ONLINE ACTING WORKSHOP
THE CLASSICAL MONOLOGUE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
ZOOM ONLY
with HEIDI GRIFFITHS and CHUKWUDI IWUJI
Testing out a new piece? Have an old favorite that could use a fresh perspective? Uncertain how your piece will work online? This class is perfect for audition prep or simply as a reinvigoration of your classical chops! In the first half of the day, celebrated classical theater actor and Obie award winner CHUKWUDI IWUJI will work with you on your pieces. Then class progresses to a mock audition and a valuable opportunity to meet and work with the Public Theater’s Casting Director HEIDI GRIFFITHS.
Essential Question:
How do you prepare monologues, both in person and on tape, in a way that shows yourself in the best light to a casting director. What aspects of an actor’s preparation are most essential when preparing for an audition. How do you vocally prepare yourself for a classical audition in this format? How do you engage honestly with a stage monologue in a high-stress online environment?
Course Objectives:
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Develop a technique for preparing for auditions both live and online
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Explore how Shakespeare’s verse, text, and rhetoric provide clues to how to deliver a monologue
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Learn how to create the true life of your character and their surroundings in an audition setting
Enduring Understandings:
Shakespeare’s verse provides clues for how to develop a truthful character efficiently. Like any tool, it requires training to use it effectively. A flexible, confident voice and body are essential for the effective presentation of a character in an audition. Auditions are, by their nature, artificial environments, creating a technique that allows you to be committed, brave, and truthful under these trying circumstances.
Instructors:
HEIDI GRIFFITHS has worked for more than twenty-five years at The Public Theater in NYC, where she has cast over 250 productions Off-Broadway and at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, including Shakespeare, new plays, and musicals. She has also cast both plays and musicals on Broadway.
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CHUKWUDI IWUJI is a tremendous actor who brings power, compassion, and deep intrigue to every character. He also never stops learning and is focused on benefiting from the present moment as much as possible. He can currently be seen in Ava DuVernay’s limited award winning Netflix series “When They See Us,” and also plays a pivotal recurring role in Netflix series “Designated Survivor.” He has recently finished filming the second season of the Sundance/BBC series “The Split.” He will next be seen in the highly anticipated Amazon limited series The Underground Railroad, directed by Barry Jenkins, in upcoming feature Daniel Isn’t Real, and in Paul Greengrass’s latest feature, News of the World, opposite Tom Hanks. An accomplished theater veteran, Chuk recently starred in Othello for The Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park. Chuk’s performance in The Low Road, directed by Michael Greif, earned him an Obie Award, as well as 2018 Lucille Lortel and Drama League nominations. An Associate Artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company for his numerous Shakespearean performances, he has also received two Olivier awards for his titular role as Henry VI in the RSC’s 2009 productions of parts I, II, and III. Other stage credits include: the titular role in the Public Theatre’s Hamlet directed by Patricia McGregor; Ivo van Hove’s Obsession opposite Jude Law, and Hedda Gabler opposite Ruth Wilson, both for The National Theatre; The Public Theatre’s productions of King Lear and Antony and Cleopatra; Theatre for a New Audience’s Tamburlaine directed by Michael Boyd; and the Old Vic’s Richard III directed by Sam Mendes. In addition to his extensive stage work, Chuk has made numerous television appearances including “Quantico,” “The Blindspot,” “Madam Secretary,” and “Doctor Who.” Chuk’s film credits include Netflix’s Barry, Chad Stahelski’s John Wick: Chapter 2 opposite Keanu Reeves, A Woman A Part, Now: In The Wings Of A World Stage, the multi-award winning Exam, and Fall To Rise.
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Schedule:
Saturday (ALL TIMES EDT)
12:00 - 2:00: Audition work with Chukwudi Iwuji
2:00 - 3:00: Meal Break
3:00 - 5:00: Audition work Heidi Griffins
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Preparation:
You should have a classical monologue prepared and fully memorized.
Materials:
A journal is recommended to record notes and observations. Comfortable clothing that you can move and breathe freely in and a water bottle is strongly encouraged.
Concerns? Questions?
Contact Nathan Winkelstein.
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