Episode #349
Air Date: 1/16/2025
Material that’s right for you
finding material that aligns with an actor's personality, type, and career goals requires both introspection and active research. The right monologues, scripts, or plays can showcase their unique talents while also catering to the roles they're currently eligible for. Here’s a detailed guide on how actors can effectively locate and select material tailored to them:
I’ve been a Film and TV professor at Norwalk conservatory of the arts, an accredited 2 year training program for actors – my 2nd year TV/Film students will be heading to Los Angeles at the end of February for a major career opportunity: their showcase in front of top industry talent agencies and casting directors. This is an incredible chance for them to make connections and take their careers to the next level!
To help cover the costs of travel and accommodation, they’ve set up a GoFundMe campaign. Any contribution will go directly to supporting their trip and ensuring they can make the most of this opportunity. The link is on my website castingactorscast.com
If you have any questions or want to chat more about the details, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you so much for your support
Material that is Right for You!
1. Self-Assessment: Know Your Strengths and how you want to be percieved
Understand Your Type
Consider your natural essence: Are you often seen as the romantic lead, the quirky sidekick, the commanding authority, or the comedic relief? Understanding how you are seen by others helps you find roles you’re more likely to book.
Evaluate your casting range: Reflect on roles you’ve previously been cast in and feedback from casting directors or peers. This can reveal how others perceive you.
Balance what’s obvious with aspiration: While playing to your strengths is crucial, don’t hesitate to explore material that stretches your skills or challenges perceptions.
Identify Your Strengths
Emotional range: Choose material that highlights your ability to convey specific emotions, like vulnerability, humor, or intensity.
Skills and specialties: If you have unique skills (e.g., singing, accents, or physicality), select material that allows you to showcase them.
Cultural or personal connection: Look for scripts that resonate with your background, values, or experiences, as this often brings authenticity to your performance.
2. Researching Material
For Monologues
Read widely: Explore anthologies of monologues for specific genres (e.g., drama, comedy) or types (e.g., classical, contemporary). Libraries, bookstores, and online resources are great places to start.
Search by character: Look for monologues spoken by characters similar to your age, gender identity, or personality. Websites like Monologue Archive or Backstage often categorize material in this way.
Create your own: If you can’t find a perfect match, consider crafting a monologue from a favorite scene in a play or film that hasn’t been overused.
For Scripts and Plays
Explore contemporary works: Seek out new playwrights or scripts from festivals like the Humana Festival or National Theatre's playwriting initiatives, which often feature fresh material aligned with modern sensibilities.
Revisit classics with a twist: Classical plays can be adapted or interpreted in ways that make them feel personal and fresh.
Browse playwrights you admire: If you connect with a particular playwright’s voice (e.g., August Wilson, Sarah Ruhl, or Annie Baker), explore more of their work.
For Auditions
Match the tone of the project: If you’re auditioning for a TV comedy, avoid dramatic monologues and choose something light and witty. Conversely, for a serious drama, find material with depth and complexity.
Review character breakdowns: Use the casting call’s character descriptions as a guide to choose pieces that mirror those traits.
3. Where to Find Material
Libraries and Theatres
Public libraries: Most libraries have extensive collections of plays and monologue anthologies, often categorized by genre or time period.
Theater companies: Many theaters maintain archives of scripts they’ve produced, which can be a treasure trove of material.
Online Resources
Play databases: Websites like Dramatists Play Service, New Play Exchange, and Samuel French allow actors to search for scripts by playwright, theme, or type.
Monologue-specific sites: Backstage, StageAgent, and Actorama offer curated lists of monologues for auditions.
Streaming platforms: Watching filmed performances on platforms like BroadwayHD or National Theatre at Home can introduce you to new material.
Networking and Recommendations
Peers and mentors: Fellow actors, directors, or acting coaches often have go-to recommendations based on your type and skill set.
Workshops and classes: Acting classes frequently expose participants to a variety of material and may offer guidance on finding personalized scripts.
4. Tailoring the Material
Choose Material That Feels Authentic
Emotional connection: Select material that resonates emotionally, as this makes performances more genuine and impactful.
Voice alignment: The language and tone of the piece should suit your natural vocal rhythm and style. If a piece feels awkward or forced, it may not be the best choice.
Edit Wisely
Trim for time: If the full piece is too long, edit it down to highlight its strongest moments. Always ensure edits maintain narrative coherence.
Make it personal: Adjust small details, if allowed, to make the piece feel closer to your life or experience.
5. Staying Up-to-Date with Current Trends
Track Industry Needs
Research current productions: Look at what’s popular on stage, television, and streaming platforms. This helps you align your material with industry trends.
Follow casting directors: Many casting professionals discuss what they’re looking for on social media or in interviews.
Participate in Playwriting Communities
Read new works: Many playwrights workshop their scripts in public forums, providing actors access to fresh material.
Collaborate with writers: Partnering with playwrights or screenwriters can result in original material tailored to your strengths.
6. Avoid Common Pitfalls
Avoid overly familiar pieces: Casting directors often tire of hearing the same monologues or scenes. Seek less commonly used material to stand out.
Don’t stretch too far: While it’s great to challenge yourself, choosing material too far outside your type can feel inauthentic.
Stay age-appropriate: Select material that fits your age and stage of life, as this ensures believability.
7. Refreshing Your Material
Rotate your repertoire: Keep a variety of monologues and scenes ready, tailored to different genres, tones, and character types.
Evaluate feedback: After auditions or performances, reflect on which pieces worked well and why, then adjust your selections accordingly.
Experiment in class: Use acting workshops to test new material before committing to it for professional use.
By combining self-awareness with strategic research, actors can find material that showcases their unique abilities and aligns with their career goals, ensuring they’re always ready to deliver compelling performances tailored to their type and opportunities.
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