Holly-Anne Palmer (http://www.hollyanneruggiero.com), visited
BYPC's Intermediate Musical Theatre Class
via Google Hangout on October 20, 2015.
Throughout the class Holly-Anne shared her experiences with students invited them to perform a prepared monologue.
She shared some insights with each student and them all tips on choosing monologues, songs and audition preparation.
Below are the top 10 insights that resonated most with students.
1. Commitment
Commitment is key is reaching all of our goals. In acting commitment has a few different meanings.
- First is to commit to yourself - to your goals - to your art.
- Second is to commit to weekly training. Holly-Anne emphasized the importance of weekly training to realize optimum benefits.
- Third commit to your character - to give yourself over to the work fully and completely.
2. Be Prepared
Whether attending an audition or a rehearsal to be prepared is essential and will set you apart from others. Holly-Anne often hires the same actors because she knows that she can trust their preparedness.
3. Choose a relatable monologue
When choosing a monologue pick something that you can relate to - a character with a story that is true to you.
4. Research
Do your research. When auditioning know your character, their history, their role within the story and research the time period or other elements that will influence how you present yourself as your character. Dress in a style that is reflective of the play that you are auditioning for but do not wear a costume.
5. Be Ready to Play
Directors seek actors who are willing to be flexible and to be playful in their acting.
Actors need to be open to discover about movement, emotion, reactions in both themselves and their characters. An actor who is flexible is directable.
6. Be physical
Explore movement within yourself and your character. Be open to moving in different directions and levels.
7. Discover the details
The best actors discover smallest details. Commit to them.
8. Find your level
When working a scene find your own level.
9. Discipline
Actors must be disciplined in their training and in their performances.
10. Value education
Explore all aspects of the arts and of your own interests. Holly-Anne began her college career as in acting and discovered her passion for directing. She currently has a production company with ten companies who perform worldwide. Live the journey.