Name: Theatre 1-2
Monologue Breakdown Example
I. Beats
A beat is when there is a change in an idea or emotion. For each monologue put a line in between each beat. When an actor understands the beats in a piece of work they will understand the necessary rise and fall of their piece. For example:
Norton: You are not a qualified surgeon. / You are proof of one thing, Edward. / The requirements for diploma in most medical schools are shoddy and inept. / Your father was my late wife’s cousin. On that basis and his insistence I took you on as a student. Why you should wish to be a surgeon is beyond my comprehension. / When you were my student you were frequently absent, / your work in dissection was pathetic, and your attitude questionable at best. / No use turning your capacity for cleverness on me. I know you for what you are. / A wastrel, a gambler, a seeker of pleasure. / There is one thing I cannot abide. A dilettante surgeon. / I would as soon have Lucifer himself sitting in my class.
1. You are not a qualified surgeon. *Norton is angry at the blackmailer’s insolence.
2. You are proof of one thing, Edward. *Calm, collected, and confident.
3. The requirements for diploma in most medical schools are shoddy and inept. *Break the blackmailer’s confidence.
4. Your father was my late wife’s cousin. On that basis and his insistence I took you on as a student. Why you should wish to be a surgeon is beyond my comprehension. *Angry at having to take him on as a student in the first place.
5. When you were my student you were frequently absent *Pointing out obvious in disgust.
6. your work in dissection was pathetic, and your attitude questionable at best *Disgusted at attitude.
7. No use turning your capacity for cleverness on me. I know you for what you are *Smiling at being able to call him out.
8. A wastrel, a gambler, a seeker of pleasure *Simple, cold, powerful
9. There is one thing I cannot abide. A dilettante surgeon *Slowly getting angrier
10. I would as soon have Lucifer himself sitting in my class *Yelling, infuriated
II. Blocking
An actor’s movement (blocking, business, gesture) is just as powerful as an actor’s voice. For each monologue using blocking shorthand for blocking or describe the movement used to enhance each beat in your monologue.
1. You are not a qualified surgeon.
Bring arms together and fling them out to represent not
2. You are proof of one thing, Edward.
Short X SR while keeping eyes on focus point
3. The requirements for diploma in most medical schools are shoddy and inept.
Stop, face focus point, put hands on hips
4. Your father was my late wife’s cousin. On that basis and his insistence I took you on as a student. Why you
should wish to be a surgeon is beyond my comprehension.
Gesture at focus point and gesture towards self while X CS Point to floor (on that basis. . .) Gesture at focus point (Why you. . .) Gesture towards head (My comprehension. . .)
5. When you were my student you were frequently absent
Gesture to focus point, bring hands together
6. your work in dissection was pathetic, and your attitude questionable at best
Clench right hand and cover left hand over right to conceal anger
7. No use turning your capacity for cleverness on me. I know you for what you are
Bring arms out palms straight out, point to blackmailer
8. A wastrel, a gambler, a seeker of pleasure
Bring left hand down and clench right hand in fist
9. There is one thing I cannot abide. A dilettante surgeon
Bring hand up and make a one sign, clench fist and throw hands to the side
10. I would as soon have Lucifer himself sitting in my class
Clench fists and X DS
Name:
Monologue Beat Breakdown
Use this sheet to document the change in emotion for each beat in the monologue. Please type or write your emotion changes in a different color.
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Monologue Blocking Breakdown
Use this sheet to document the blocking in the monologue. Please type/write blocking in a different color.
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