces when you have extra time? Is any of it useful? Find the moments when rushing to get something out helped your character get what she wants from the other person and try to add those moments into your final take. Then do the same with anything that helped your character get what she wants from the other person when you explored having more time. Not only can it add yet another layer on your already well-textured piece, it might create a rhythm for the scene that takes it to another level.

    • Veleka Gray says

      Teresa, your performance here shows how much you have developed your talent since you joined The Actors Alliance in 2008. It’s simply wonderful. You found so many harmonics to play, and your emotion was true and touchingly raw and moving.

      One suggestion. Consider foreshadowing the end by creating a note of irony in the beginning. I believe that would be a master touch to have your audience wonder about the dark subtext.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Teresa,
      This has a playful, youthful quality that was fun to watch and feels specific enough to work as recollection of a vivid memory. I don’t always connect with monologues where there is a lot of smiling–I sometimes suspect that is the result of coaching which insists on like 30 smiles a minute for the sake of superficial appeal–but I didn’t feel like that here. Your smiles felt genuine and appropriate for the recollection. They also helped to set up the twist at the end of the monologue, so nicely done.

      • TJ Buckner says

        Great work! Very believable when you broke down and nearly cried at that point. You’re one of my two favorite actresses and, like the other, have a wide range of character possibilities you can portray…from the very weak and vulnerable to the very strong and untouchable. You weren’t losing me at any point, which is good, but when you got to the “breaking down” point, you REALLY drew me back in! Well done!

    • Tia says

      This is fantastic young lady!! You’ve got a bright future of acting!!! You are my favorite! Would love to see more work from you! Great job!!!

    • Laura Cayouette says

      There’s some very strong work here. You are at your best when you finally let it all hit your character but your character fights to stay in control of her emotions. I’ve mentioned a few times before on this page that as important as it is to be emotionally available and be able to “feel” on camera, it’s even more important to get the audience to feel. Your choice to have your character not want to show that vulnerability was very strong and worked well. It gave me the opportunity to feel FOR you.

      That said, there is a technical issue that could cost you in a self-tape audition situation. For the purposes of this challenge, it’s fine, but the sound on this piece is terribly low. Many casting directors would throw the whole tape out just for that.

      Also, it’s best to look a little to the left or right of the camera. Looking straight into the lens is usually reserved for testimonials or “breaking the 4th wall.”

      • Ariane Perideaux says

        Thank so much Laura! I am going to invest in the necessary equipment to improve my sound quality, and I will definitely change my eyeline for my next audition. Thanks again!

    • Veleka Gray says

      Excellent, truthful work, Ariane. I couldn’t hear much of what you said, though. The audio was too low and it sounded as if there were frogs there. Did you add them as sound effects? If so, may I suggest you don’t add them? All I want to see is you. One other suggestion. Make more eye contact with the character you are talking to. When you look at them, you compel me to look at you.

      • Ariane Perideaux says

        Thank you Veleka! No, I was having audio issues but I just bought a new mic so hopefully next time 🙂 I won’t have this issue again. I laughed at the frogs comment because it does sound like that, oh man lol. Thank you again for your feedback! 🙂

    • Shirley Tregre says

      Parts of your monologue I could not hear. I also heard the frogs Veleka heard. Next time look at your video and then close your eyes and play it again. You will hear what you don’t see and vice versa. I do that to all my auditions. I listen to it without video, I watch it without audio, and then I watch it with video and audio. If I don’t like it I redo it. Just a suggestion. Good monologue and good job.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Ariane,
      I really connected with you by the end. Powerful moment when you were trying to laugh off a painful recollection. It’s just that the audio was distracting at the beginning, and I couldn’t quite make out what you were saying at first. The hiss coming in and out was the auto gain control of your camera. See if your camera allows you to manually set the audio levels in advance. If not, you might consider getting someone else to do future recordings for you. We’re not grading your camera recording skills here, but it is a factor when the recording makes it hard to understand what you’re trying to communicate.

      • Ariane Perideaux says

        Thanks Nick! I have purchased the necessary sound equipment to help with future auditions. I really appreciate the feedback and thanks again for the opportunity for us to showcase our monologues! 🙂

    • Laura Cayouette says

      First of all, you’re adorable. That was a very sweet and human introduction.

      You have a strong instrument. I’m using that term thinking you’ve had some training, though it’s clear you have a natural knack for this. You made good choices and owned the material well. There were lots of levels and we got to watch your character have reactions and make decisions “in the moment.” Good work all around.

      I don’t like comparing an actor to another actor but I was struck by how much you remind me of Mary Louise Parker. Her look, sure, but it’s more your “essence” and some mannerisms and expressions. I say that because we all need to know where our casting sweet-spots lie and I think you could be cast in any part she’s been cast in. ALL ACTORS need to know which parts they are best for and other actor’s careers can help us sort that out.

      • Sam says

        Thank you, Laura, for taking the time and effort to watch and evaluate each entry. I lol’d at the Mary Louise Parker comment! Thinking back, I HAVE always been drawn to her choices and “essence” as an actor, but our similarities had eluded me. You’re right – it helps tremendously to see ourselves objectively concerning casting. And, I’ve struggled with where exactly I fit. Thanks for the feedback!

        • Laura Cayouette says

          You are very welcome. I fear you may have enjoyed the last day of me having that kind of time for ALL of the entires. We’re so excited that lots of people are entering this last week but I may have hit my wall for getting to everyone. Early birds and worms…

          • Kevin J. McGrath says

            What Sam said….I’m learning so much from watching everyone’s efforts and reading your feedback, Laura. Really invaluable advice and it’s a mind-blower the amount of time and energy you’ve spent watching, analyzing and critiquing. I know we all are extremely appreciative:)

    • Kristin Brinson says

      That was too real!! Don’t ever do that again… I mean well done!! I’d like to see more!!!

    • Kevin McGrath says

      This was really fun to watch, Sam. You have a lot of power that comes through the lens. Keep up the great work!

    • Rene Firesheets says

      Wow! that was amazing. I wanted to watch the rest of the movie. I was hooked! Hope to see you in a theatre near me real soon!!!!

    • Mary Ann Puckett says

      You are a delight to watch! Expressive eyes! A captivating soul…..you are in your element!!! Keep sharing your gift with us, it is so special!

    • Veleka Gray says

      Wonderful job, Sam. Very touching and great emotional expression.

      Since I believe my job is to offer you useful feedback, how about next time you do this monologue you seek forgiveness from the character you’re addressing? You SAY no one can forgive you, but you still SEEK it from the other one. It would make a nice dichotomy and add to the irony.

      • Sam says

        Thanks for commenting, Veleka! I love the thought of her still going after the forgiveness! It would have a totally different vibe! And, may not rip my heart out as much as her realizing she’ll prob be alone forever – ha! So lovely to have the opportunity to receive specific feedback from the accomplished leaders in our film community

    • nsavides says

      Hi Sam,
      Quite an endearing performance. As Laura suggested, smart choice to start with a warm slate. It shows how friendly you are and contrasts with the more dishevelled, angst-ridden part you play. You let some of the painful notes linger, and that got me leaning in by the end. A respectable submission. Congratulations.

  63. Canopo says

    Carlos Nobleza Posas. Baton Rouge, LA. Yes, I’d like public feedback. Nick Savides referred me to the challenge. This video contains some adult language.

    • Canopo says

      My background lies in theater. I’ve recently added the following film and TV credits to my name: Waiting Dead (11-foot Pole Productions), Meltdown (director: Barry Cunningham), The Reaper Chronicles (Onez Films), and Get Ready: Woman’s Hospital (Dallas FX). My upcoming project is to focus on the Meisner approach, so I’ll be joining Wayne Pere’s on-going class!

    • Laura Cayouette says

      You have a great look and there’s a lot of really good work here.

      To take it to the next level, focus on your objective (what you want from the other person in the scene) and substitution (person you want that objective from in real life). In particular, I had a hard time telling who your character was talking to. Whether it was a stranger or someone your character knew, whether they were an authority figure or someone your character relies on for help like family or friends. Because I didn’t really get a clear picture of who your character was talking to, sometimes it was hard to tell what your character wanted from them (your objective). Try different ideas for objectives (which ALWAYS come first) and substitutions and see which ones makes the scene feel most dynamic.

      All of that said, you did good work throughout.

      • Canopo says

        Thank you for the feedback, Laura! I see what you mean when you say defining the other person in this piece more clearly would take it to the next level. Really good work is my aim, and I’m always looking to improve.

      • Canopo says

        Thank you, Barry! I felt powerful and powerless at the same time, a contradiction I was happy to achieve.

    • Kevin McGrath says

      Very good, intriguing to watch. Keep up the great work, and have fun with your Meisner studies!

    • Veleka Gray says

      You’re a very exciting, compelling actor. I have only one other note: slow down. You are rushing over your moments, which are deep and rich and full of passion. i want to be drawn in so I can enjoy you.

      • Canopo says

        Thank you, Veleka! The next time I perform this monologue, I’ll take beats where they pop up (organically) to draw in the viewer.

    • Shirley Tregre says

      Sounded like the crickets in the background for part of it. Maybe close your windows and doors next time. Some points you were going a little too fast. Good facial features, good monologue, and good job.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Carlos,
      You do a good job of conveying someone trying not to face difficult emotions by maintaining an in-control, detached demeanor. It provides notable contrast when you do allow your feelings to come through, like when your character momentarily acknowledges the past and the outburst at the end. Thanks for sharing some of your background, and I’m glad that you are continuing to take classes to refine your abilities.

    • Kevin McGrath says

      Hi! Nice job–I really liked the change toward the end! Who were you talking to? Keep up the good work:)

    • Veleka Gray says

      Woo woo, Shirley! Good job!! You can soften anyone’s heart with your tears, just as you softened mine in our class films “Cabin Fever”, “Making The Grade”, and “Blood Relatives”.

      Two suggestions. First, with this monologue, I think you could be holding up a mirror and talking into it since it seems you are talking to yourself. Second, I’d like to see you start playing more powerful mature women, such as “Mildred Pierce” or even “The Heiress.” You are a gifted actress. Experiment with the darker, richer colors in your artistic palate.

      • Shirley Tregre says

        Thank you Veleka. A lot of this is because I had a great teacher teach me how to perform. I will start experimenting with the darker, richer colors you suggested. Yes I think it would have been more understandable who I was talking to if I had had a mirror in my hand. I learn from my mistakes. Thank you for your critiques and suggestions.

    • Susie Labry says

      Shirley, very interesting, got me involved and love the way you threw an arch and popped out of it and I loved your ending, had be at first believing Jason would be lifetime and serious and loved the way you just turned off the switch and went to God, loved it. Susie

    • Shirley Tregre says

      Thank you for all your critiques, praises, and comments. How can I improve if someone else can’t tell me what I am doing wrong? I want to be the best I can be. You all have been great on here. I know there can only be one winner–but as the acting world says “Break a leg.”

    • Carmen says

      Ms. Shirley, I am Conway Solomon’s mother and he was trying to watch and reply to you when the site went down. Now he is in school, with rehearsals after school, homework, and an all-day film related class Saturday. I wanted to be sure to tell you that he enjoyed all of your comments across the board, some of which made him laugh for their outright honesty. You call ’em like you see ’em and who can ask for more! 🙂

    • nsavides says

      Hi Shirley,
      There’s an earnestness to your delivery that I found quite touching. I like that you allowed your character a moment of victory and a smile at the end. Nice way to put a cap to the scene.

  65. Jason Edwards says

    Jason Edwards
    From New Orleans, LA
    I was invited by Jerry Katz

    Monologue from Beverly Hills Cop 3

    I would love feedback on this.

    Thank you!

  66. Emily Miller says

    Emily Miller
    Ocean Springs, MS
    I heard about the contest by Jason Edwards.
    I would like public feedback
    Jason Edwards told me about this contest.

    Editor’s note: contains profanity

    • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

      Amazing job, Christopher Smith (I see we have 2 Chrristophers back to back here, so wanted to make sure you knew this is for you), Absolutely LOVED this – made me laugh & tear up too. What is it from? It seems familiar & like excellent casting for you! Thanks for sharing. You’re terrific!

    • Laura Cayouette says

      There’s some really good, solid work here. But I first want to address the casting as that’s an area of emphasis for this challenge. You carried the weight of this scene well but I feel you’re are a bit young to carry weight with the stuff about having lived your life. I think “Imperial Dreams” is a good fit for you. Same richly textured character but a young guy fresh from jail with one kid he’s raising on his own while living in a car. (Brilliant movie if you haven’t seen it).

      Okay, now to the work – which is impressive. You took me on a ride. I even laughed at the part about not getting into heaven.

      To take it to the next level, play with the level of tension. I know your character’s whole thing is that he’s calm in this moment (and you did a good job of owning where that might come from) but you could elevate the whole scene by trying different exercises to find moments where you can increase and decrease the tension.

      As I suggested to Theresa Alvarez, try doing the whole thing in 1 1/2 minutes. Then try doing it in 3:15. What changes when you have to get it all out urgently? How do you fill the empty spaces when you have extra time? Is any of it useful? Find the moments when rushing to get something out helped your character get what he wants from the other person and try to add those moments into your final take. Then do the same with anything that helped your character get what he wants from the other person when you explored having more time. Not only can it add yet another layer on your already strong piece, it might create a rhythm for the scene that takes it to another level.

      You can also try doing the whole thing KNOWING that he DOES have bullets and could call your bluff at any moment. Find the moments when you think he might pull the trigger. Try adding that layer and see how it affects things and if it creates more urgency for your character to get what he needs from the pother person.

      As a technical note for self-taping auditions (though it’s fine for our purposes), it’s best to look a little to the left or right of the camera. Looking straight into the lens is usually reserved for testimonials or “breaking the 4th wall.”

      There’s also too much lighting. It overexposes in the camera a number of times. Also, and this is just nit-picky, the camera is a bit low so your chin seems high sometimes. Many times, it’s part of how your character displays his acceptance of the situation and his power in it – but because the camera is low, we lose your facial proportions and our connection to your eyes. I say it’s nit-picky, but the truth is tiny things like that can make it harder for the viewer to connect with your work so it’s good to practice and get a sense of what works for camera.

      • christopher Smith says

        The Oppertunity is more than appreciated.The levels I could have taken it has still overwhelmed me didn’t want to go to far from real action and hollywood, the lighting made sense cause of the room & time of day camera was preset thank you again Laura Cayouette key points taken GodBless.

    • Kevin McGrath says

      Great work writing and delivering that monologue, Christopher. very poignant and strong. Keep up the great work!

    • Veleka Gray says

      Christopher Smith, good job! I loved your anger displacing the fear you really must be feeling that your life could end any moment. Suggest next time you try to “sell” him more… overwhelm him with talk… so that when you back away he’s in a quandary about what to do… follow you, shoot, or move on. I think that would add to the tension of the scene and make us care more about what happens to you.

    • Elesia says

      very nicely done… i really enjoyed it…i just wish it was a tighter shot so i could see your face better… and of course as others mentioned… the lighting… 🙂

  69. Christopher M Silva says

    Christopher M Silva/New Orleans, LA/feedback welcome/Adapted from ‘Jerusalem’ by Jez Butterworth (English colloquialisms have been replaced to suit an American audience). Flavorful Language

    Found a mention about this challenge floating somewhere across Facebook, specificities escape me!

    Thanks!

  70. Kelsey White says

    Hello!

    Kelsey White, Baton Rouge, public feedback is ok, and I saw posts about it Facebook.
    This monologue is from the film “Maggie”.

    Thanks!

    • missalaine says

      Saw a short piece of your monologue on Instagram… and here it is! Those eyes, lots of expression. I’m fearful, which in this case, is a good thing! And on a sidenote, your teeth are well cared for.

      • Jason Stanly says

        haha! thanks again for the positive comments. Jack is the reason I started acting way back in high school and I’ve wanted to do a monologue as such for a while. I thought this was a great showcase to share a wild one. Psychos don’t often pay much attention to their whitening toothpaste do they, Alaine? 😉

  75. Lydia Williams says

    Lydia Williams
    Long Beach, MS

    I would love feedback!

    I was invited to submit by Jason Edwards.

  76. Kevin J. McGrath says

    Hi! I’m Kevin J. McGrath. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and thank Nick, Laura, and every one involved with this contest, including all the brave and talented participants! This has been such a great exercise for me and I’m proud to have gotten it done! I also thank my friend Morgan Roberts for giving me some great coaching and taping me. Thank you, Erin McCluskey! for posting info about #KnowMonologues Challenge! I’m grateful to have worked with you, Erin, and hope to do so again in the future. Good Luck, Everybody! This monologue is from City Slickers, written by Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel. I invite your constructive criticism and feedback. I live in Biloxi, Mississippi, and am often in NOLA several times a week. I love my community at The New Movement on St. Claude Avenue. So, here it is; I hope you like it! Yikes!

    • missalaine says

      You really made me feel for you, the only thing I can say is to be mindful of your eyeline. A lot of times I couldn’t see your eyes because of where your focus was. At 1:10 you had my heart breaking, lady.

      • Shannon Nicole says

        I completely agree with you. We did three takes with slightly different eyelines for each. When I played them all back at home, I felt like this was the strongest take despite my eyeline being a little low. Then after reading some of Laura’s comments to the lesser experienced actors who are reading into the camera and finding that she didn’t seem to mind too much for the purposes of this competition, I decided to take a chance and post this take. In an audition situation however, I could not agree more. Definitely too low. Thank you for watching!

    • Steven Anderson says

      Nice work Shannon. The eyeline didn’t bother me as I justified that you were speaking to someone in a bed and I felt fully connected to you. If I were forced to give constructive criticism, it would be from a directorial not process point of view. I thought you were honest, outward directed, and present in the silences. You could have, as a choice, made the relationship more intimate, something only to be shared with “Bud”, that you’re speaking for his benefit not yours. Another opportunity would be to play with the Let It Be True that you don’t want to him to see how much it hurts you to see him in this condition. That would have caused more containment in you and more focus on taking care of him, which in turn would have made the emotion more about him than you. But again, really good work.

      • Shannon says

        Thank you all 😀 And I completely understand what you mean, Steven. I’ve been thinking about re-filming and resubmitting this. Whether I do or not, I definitely want to try it that way. Thank you.

        • Sean Richmond says

          Really nice moments throughout, esp in the silent moments. A quite strength. Nice work Shannon.

    • Andrew Silver says

      Wonderful work, Shannon. I found myself really moved when watching this, though I had no idea about the context of the monologue. You made some really raw and honest choices that felt very natural and compelling to me. As Scot rightly said, you show lots of terrific range, but it doesn’t feel like you set out to show terrific range for a short monologue. It feels like someone working through pain, suffering, admiration, love. Good, deep stuff!

    • revhale98 says

      Shannon, great job. I agree with the previous comment on the eye line. It’s important, for me as the watcher, to see the struggle the character is going through. Conflict is what we look to artist to go through. I would’ve liked to see your eyes more. I am glad you chose an emotionally challenging piece. Continued success!

    • Stephen Brodie says

      Really nice, Shannon. I teared up, myself, just visualizing your story of the two candles. I think it might be nice to try and fight to keep your emotions in prior to that, and then let telling that story cause you to lose control of them a little.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Shannon,
      Powerful work. A brave choice for the monologue. It is the kind that could fall flat if the sorrow is forced, but you were sincere and, at times, heartbreaking.

  80. Jordan Salloum says

    Hey guys, Jordan Salloum here. I am a local NOLA actor. I decided to do Robin Williams mono from Good Will Hunting. Any feedback is welcome. I was fortunate enough to work on a few films with the talented Ms. Laura Cayouette and Mr. Schneider, and they referred me to the contest.

    I understand that my mono is too long and the language is inappropriate (WARNING: there are a few f-bombs) so I completely understand that my mono will be ineligible for the competition and that is fine with me. Nevertheless, any feedback is welcomed. Thanks everyone!

  84. Russell Giacontiere says

    Hey guys my name is Russell Giacontiere, I am a New Orleans actor and I would love public feedback and I heard about this through Nick Savides and thank you Nick and Laura for this great opportunity. Thank you!

    https://youtu.be/Bsj1wUeYfc8

    • Kevin McGrath says

      Great Job, Russell! It did feel like you were speaking to a specific person, and it certainly made your scene seem real. Were you totally down with the words? I couldn’t tell a couple times if you were ‘thinking to yourself’ or searching for a word. Thanks a bunch for sharing this, which happens to be on of my favorite monologues and, I think, one of Matt Damon’s finest scenes. Keep up the good work:)

    • Veleka Gray says

      Russell, that was amazing work. Your memory seemed so real, as if you were making it up on the spot. And at the end when you let the pain show, I was even more impressed.

      If you aren’t working in films now, you should be. Show this video to your agent. Excellent!!!

    • Charlynn White says

      RUSSELL GENE AND TERRY!!!! Didn’t your mother ever teach you not to make a girl cry?! Ugh. My heart. Loved it.

    • Clare Masa says

      Russell, I don’t usually curse, but after I watched this, I was like… “Damn…”. Wow. Your monologue has just wowed me, and makes me want to kick my butt into gear. YOU seriously brought your A game. You have “it”, and you do “it” like nobodies business. VERY well done.

    • Laura Cayouette says

      I agree with Veleka that you are ready to be a working actor if you’re not already. This was a very good casting choice for you and you made strong choices throughout. The character was genial and light-natured but clearly grounded in a moment throughout the scene. Well-paced and subtle without losing intensity.

      My only tweak would be the branches of the ugly tree moment. I’m not sure if you needed a stronger personalization for the woman, if you needed to make that language your own through the character or if you just needed a “pick-up” (a take to redo just that moment to be edited in later if this were a film). Whatever is at the root of why that moment may have felt like the weak link for me, to take it to the next level, I would go ahead and try other ideas for making that woman more real for you or decide if you just need to choose an uglier woman to fuel you for the moment.

      Really good work.

      • Russell Giacontiere says

        Thank you so much Laura for everything you do for us! Thank you for the kind words means a lot! Yes I agree, I think I could have used a stronger substitution for the girl and taken it to the next level for sure, that was my mistake, but thank you for your help and honesty and helping me grow and get stronger with my craft!

    • Michelle West says

      Wonderful job, Russell! I am honored to have the opportunity to see how much you have grown from the beginning of class until now! Keep up the great work, my friend! You’re on a great track :). Plus, you had me all teary at the end haha!

      • Gina Comeaux says

        Great job Russ!! Impressive!!! You are so talented!! It has been amazing to watch you grow and master your craft! Don’t forget the little people when you hit the big time! 🙂

  85. Susie Labry says

    Susie Labry from Ponchatoula, Louisiana, Monolog for Ms. Saunders in Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. I want to invite the public and everyone to please reply and critique my monologue, like, and share to all our friends and invite them to critique. I want to thank Jency Griffin Hogan for filming it for me and thank Nick Savides for referring and for providing this opportunity for us from Louisiana to showcase our acting talent in this great #KnowMonologues Challenge.

    I want to thank Actress Debbie Murphree for helping me read and practice. Monologue was Ms. Saunders as she convinces and encourages Mr. Smith to stay in Washington and continue to serve as US Senator as his honesty and service benefits her, his Constituents, and Country. I want to thank all who serve as Judges and those who reply/comment, so we can hone our skills and keep polished so we can do our best.
    Louisiana Proud, Susie

    • kevin mcgrath says

      Hi Susie! I really enjoyed your performance–you were talking to a real person, and the beat changes were great, natural and compelling. Thanks for sharing your talent! Aand, I wish to thank you very much for your relentless advocacy for us all in Hollywood South! Thank you, Ms. Labry:)

      • Susie Labry says

        Thank you so much, Kevin, for your feedback. Appreciate, and very glad to be an advocate, as it is my passion to stand for all the people I love and love working with.

    • Veleka Gray says

      Susie, wonderful, natural presentation. I could see Mrs. Saunders’s heart was in her words… just as Susie Labry’s heart is in hers. As John Alfone once said, Louisiana is blessed to have you advocate for us. As a political influence and as an actress, you are tops.

      • Susie Labry says

        Thank you so much for your feedback, Veleka. And thank you for helping me develop my acting and life skills and talents in your classes. Your feedback means a lot. Thank you.

    • Deborah Murphree says

      Susie, you are an inspiration to me as an Actress. This scene portrays your genuine love for people and for the craft of Acting. You were certainly believable. Your delivery of this monologue brought me to tears because it was straight from the heart.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Susie,
      Such a good choice for you. It fits your personality and your political involvement, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is one of my favorite films. This is a tricky monologue because it takes a lot of earnestness to make it work. Overall, I think you pulled it off. At the beginning it felt like it took you a moment to settle into the character, and there was one moment later in the monologue where I could see you trying to remember the line, but you transitioned smoothly back into character. Nice job as a whole.

      Thank you for picking a monologue with such sincerity. A nice counterbalance to some of the more cynical submissions and to the cynicism of our culture at large. These days I can use all the reminders I can get of what our ideals used to look like. That helps to ward off the cynicism, at least for the moment.

    • TJ Buckner says

      That was fantastic, Susie! Very natural and believable! You were NOT Susie Labry in this performance…you WERE Ms. Saunders. You wrapped yourself around the character, and wrapped the character around you like a familiar overcoat…you became that character. This is something all actors strive for, but few accomplish. Fantastic work!

  86. Susie Labry says

    Susie Labry, Actress from Ponchatoula Monologue for Role of Ms. Saunders in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington convincing and encouraging Mr. Smith to stay in Washington as US Senator. I have it set public so I invite the public to please reply and share their critique to my monolog. I want to thank Actress Jency Griffin Hogan for filming my Monolog. I want to thank Nick Savides for referring me to participate and for sponsoring this #KnowMonologues Challenge, which gives us the opportunity to hone and polish our skills and to give us Louisiana Actors an opportunity to showcase our Talents. Thank all the Judges and Participants for participating with replies and critiques. Louisiana Proud, Actress Susie Labry

    • kevin j mcgrath says

      I really enjoyed that, Katie! Very funny-the reveal-of that character being, well, a narcissistic sociopath I guess! very funny:)

      • Mary Steele-Stieffel says

        Katie, what a unique & bizarre character. You seem to fit it well casting wise, ha ha. I actually found myself relating to her just a little, But would never do that to my darling husband because he doesn’t like getting lotion on his hands. 😉 You played it well – nice and understated, giving it that wonderfully creepy element. Love the pearls & the teacup. :)What a funny play that must be. Nice job!

  89. Kevin J. McGrath says

    Hi! I’m Kevin McGrath from Biloxi, Mississippi. I welcome all public feedback/critique regarding my monologue from Indecent Proposal, screenplay by Amy Holden Jones from the book by Jack Engelhard. Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for your help with this, Morgan Roberts, and thanks to Erin McCluskey for sharing the #KnowMonologues info with me.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6olTa3ZnNT0

  92. Deborah Murphree says

    Deborah Murphree, Actress from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Monologue for Role of Aunt Mae in Spiderman II. I set it public so Everyone, please share your feedback, which I will appreciate. I want to thank Jency Griffin Hogan for filming this for me. I thank and appreciate Actress Susie Labry for referring me to participate in this #KnowMonologues Challenge. Thanks Nick Savides for providing this opportunity to showcase our Talents and to show what Louisiana has to offer. Louisiana Proud, Deborah Murphree Link to Monologue:

    • Donnie Pierre says

      Deborah I absolutely love your introduction and true kind words…this did show that Louisiana has a lot of strong talent and I just know this challenge has helped inspire actors and connected people in the film industry. Thank you!

    • Susie Labry says

      Debbie, this Monologue is BEAUTIFUL. You are very inspiring and encouraging. Your beautiful blue eyes show up well on this and soothes us with comfort and you are inviting. You monologue is sincere from the heart just like in real life when you encourage one to keep going and not to give up. Very real, very authentic. Photography, sound, colors, and lighting is professional and superior. This role is an excellent one for you and choosing this role for you is wise. Played it over and over. Very proud of you and glad you are competing in #KnowMonologues Challenge. On top of that you are a great acting partner and I enjoy working with you. Louisiana Proud. Keep up the good work. –Susie

      • Deborah Murphree says

        Thank you Susie for your encouragement. I truly appreciate your kind words and thank you for helping me with this monologue!

    • Lynnette Page says

      OMGosh! You were so serious, I think I heard your voice crack with emotion- I know you made me want to cry. (I need Spiderman, too.) I just love your southern accent!!

    • Jeana says

      You are a great artist Mrs. Murphree in acting. Very well done. Your expressions, and the tone of your voice made it real. Being an actress is your thing. Keep up the good hard work. Women like you is what inspires me.

    • Kevin McGrath says

      Hi Adam, that was really great delivery! Very fun to watch; you did a superb job! aand I’m not prejudiced just because FBDO is one of my top ten films! just a tech point I’ve been told–turn your camera sideways to record–will get a full frame of you! Rock on:)

    • Laura Cayouette says

      This is good casting for you and you handled the material very well. You also have a great look for many types of casting in your age range.

      Since this was such an easy monologue to find on the web, I did something I wouldn’t normally do – I watched the original. First I watched your whole video once then I watched half of the original, then all of yours, then the last half of the original. All monologues get compared with others but I realize it’s potentially harsh to compare yours so directly.

      Both times I watched yours, I thought the “on a day like this” moment was an opportunity to take this to the next level by really letting yourself see the day. Do a sense memory exercise the next time there’s a particularly play-hooky type of day so we see the day your character is seeing, feel the pull of it calling your character, see the absurdity of expecting your character to show up for anything other than this amazing day. This weekend is supposed to be glorious so take advantage of it.

      This is one of the rare monologues where it’s appropriate for you to speak directly to the camera. This character often breaks the 4th wall throughout the film but this monologue opening the film is often used as an example of that concept. Eye contact with the camera becomes essential in this context as you are making the camera your witness and confidant. You did very well with this. (There were a couple of moments the first time through when I wondered if you were glancing at the monitor).

      Perhaps the best thing to come out of the direct comparison was watching the original version of “I could be the walrus” after having already watched yours. You nailed that moment and his choices seemed weak in comparison. Given that is many people’s favorite line from this monologue, I’d say that’s high praise.

      • adamburch says

        Laura! Thank you so much. Amazing feedback. I will take every bit of that and apply it to my future choices. I couldn’t agree more with the “day like this” line. I see exactly what you’re saying. Very much appreciated:)

  94. Anastasiya Rul says

    Hi, my name is Anastasiya Rul. I am originally from Belarus, but have lived in New Orleans for the past five years. Any public comments are welcome!

    My incredible acting coach Jerry Katz referred me to the challenge, and amazing Laura Cayouette encouraged to proceed with it.

    The monologue is taken from a short film written by young and talented Daniel Bogran. What you are about to hear in it is true about me, and maybe some of you who don’t know me very well will learn about the other side of me. Thank you!

    http://youtu.be/ESpJdzArTKs

    • Bruce Penton says

      I think this is some good stuff. Only downsides are the low volume and the framing. I believe you are doing a great job here but it’s hard to see and hear. If you get a chance to do a re shoot I think all of us will be able to see your expressions and hear your voice. you are a good actor, show it off a bit better and you will get some really positive response. Keep it up, you have talent! Peace.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Shelby,
      This is more subdued than other work I’ve seen you do, and I like seeing you do something different. You had the look and tone of someone haunted by the past, and that works for this monologue.

      While we’re not judging based on camera technique here, I suggest that for future submissions you change the orientation of the camera so that it horizontal. That way no vertical bars on the side, and that might allow you to get more of a close up from the camera.

  96. T. J. Buckner says

    T.J. Buckner
    Metairie, LA
    Charlie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator (Excerpt to fit 3 min time frame)
    Feedback more than welcome!!

      • TJ Buckner says

        Thank you, Barry! The relevance is why I chose that particular monologue…that, and because I was fairly certain no one else was going to do it!

    • Andre Leblanc says

      Wow! Great camera presence, strong emotions in your face/voice, superb instincts with your beats, and you project your voice very well (much to the dismay of your poor mic. lol). I liked how you modernized Charlie Chaplin like that! Excellent job!

      • TJ Buckner says

        Thank you, my good man! You obviously have very discerning tastes! LOL!!! But, seriously, and in all…humility…thank you so much! I can but try…

          • Donnie Pierre says

            T.J. did all of these monologues this past Sunday….he could not decide which one he wanted to be “The Submission” so we filmed 7 altogether…he decide The Great Dictator would be the submission after looking back at them….but we wanted to share his amazing talent right here…on a good platform….for all to see…

    • Bruce Penton says

      Very courageous choice with the Great Dictator, consistently regarded as one of the greatest monologues ever, and the greatest performance of a great and legendary actor. You delivered this well in your own style with tremendous arc and fearlessness. Great job.

  100. Kevin J. McGrath says

    Ever get a little frustrated? I know I do sometimes, but THIS guy coming up…..oh, boy. I’m Kevin McGrath from Biloxi, MS, and this is from The Shining. Thanks Erin McCluskey for posting about #KnowMonologues and Morgan Roberts for your great help.

    Editor’s note: contains profanity

      • nsavides says

        All good. I only mention it for the f-bombs. Trying to keep our operation semi respectable for the children and such!

        It’s been impressive to see your range, Kevin. I like how you made yourself more dishevelled and erratic in timing, compared to your other submissions. You have some of Jack’s mannerisms in this, which works for you, but you changed it up enough to make it personal and keep it interesting to watch.

  101. missalaine says

    Hey ya’ll I’m Alaine Huntington, and I currently reside in New Orleans. I learned about the challenge through the most excellent Erin McCluskey, Manon Pages, and Mary Steele. Was also inspired to actually submit by several participants. I welcome any ideas on how to improve, and thanks in advance!

  102. Jack says

    Clare, although I’ve only known you for a short time, the moment you walked into the RRA GROUP meet up and delivered the many improvisations and monologues, I knew you were a special, hardworking and dedicated actor. I love this monologue choice and and the character you developed.

  103. Mary Steele-Stieffel says

    Just want to say it’s exciting that so many folks have joined in the fun – a lot of friends whom I haven’t really ever gotten to see do a piece before too! I can’t WAIT to watch them all. Forgot to mention that I wanted public feedback on my 2 submissions. (Mary “Steele” Stieffel). Being as it’s hard to be objective about my performance, I’d SO appreciate any advice on which I ought to make my “official” submission for judging. I’ve been trying to go to watch new submissions on the site & can only view 2 that have been up a long time, but I think the activity on the site has just jammed it up a bit & I know Nick/experts are working on it. So if you have a chance, please let me know what you think of the 2 I did. I promise to watch/comment on yours & good luck to everyone. I think we all are winners just for participating, making new friends, learning & growing in confidence. Happy Labor day, btw!

  104. Lewis Elder says

    My name is Lewis Elder . I live in Greenwood,La. Any comments or feedback on my monologue is greatly appreciated thanks.

      • Jack says

        This has to be one of the best performance that I have ever seen you do. I love this piece, good job Lewis.

    • Bob says

      Lewis this is an amazing monologue. You became the character and made me believe. So many actors do not have this ability but you truly do. I would buy the ticket to the movie you are starring in. Hands down the best of these monologues.

    • Pat says

      This is phenomenal! I am extremely impressed. I have not seen acting like this in many years. It is hard to believe this was done in one take. You should make it to the very top of your profession with ease.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Lewis,
      You have a certain stillness and thoughtfulness that works for your monologue choice. An effective choice to lean in at a key moment.

  105. Josh Matsuya says

    Josh Matsuya/Walker/Public feedback more than welcome!/referred by Jerry Katz/monologue from How I Met Your Mother
    Hopefully I’ve done this right!
    Link to monologue:

  106. Paula Shreve says

    Hi, I’m Paula Shreve from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and welcome feedback. I heard about the #KnowMonologue challenge on Nick’s Podcast, as well as on Laura Cayouette’s website/blog and various FB actor group pages. Monologue: 9to5

    Thanks y’all!
    https://youtu.be/m4KTdD7bmWI

  107. Carol Ann Scruggs says

    I wrote this monologue called Perfect Match. I’ve also expanded it to a screenplay.
    Here’s my info:
    Carol Ann Scruggs
    New Orleans
    I do not want public feedback
    Referred by Laura Cayouette
    Thanks for the opportunity!

  108. lisa gp says

    Hello, I am Lisa G Plaia from N’awlin’s, y’all!
    Feed back??? Go ahead… critique away!
    Referred to the #KnowDialogues by Jerry Katz.

  109. Bianca Siplin says

    My name is Bianca Siplin. I reside in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. My monologue is from the “Amen Corner” playing the role of Margaret. Feedback is welcomed. Thank you for referring me Nick Savides.

    • Susie Labry says

      Jency, this is BEAUTIFUL performance as it knocked me to my knees and and it has brought me to tears and made me angry at the guy you are talking to for doing this to you and the World. After listening to you, I wanted to go after that guy for his wicked ways, abuse, and wickedness and for robbing you and the World from God’s blessings. A+++ SUPERIOR performance, To me this is a winning Monologue!!! Susie.

  111. Manny Fajardo says

    Name: Manny Fajardo
    City: Baton Rouge
    State: Louisiana
    Editor’s note: contains profanity

      • Bruce Penton says

        There is something mesmerizing about you, the way you look at the camera. Made me want to watch. The pace was somewhat unsettling, then the ticking had me on edge (good job), then when the ticking stopped….deafening silence. I like your acting, you are indeed an actor. I’d love to see something from you with a little more abandon, something a little more expressive..this is not to say the I don’t like this monologue. You have me interested enough to want to see more of you. Peace.
        DON’T STOP

    • Alaine Huntington says

      Heather Jacoby, you are captivating. I’m not sure what magic happened on the screen at 2:30 but I love it!

  114. Casey Groves says

    Hello Everyone! My name is Casey Groves, and I live in New Orleans. Nick let me know about the Challenge. Thank you! I would love public feedback on my monologue. I’m playing the role of James from the play, “Time Stands Still,” by Donald Margulies.

    Thanks Y’all!
    Casey

    Editor’s note: contains profanity.

    • Bruce Penton says

      Hey Casey! Man, I think you are a solid actor! You have power in your presence. You are going to hear some critique about the profanity and sexual content but I have a feeling that you, like myself may have submitted a monologue that suits you personally..your style, your personality, your “wheelhouse” of talent. I think you did a good job on the acting in that you are believable and watchable, which in the end is good acting.

  115. John Parsons says

    John Parsons / New Orleans, LA / No public feedback / Jerry Katz

    Note: Written by Ken Ferguson and Anonymous

  116. Bruce Penton says

    I am Bruce Penton. Currently Baton Rouge/NOLA, heading to ATL to work on a series there early in October. This is a monologue from Open Range performed in the film by Kevin Costner. Maybe not a huge arc to it, but a monologue I relate to and enjoy doing. My approach is a minimalist one for this one. I’m shooting for believable and organic. You are welcome to comment. Not “in it to win it”, just in it for the fun and experience. Encouraged to join in the fun by Mary Steele-Stieffel, Donnie Pierre, my wife and a few others.

    • Bruce Penton says

      Good to hear from you, Lad! Thank you for the complement. I have been wondering what you’ve been up to. I hope all is well with you and that your career is going well. All kidding aside I see in you a force of creativity waiting to be set free. I hope you are getting chances to let it show. Thank you again.

  119. Shirley Tregre says

    Shirley Tregre / Denham Springs / Public Feedback Welcomed / Nick Savides and Teresa Alvarez were my referrals

    Editor’s note: Shirley would like to submit this monologue for the competition.

  120. Alaine Huntington says

    I’m Alaine Huntington, and I currently reside in New Orleans. I learned about the challenge through the most excellent Erin McCluskey, Manon Pages, and Mary Steele. I submitted a second video thanks to Mary Steele and any feedback is greatly appreciated.

  125. Teresa says

    Shirley I love this second video and appreciate how you took direction from Veleka and went with it. Love it

    • nsavides says

      Nicely done, Deanna. Wasn’t sure how far you were going to take that TSA bit, but thankfully you didn’t cross the line into bad taste and kept it amusing. The little details sell the character. I suspect the qualities you display are just the ones that would get you hired by the TSA, should you ever need to supplement your acting income. Just saying, there are options for you.

  128. Stephanie says

    Loved both of your monologues Deanna Meske! Creative and original, I liked the improv TSA stunt too, super funny!

  129. Lauren says

    I always love watching you Deanna Meske, you are inspiring, so natural on camera and I love that you created both of those monologues on your own, great work! Loved some of the other actors too!

  130. M. Serrano says

    Shannon that was fantastic, so raw and truthful. I found myself thinking about how precious, and fragile, our connections with loved ones is. Thank you for sharing something beautiful and intimate.

  131. Kathy Fraser says

    Way to go Deanna Meske – nice character creation and loved the gun shots too plus that Southern accent is really good especially since you are from Northern CA 🙂

  132. Jordan Salloum says

    Hey guys, Jordan Salloum here. I am a local NOLA actor. I chose to do Marlon Brando’s mono from On The Waterfront. Any feedback is welcomed. Thanks everyone!

  133. Jordan Salloum says

    Hey guys, Jordan Salloum here. I am a local NOLA actor. I chose to do Tom Hank’s mono from Saving Private Ryan. Any feedback is welcomed. Thank everyone!

  134. Courtney says

    That was fun to watch. Your portrayal of the character was interesting. I felt like timing could be tweaked a little bit, but that’s about it. I will be looking for more videos from you on YouTube.

  135. Shannon says

    Shannon Nicole, here. Figured I’d throw in my first take for good measure. My eyeline is up a little so that should ease those comments. I also start out a little lower emotionally, which I prefer. But I personally feel like I like my first submission better. Thoughts?

    • nsavides says

      Hi Ronnie,
      I enjoyed watching. I felt like I could understand a complicated relationship based on your emotional shifts. Your placating tone toward the end really conveyed your character’s struggles to be patient with a difficult partner. An effective choice for the material. Nicely done.

  137. Hunter McGregor says

    Hunter McGregor
    New Orleans
    Public feedback welcome
    Referred by Nick and Jerry
    This is a monologue from Treme. I know I need to add a disclaimer about monologues with profanity, but I saw Laura quoted the end line of this monologue on someone’s FB page a week or two ago, so I figured it was fair game. 🙂
    Editor’s note: Contains profanity. Viewer discretion is advised.

    • nsavides says

      Hi Hunter,
      I like the music and down-to-earth moments in Treme, so I can overlook the shows excesses, which I consider this kind of dialogue to be. Separated from the show’s redeeming qualities, it is harder to take in isolation. The kind of unmitigated rage on display here is the dramatic equivalent of a singer who screams into a microphone for minutes at a time and calls it music. It works for some people but lacks subtlety and variation to be very interesting to me, and I believe the prevalence of that kind of attitude harms our society. Also, you’re submitting a contest piece that insults those from other places who might be in the position to evaluate your work for the competition, a questionable strategy. Since I’m running the challenge, I won’t be judging the submissions, but as someone born in New York, I find the comments about New York to be in bad taste.

  138. Nathan Efferson says

    Nathan Efferson / Baton Rouge / Public Feedback Welcomed / Nick Savides and Screenwriters Down South were my referrals.

    • Paula Shreve says

      Nathan, that was very good! You pulled me in and could visualize everything you showed me about that day. What movie or play is that from?

      • ShirleyTregre says

        Awesome audition. Have you seen Nathan Peterson’s version? Try doing one showing emotions like he did. You were the same monotone throughout it all or did you mean to do it that way? I liked this one. I am just saying to try it in different tones and speeds.

  139. Jordan Salloum says

    Hey guys Jordan Salloum here. I am local NOLA actor. I chose to do Robin Williams mono from Good Will Hunting. Any feedback is welcomed. Thanks everyone!

  140. Jordan Salloum says

    Hey guys Jordan Salloum here. I am a local NOLA actor. I chose to do Tom Hank’s mono from Saving Private Ryan. Any feedback is welcomed. Thank everyone!

  141. Jordan Salloum says

    Hey guys, Jordan Salloum here. I am a NOLA actor. I chose to do Tom Hank’s mono from Forrest Gump. Any feedback is welcomed. Thanks everyone!

  142. Anna H Watt says

    Anna Watt | Abita Springs, LA | Public feedback would be greatly appreciated. Anything commented will help my growth and understanding. Thank you. | Overheard of Challenge sitting in class at Dean West Acting Studio | Dr. Maya Angelou’s “I Am Human” interview
    I am Bilingual-Spanish/English –from Baja California Sur, Mexico

    • Jason Gallagher says

      I have to repeat what Mary said…that was absolutely wonderful. You are so delightfully expressive & beautiful! The only thing I would suggest is to look directly at the camera sometimes. It felt like you where addressing an audience in a room. If that is what you were going for, you nailed it! Well done.

  145. Sophia Czajkowski says

    Sophia Czajkowski, Denham Springs

    Editor’s note: Sophia’s mom, Carrie Czajkowski submitted the note below on behalf of her daughter.

    I am not a writer but we came up with this monologue together. This is one of her few times on camera with a monologue but we didn’t want to miss the opportunity! Any feedback is certainly appreciated.

    She is 8 years old and we live in Denham Springs. She is currently in her beginning year of acting classes with Debby Gaudet of Young Screen Actors. She has been background in two movies. During the filming of Daddy’s Home, she was chosen to do a scene with Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell during their Daddy/Daughter dance scene. Mr. Wahlberg throws his coat to her. They shot it a couple of times so we will see if she makes the cut. The second movie she was also there for background but was selected to be the daughter of one of the main actors. He was pretty impressed stating that in the script he didn’t have a family until that scene. It was a wedding scene. She really loves it and enjoys learning as much as she can. She quickly realized though that she wants roles. She understands the work needed behind the scenes.

    She takes classes in dancing, and acting. She was formerly in theatre and vocal classes.

    Thank you again for allowing her submission. Here is the youtube link.

    http://youtu.be/2IlF6r-ySnQ