Me, Myself, and I (And the Audience):
The Improvised Monologue
The monologue is one of improvisation’s most powerful tools, yet it is frequently overlooked or underdeveloped. In this intensive workshop, we strip away the "safety net" of the scene partner to explore how a single voice can build an entire world. Monologues are the "power tools" of storytelling. They serve several critical functions that standard dialogue can't always achieve.
We will deconstruct the monologue into its core functions:
The Goal: Move beyond "talking at" the audience. Learn to use the monologue to inform, develop, and fuel the DNA of your work.
Drawing on the observational this "spontaneous theatre" methodology, you will learn to:
Whether you are an experienced improvisor or a theatre-maker looking to sharpen your character work, this session will give you the tools to "Wing It" with precision.
Mark has developed a toolkit that any improviser can apply to their spontaneous work. It has been featured in numerous shows, including The Incomplete Works (Improvised Shakespeare), Talk to the Hand (Puppet Improv), Gricers, and most recently, Talking Head Twice, a show dedicated to the improvised monologue.
We will deconstruct the monologue into its core functions:
- The Internal: Giving voice to a character’s private psyche and emotional landscape.
- The External: Processing the immediate environment and "the now" through a specific lens.
- The ideas generator: Mastering the monologue as a springboard for forms like the Armando or the Harold.
- The Soloist: Commanding the stage with depth, wit, and authenticity.
The Goal: Move beyond "talking at" the audience. Learn to use the monologue to inform, develop, and fuel the DNA of your work.
Drawing on the observational this "spontaneous theatre" methodology, you will learn to:
- Find the Extraordinary in the Mundane: Turn simple ideas into rich character histories.
- Master the Internal Dialogue: Learn how to inhabit the "silences" and "waits" that make a monologue feel lived-in.
- Character Revelation: It’s the fastest way to understand a character's "inner life." You see their motivations, fears, and secrets without the filter of social politeness.
- Pacing and Focus: A well-placed monologue can slow down a frantic plot to provide a moment of deep emotional resonance or high-stakes tension.
- Structure on the Fly: Develop the narrative stamina to sustain a compelling story from scratch.
Whether you are an experienced improvisor or a theatre-maker looking to sharpen your character work, this session will give you the tools to "Wing It" with precision.
Mark has developed a toolkit that any improviser can apply to their spontaneous work. It has been featured in numerous shows, including The Incomplete Works (Improvised Shakespeare), Talk to the Hand (Puppet Improv), Gricers, and most recently, Talking Head Twice, a show dedicated to the improvised monologue.
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Images by Chris Sparkes (Oxford Improv Festival) & Andrew AB
Mark Smith:
Teacher, Performer & Director
Teacher, Performer & Director
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Mark is a multi-award-winning performer, director and teacher with over 30 years of experience. He loves improvisation and storytelling, he brings a wealth of knowledge to developing stories and thrives on spontaneity. His PhD further solidifies his expertise in this area.
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