Well, In-depth Night is finally here. It’s been a rough couple of months for everyone in so many different ways. Thank you for being here participating in this modified version of such a large-scale project, whether you are a teacher, parent, mentor, student sharing your work, or anyone else who has taken the time to be a part of this experience. This community of people is what has made it possible to redirect goals and visions and turn them into something that is, although also a first, exciting.
For the past five months, I have been directing an in-depth acting study based mostly around monologues. I contacted a former teacher, Mandy Tulloch, to ask if she would be willing to mentor me throughout this process. Although Mandy and I fell out of touch a while in because there was so much going on with Covid-19, the few times she was able to pass on some ‘words of wisdom’ were incredibly valuable to me, even beyond this project.
For a little while, I’ve been working on one monologue that I chose a while back. I’ve done my best to implement different techniques and skills that I learned over the course of this project into this monologue. For example, I’ve worked with beats, memorization, and even a bit of improv in order to connect this monologue to my own experiences. Although it’s by no means perfect, I know that no monologue or piece will ever be perfect; there is always more to be learned!
Feel free to check out this video of one of my monologue recordings.
Thanks for tuning in, and again, for being here tonight. Also, I’d love it if you left a comment or question for me:)
Enjoy the rest of your viewing!
Great work! This is so creative, I love the monologue! What was the hardest part of this experience for you? Also, are you planning on acting more in the future (as a hobby or potential career)?
Thank you! The hardest part about this experience for me was probably allowing myself to delve deep into the emotions that I needed to experience in order to make the monologue meaningful to both me and an audience. Also, I’m not quite sure yet what I want to do with acting, though this project has definitely helped to formulate some ideas that I can turn into a plan later on.
Amazing job Lara! The emotions you conveyed with your voice and facial expressions were really well done.
Thank you, Simran:)
Wow! Great job Lara! I can hear a lot of emotion in your monologue! Keep it up! 🙂
Thanks Mike!
Nice job! This is really well done!
Thank you:)
Nice job Lara!
Thanks Mr. Salisbury!
Hi,
I was wondering what it was that drew you to acting in the first place?
Hello! To be quite honest, I was very unsure about acting in the beginning. I had been trying to find “my thing” a few years ago and just happened to stumble across an acting class with who is now my mentor. I ended up loving the class and have since joined a different theatre group as well. So something that happened by chance actually turned into something great!
What prompted you to choose monologues for your project? You are so expressive when you speak – you’re definitely suited to acting (especially monologues)!
I discovered acting a few years ago and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I wanted to put more of a focus on individual acting for this project because in the past I’ve done a lot of group work. Thank you for your encouragement! It means a lot!
Your monologue was gorgeous! You are so expressive, and you are able to convey so many emotions through just expressions and words, an amazing skill. Do you plan on joining theatre at school or outside of school? Any program would be lucky to have someone as talented as you! Congrats on a successful in-depth!
Wow, thank you! I’m part of theatre outside of school, but I’m not sure what my next steps are quite yet. I would love to join theatre in school in the next couple of years, though! Thank you so much for your kind words:)
That monologue! WOW, I’m shook!
Haha, thanks Joanna:)
the raw emotion in your voice is breathtaking Lara!
wowowow!
<3
That means a lot, especially from you Mel!
Hi there, Lara!
Wow…no words. I can honestly say that your monologue almost brought me to tears. You have great clarity and pace when you speak. I felt like I was watching a play or a movie.
What made you want to choose this as your topic for in-depth?
Wonderful job, and congratulations on your first in-depth!
Kailey
Wow, thank you so much Kailey. Well, as you already know a bit from talking about Eminent, I’ve become interested in acting in the past couple of years. Although I’ve done many ensemble productions, I wanted to use this opportunity to delve into individual work, which I’ve gotten less chances to do. I’m glad you enjoyed!
Good job Lara! You worked really hard on your project!
Your monologue really piqued my curiosity- I wanted to understand the context and what had happened! I thought your timing and delivery was excellent!
Thank you! I love that I was able to trigger some curiosity. Even though the monologue came from a book, I could relate those same ideas to my own experiences. I appreciate your kind words:) Enjoy the rest of the night.
What did you enjoy the most about learning to share this monologue? Why? Way to go, Lara.
Thanks Ms. Mulder:) I enjoyed being able to translate acting concepts I’ve learned in the past to this new, individual form of acting. I loved being able to see the connections, but also the differences. Although I’ve done monologues before, this was my chance to learn what worked best for specifically me, and not a larger group of people.
Great reply. You have to find your own niche. You did!
Excellent monologue! We liked the use of pauses; cadence; and facial expression. – Natalie and Brandon
Thanks for your kind words! I like that you noticed the little things that I had worked on:) Enjoy the rest of the night!
That was super cool. What was the best part of the project?
Thanks:) I think one of the best parts of the project for me was that I got to take a monologue from a book that I’d read and turn it into something that was my own. It’s super cool to be able to add your own touches, your own feelings and thoughts.
Love the book, love your version of Katniss’ monologue!
I love the book too! This was one of my favourite parts. Glad you enjoyed:)
I love your idea of listing “acts of goodness” in your mind to chase away fear!
Yes, it’s a neat idea:) Thanks for watching!
Lara your monologue is so cool!
Thanks Avery:)
Wow your monologue is awesome Lara!
Thank you!
Hello Lara! Your monologue is awesome! also you chose a great mentor.
Hi Jorja! Thank you for your very kind feedback:) Also, yes, I remember your sister told me you’ve worked with Mandy before. That’s awesome! Enjoy the rest of In-depth!
Lara, I love your monologue! All the time and effort you put into your in-depth really shows!
Thank you, Grace:)
Wow! Your monologue is absolutely amazing!
Thanks, Emma!