MONSTER MONOLOGUES
In-Class research days October 16th (B Day) and 19th (A Day)
In-Class writing days October 20th (B Day) and 21th (A Day)
Presented October 22th (B Day) October 23th (A Day)
Students will collaborate on a list of famous male and female monster/scary characters/bad guys (i.e. Frankenstein, Chucky, Ursula). Once the list has been completed and reviewed by all the students, each student will pick one character and write a monologue as that character. No more than 2 students per class block may choose the same character.
Students will dress in the character they are portraying. Costume stores are full of costumes during the month of October and home-made costumes with creativity will also be accepted. Monologues with contemporary style clothing (Jason, Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, Jennifer, Norman Bates) must have a mask, a prop or something visually unique to that character. Please note that weapons are not allowed on school campus.
During the research days, students will go to the library during class time and research their character. The monologue must include at least 5 historical sentences on their character such as who created them (author, screenwriter; Mary Shelley created Frankenstein, Stephen King created It), when were they created, what was their creator’s/author’s inspiration, did someone play you in a movie. If you select a real person all of your information is historical fact.
Following the research day, students will have one class block to write their individual monologues and practice performing them. Monologues must be a minimum of one minute but should not go over 3 minutes. Your written monologue will be due on the WRITING day but will not be turned in until the day you perform. If you write/type it at home, bring it to class on the writing day.
The monologue does not have to be memorized but it cannot be read from your paper (or your phone). Facial contact with the audience is important and will count towards the Presentation grade – even if you’re wearing a mask. If your character has a certain voice (Dracula) or mannerism (Mummy) this would be part of Character Interpretation. For more modern monsters, theme music will be accepted (Jason).
GRADING
Ready on Due Date 40
Costume 40
One-Minute Time Used Fully 30
Character Interpretation 30
Historical facts 30
Voice: volume, pitch, tone 30
TOTAL 200 points
*Religious conflicts will be handled on an individual basis.