Monologues and Auditions

by Spencer Duncan

Name: Spencer Duncan

Unit Title:Monologues and Auditions

Unit Objective:Students will demonstrate an understanding of the audition process by preparing for an audition as an actor and a casting director.

Learning Level:8-9thgrade, intermediate junior high

Student Prior Experience:semester of beginning drama

2014 Standards:

TH:Pr5.1.8.a. Use a variety of acting techniques to increase skills in a rehearsal or drama/theatre performance.

TH:Re9.1.8. a. Respond to a drama/ theatre work using supporting evidence, personal aesthetics, and artistic criteria.

TH:Pr6.1.8.a. Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.

TH:Re8.1.8.c. Apply personal aesthetics, preferences, and beliefs to evaluate a drama/theatre work.

Essential Questions:

What do auditioners look for from actors in an audition?

How does practice improve performance?

What do we do when we don’t succeed?

How do I select an appropriate monologue?

How do I prepare for an audition?

Big Ideas/Enduring Understandings:

Rejection is not always a personal attack.

Knowing a system enables one to achieve within that system.

There are practical applications to class activities.

Key Knowledge & Skills: analysis, performance, interpretation

Authentic Performance Tasks:

  • Character Analysis worksheets
  • Monologue Feedback sheets
  • Monologue Rubric

Lesson 1: Auditions

Objective:  Students will demonstrate an understanding of theatrical auditions by applying learned information to the preparing of a good and bad audition.

 

Lesson 2: Character Development

Objective: Students will demonstrate an ability to select and prepare appropriate audition material by working on two contrasting, teacher-approved, one-minute monologues.

 

Lesson 3: Rehearsal/Casting Prep, Day 1

Objective: Students will demonstrate an ability to prepare for an audition as a director or actor by engaging in preview performances or collaborative textual interpretation.

 

Lesson 4: Rehearsal/Casting Prep, Day 2

Objective: Students will demonstrate an ability to prepare for an audition as a director or actor by engaging in preview performances or collaborative textual interpretation.

 

Lesson 5: Casting Day 1

Objective: Students will demonstrate their ability to give and evaluate performance through participating in an audition process.

 

Lesson 6: Casting Day 2

Objective: Students will demonstrate their ability to give and evaluate performance through participating in an audition process.