Moments

I work with one of the directors for a Sioux Falls high school and we enjoy talking about shows that we have seen, are in the process of doing, or just find interesting.  I was excited on Saturday when he brought in the script for the One Act show that his school is doing.  It is an original script called "Moments" that is made up of monologues written by the actors.  The whole process for this show sounds absolutely fascinating.

For auditions, he asked each actor to come in with a prepared monologue of their own writing.  If you know anything about auditions, then you know how intimidating they can be.  You are putting yourself out their with the hopes of a role and the fear of rejection.  Usually you can bring in a prepared monologue of your choice or the director will have you do a dry read, where you are handed a script and read/act through it with other auditioning actors.  I have so much respect for the students who chose to take on this challenge and the amount of vulnerability they showed.

Ten students were cast along with two understudies.  They were assigned multiple monologues with prompts throughout the production process.  These monologues were then picked through and revised, some switched between actors, and ultimately formed into a One Act.  There are also scenes written in so as to create a flow and interaction between the characters.

I was blown away by the script.  After reading it I just want to meet the kids and get to know them.  The honesty that they bring to the script is absolutely inspiring.  Reflecting on the script and the process has given me many ideas should I ever choose to direct.  I would definitely keep in mind the talent and creativity that my actors have and do my best to encourage it throughout the process.